Looking for new car, Any Problems with 03+ 4runners
 

Hey,

Its been awhile since I have posted since I sold my 4runner. I’m a long time Toyota owner: 1993 pickup, 1999 Tacoma, and 1997 4runner. Me and my girlfriend are looking for a new car for her 10 mile compute to work and are weekend travels with the dog. We are going to get a SUV or all wheel drive vehicle. She was fixed on the Subaru Tribeca (SUV/crossover) I drove it and was very impressed but after some research online I found they have major front suspension problems so bad we decided not to try to buy one. So now we are looking at either the Subaru forester (2006-2009) or a 03+ 4runner, 4.0L V6. From my background and my love of 4x4 Toyota’s I’m pushing for the 4runner. The Subaru gets better MPG and we can get a lower miles vehicle for a lower price. Basically what I want to know is if there are any long term problems with the 03+ 4runners? Such as what I found with the Subaru Tribeca.

We currently have are eye on a 2006 4runner with 46k miles for $20k

Thanks for the advice

I want a 4Runner too but I'm prob gonna buy a 97-02. To me the 3.4 strong enough and I'm gonna mod whatever I get anyways so I'd rather buy the cheaper truck and put the extra cash into it. Did not answer your question at all really, just chiming in. :coffee:

I've owned a 2003 Limited V6 (4-speed auto) and now have a 2005 Limited V6 (5-speed auto). Both are great vehicles, but I prefer the 5-speed auto. Other than changing the diff and transfer case fluids to synthetic, and running Mobil 1 synthetic in the engine, there are no faults that I can find. This is my fourth 4Runner, and I'm sticking with this brand.

4Runner you're looking for may and probably will have one big problem - its addictive...:) Every day you want to drive it even more...
Serious side, V6 will give you ~8 L/100km highway and 13 L/100km city consumption. My brother had 2.0L Ford Mondeo and it was taking the same amount. I previously owned '03 Montero and that was a gas eater 18 L/100km city and 15 L/100km highway. My mother-in-law has '99 Forester and it slightly less in consumption. Toyota V6 is an awesome engine even after you add weight on your truck.
If I'd you, my choice would of be 4Runner V6
I have one from 2005 and it still runs great without any major issues (not counting problems due to off-roading it).

4runner
 

I have an '04 V8 4runner with 80k on it. My brake rotors keep warping every 6 months or so, so I have put on several sets of rotors and a new set of calipers. Other than that it's great and I would buy another one in a second.

I adore my '05 V8 4Runner. Solid and confident on and off road. So far it's been perfect, although I've only put 25k (including a trip to Alaska & back) on it since purchasing it early last year. But if I'm going to be driving a few hundred miles I can go faster in our Civic (cruise set at 78 vs. 72) and still save enough on gas to eat steak instead of fast food for dinner. Those Forester's (esp. the '09) are pretty nice if you aren't going to be driving off-road or towing a trailer.