Would you buy this 4Runner?

[Meghan54]

Still looking for an acceptable SUV at or under $20K.

Found this 2006 4Runner SR5/Sport......price is a tad over budget but looks good. Toyota Certified and will carry around 2 years, 50K miles warranty. Became quite interested, that is, until I read the Carfax......

The Car......Carfax is linked in the ad.....

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...Id=34624&rpp=250&feedSegId=28705&aff=national


Would you consider it?

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Carfax is really a huge joke. Not only does it not show a lot of things (if it's fixed outside of insurance it generally doesn't show up) but it also "overreports" crap - for example, if someone very lightly parkinglot rear-ends you and their insurance pays for a new bumper cover and paint = carfax accident flag.

It could've been a very minor incident.. This happened when the car was two years old and 20k miles, so even a minor bumper nudge is going to be reported to insurance.


You can look at the painted bolts that hold the fender and radiator support on to see if anything in the front has been replaced. Pull back the splashguards under wheelwells (and look at the underbody for overspray) to determine if it's anywhere.

Personally, since it's a utility/general use vehicle (IE not a sports car or something you'll want to keep the resale up on) I wouldn't let it phase me as long as it passes a good body inspection.

 

[Doppel]

Only with another close inspection. An accident does not bother me if it's not major, and I assume this one wasn't (most aren't), though I'd want to really inspect it closely.

The 44,000 service which included a ton of work including a new transmission (!) on a Toyota that new is extremely strange to me. I don't know how long pads on these are supposed to last but changing out the first set at 35k seems a bit strange, too.

All the above said, though, Toyota won't certify a vehicle that is a POS. I don't know when it became certified, maybe before the transmission stuff but really it doesn't matter. You have toyota backed warranty on it now. If the price is right for you I'd go for it.

 

[Zivic]

Still looking for an acceptable SUV at or under $20K.

Found this 2006 4Runner SR5/Sport......price is a tad over budget but looks good. Toyota Certified and will carry around 2 years, 50K miles warranty. Became quite interested, that is, until I read the Carfax......

The Car......Carfax is linked in the ad.....

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...Id=34624&rpp=250&feedSegId=28705&aff=national


Would you consider it?

not for 21k. that's a 5-6 year old suv with 50k on it.... I paid 21k for my nissan xterra brand new.

I cross shopped the 4runner back in the day, save your money and get something without the toyota badge

 

[Doppel]

not for 21k. that's a 5-6 year old suv with 50k on it.... I paid 21k for my nissan xterra brand new.

I cross shopped the 4runner back in the day, save your money and get something without the toyota badge

Unfortunately Pathfinders and 4runners cost a mint even substantially used. That is a fair price for that age/mileage 4 runner. However, even if it's a fair market price I agree it's a questionable vehicle to get used. Gas mileage on them is sh*t, too. A toyota highlander could be had much newer, that $22k could get a 2008 with a few less miles if shopped around (and still 4wd).

 

[Meghan54]

Only with another close inspection. An accident does not bother me if it's not major, and I assume this one wasn't (most aren't), though I'd want to really inspect it closely.

The 44,000 service which included a ton of work including a new transmission (!) on a Toyota that new is extremely strange to me. I don't know how long pads on these are supposed to last but changing out the first set at 35k seems a bit strange, too.

All the above said, though, Toyota won't certify a vehicle that is a POS. I don't know when it became certified, maybe before the transmission stuff but really it doesn't matter. You have toyota backed warranty on it now. If the price is right for you I'd go for it.

That's what's odd to me, too. A trans at 44K and worn out the front brakes in 35K? Not to mention the new computer, water pump, and wiring(?). Sheesh.....but it's not as bad as one I found that had had the long block replaced I guess due to a bad overheat. (The service listed started w/cooling system checked and ended with long block replaced.)

The accident isn't much of a concern.

Well, we're going to go look at it today I guess. Did find a couple of Muranos--2009 and 2008--and a 2006 Sequoia, too.


And honestly, Zivic, I'd rather buy a used Murano or 4Runner than a new Xterra.

 

[Meghan54]

Unfortunately Pathfinders and 4runners cost a mint even substantially used. That is a fair price for that age/mileage 4 runner. However, even if it's a fair market price I agree it's a questionable vehicle to get used. Gas mileage on them is sh*t, too. A toyota highlander could be had much newer, that $22k could get a 2008 with a few less miles if shopped around (and still 4wd).

The problem with a Highlander is finding one with the tow package. Without it, a factory option, the Highlander is limited to 2000# towing capacity. With it installed, includes a higher capacity radiator, rad. fans, and 130A alternator, tow capacity goes up to 3500#, where my minimum requirement is. Kinda sucks because we do like the Highlander, just few with the factory tow package installed. So we're ending up looking at SUV's that don't have that limitation....are tow capable without having to have upgraded equipment.

 

[Zivic]

That's what's odd to me, too. A trans at 44K and worn out the front brakes in 35K? Not to mention the new computer, water pump, and wiring(?). Sheesh.....but it's not as bad as one I found that had had the long block replaced I guess due to a bad overheat. (The service listed started w/cooling system checked and ended with long block replaced.)

The accident isn't much of a concern.

Well, we're going to go look at it today I guess. Did find a couple of Muranos--2009 and 2008--and a 2006 Sequoia, too.


And honestly, Zivic, I'd rather buy a used Murano or 4Runner than a new Xterra.

that particular 4runner seems to a have a lot of red flags about it.

My dad has a murano, and I cross shopped the 4runner when I bought my xterra in 06.

the murano is a bit more mainstream (read that as carlike) with more amenities. The 4runner is truckish, but still a bit more amenity equipped than the xterra.... that said, functionally, the xterra and 4runner are about on the same level. for the record a nissan pathfinder is basically an xterra with IRS.

When I was shopping, the price difference was 15k for a comparable 4runner. No way was it worth that. I have since sold my xterra a couple years ago and was actually looking to possibly pick up a used one in the next few weeks, (if I find can find one). I again have been cross shopping some toyotas and I cannot justify the price premium. I loved my xterra. it drove wonderfully, was more than capable offroad, and had a respectable towing capacity. Heck, my wife still gives me sh!t about selling it, which is part of the reason I am shopping them again

 

[Zivic]

The problem with a Highlander is finding one with the tow package. Without it, a factory option, the Highlander is limited to 2000# towing capacity. With it installed, includes a higher capacity radiator, rad. fans, and 130A alternator, tow capacity goes up to 3500#, where my minimum requirement is. Kinda sucks because we do like the Highlander, just few with the factory tow package installed. So we're ending up looking at SUV's that don't have that limitation....are tow capable without having to have upgraded equipment.

don't get a murano if you plan to tow... I think they are limited to 3500#. they are for the most part a car.... not a true truck like a 4runner, Xterra, or pathfinder.

Go drive an Xterra... if you haven't, I bet you will be pleasantly surprised. They very manuverable, easy to park, plenty of power. My biggest complaint was the access to the back seats. I chose the xterra over the pathfinder because of the back seats though... the pathfinder had less room in the second row due to the addition of a 3rd row.

 

[spaceman]

y no yukon?
gets ~the same gas mileage
more cargo space
and can tow plenty

 

[Doppel]

The problem with a Highlander is finding one with the tow package. Without it, a factory option, the Highlander is limited to 2000# towing capacity. With it installed, includes a higher capacity radiator, rad. fans, and 130A alternator, tow capacity goes up to 3500#, where my minimum requirement is. Kinda sucks because we do like the Highlander, just few with the factory tow package installed. So we're ending up looking at SUV's that don't have that limitation....are tow capable without having to have upgraded equipment.

Don't think that's true. http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/highlander/2008/features-specs.html?style=100900040

This says 5000 lbs max tow capacity. That's the base model without tow package. Even if edmunds is wrong I cannot imagine a base highlander rated at only 2000 lbs, when some minivans can do better. Even a base rav4 is 2000 lbs (3500 with tow package), I remember that clearly when I was looking at one.

Holy crap, toyota has a 2012 FOUR CYLINDER Highlander. Damn that's weak. That is 1500 lbs or 3500 with tow package. However, http://www.toyota.com/highlander/specs.html it does indeed appear 2000 lbs for base towing or 5000 with the package. I assume that's changed over the years.

What about a Honda Pilot? Cheaper again than the 4runner/pathfinder and an absolute sh*tload of them out there.

 

[uli2000]

Maybe look at a FJ Cruiser? It's a swb 4Runner. Same 5k towing, same 4.0 v6 and transmission. Visibility issues take some getting used to but after a month I was completly used to it. The boxy body style is a bit worse on the MPG but I get about 15.5 in the city and 20 on the highway.

 

[Meghan54]

Don't think that's true. http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/highlander/2008/features-specs.html?style=100900040

This says 5000 lbs max tow capacity. That's the base model without tow package. Even if edmunds is wrong I cannot imagine a base highlander rated at only 2000 lbs, when some minivans can do better. Even a base rav4 is 2000 lbs (3500 with tow package), I remember that clearly when I was looking at one.

Holy crap, toyota has a 2012 FOUR CYLINDER Highlander. Damn that's weak. That is 1500 lbs or 3500 with tow package. However, http://www.toyota.com/highlander/specs.html it does indeed appear 2000 lbs for base towing or 5000 with the package. I assume that's changed over the years.

What about a Honda Pilot? Cheaper again than the 4runner/pathfinder and an absolute sh*tload of them out there.

As for the Highlander, here's the relevant pages from Toyota's owner's manual for an '07 and '08 model years. Note on the first spec page, the tow rating is 2000# with a V6 without towing package, 3500# with V6 and tow package ('07) or 5000# for the same config. in '08.

'07: http://jamayer.org/carz/08.pdf

'08: http://jamayer.org/carz/sec_06-01.pdf


The thing Edmunds does is list the Maximum tow rating, irrespective of whether a towing package is necessary or not. And with the Highlander, along with the Rav4 w/V6 among other Japanese models, a tow package has to be added at the factory to achieve those maximum tow ratings Edmunds, et al, list in their spec lists.

About a Tahoe, we wanted a "reliable" vehicle which the Tahoe is anything but. But, we're starting to gravitate to looking at them simply because one doesn't have to add anything to typical American built SUV's to take advantage of towing capacity.

The other vehicles you listed Doppel, the Pilot, was attractive, but the seat just doesn't fit my damaged back. I've partially herniated a disc at L11 in my back and the lumbar support in the Pilot seat is so aggressive that it physically hurts my back to sit in the Pilot. We've already tried a few vehicles out and the Pilot, while a nice SUV, just hurts my back within a minute of sitting. The Highlander didn't. Go figure.

 

[sleep]

me, personally....no!

depends on price and miles, and repetition on the vehicle of other users.

 

[Doppel]

If you went highlander it would have to be 08+, they are the current model year (although a slight refresh in looks for 2011).

 

[Meghan54]

Yeah, and their prices are not exactly friendly to our budget. Paying cash and really don't want to top $20K, more like $18K.

Forgot to mention, we're an hour down Cape Cod. Prices here are horrible compared to down in GA from whence we came. But I'm not driving over 2-3 hours for a damned car, either.

Guess it's back to Yukons, Envoys, Mountaineers, etc. None of the import SUVs are anywhere reasonably priced around here, esp. with us wanting a decent tow capacity and AWD/4WD on it, too.

Crap.

 

[jlee1]

There's a reason why 4runners' resale values hold up so well. They're awesome cars and will last forever. With that price range, have you considered an Xterra or a Tahoe/Yukon?
I think the price is a bit high, but with some negotiation, you may get a good deal out of it.

 

[Zivic]

Yeah, and their prices are not exactly friendly to our budget. Paying cash and really don't want to top $20K, more like $18K.

Forgot to mention, we're an hour down Cape Cod. Prices here are horrible compared to down in GA from whence we came. But I'm not driving over 2-3 hours for a damned car, either.

Guess it's back to Yukons, Envoys, Mountaineers, etc. None of the import SUVs are anywhere reasonably priced around here, esp. with us wanting a decent tow capacity and AWD/4WD on it, too.

Crap.

go test drive an Xterra before you dismiss them. great motor, very capable, fun to drive, 5000# towing capacity... best part, you can get a lower mileage one for 18 or less

 

[Meghan54]

Not dismissing them completely, but not a huge fan of the Xterra look. *Shrug*

On the other hand, I will trade off mileage for price/reliability history/warranty.

Found this...actually wife "likes" this Honda Ridgeline...2007 w/67K on it. Has 33K or until 2013 left on factory powertrain warranty and a 12 mo/12K mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, both with no deductible. She wants a certified car due to warranty.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...field=PRICE&certifiedOnly=false&&aff=national


Lot of Trailblazers around here, not much in Yukons or Tahoes, though, at least in our price range or mileage wants.

 

[Doppel]

Not dismissing them completely, but not a huge fan of the Xterra look. *Shrug*

On the other hand, I will trade off mileage for price/reliability history/warranty.

Found this...actually wife "likes" this Honda Ridgeline...2007 w/67K on it. Has 33K or until 2013 left on factory powertrain warranty and a 12 mo/12K mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, both with no deductible. She wants a certified car due to warranty.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...field=PRICE&certifiedOnly=false&&aff=national


Lot of Trailblazers around here, not much in Yukons or Tahoes, though, at least in our price range or mileage wants.

Isn't the ridgeline a pilot with a bed (not a real truck frame)...? If so, maybe its seats would give the same issue the pilot does...

Certified buys huge piece of mind, I'd try for that for sure.

 

[Zivic]

Isn't the ridgeline a pilot with a bed (not a real truck frame)...? If so, maybe its seats would give the same issue the pilot does...

Certified buys huge piece of mind, I'd try for that for sure.

the ridgeline is a fwd truck.. motor is set in transverse. Don't mistake it for it a true 4runner/xterra type SUV.

They have a fairly good following from owners, but I think the look steers some people away.

I would consider one and actually looked at a couple, but I think they are overpriced for what they are. You can find lower mileage 1/2 ton 'trucks' for less money

 

[desy]

Yep unibody is not body on frame

 

[boomhower]

The accident in and of itself wouldn't bother me. Just have it checked out and make sure it wasn't a big hit that did real damage and the bodywork was done right, i.e. you can't tell any bodywork was done.

 

[skyking]

Ridgeline seat won't fit you any better. Go with the comfort above all man. It turns out the Pilot fit me perfectly, when many others did not. Mechanically it is not as good as I would have expected from Honda, but I can fix it and be comfortable.
I suggest you do the same and find something that you can sit in for ~45 minutes at the dealer with total comfort.

 

[herm0016]

our family has owned many a GM large suv. they are just as reliable as any other out there. My stepmom put 250k on an envoy with little problem and has purchased another.

What are you going to tow? does it have brakes?
if it is actually 5K lbs I would be looking at the larger SUV's as most vehicles at their max tow will not handle well and will not have enough power for the highway. 5000 lbs is not an insignificant amount.

I have a good amount of experience towing loads up to 12K lbs.