Hey everyone!

I haven't posted much on here, but that's mostly because my 2002 4Runner SR5 4WD has been awesome. It currently has about 286,000 miles. I've done regular maintenance, so everything has been running great with the exception of the transmission. I had to have that rebuilt at about 220,000 miles; I think that was my fault since I often shifted out of overdrive (and sometimes into 2) for long downhill sections at too high of speeds since the brakes are kinda weak. The original brake pads lasted to 250,000 miles, but I'm thinking I should've used my brakes more to have kept my transmission in good shape. Oops.

Anyway, I have a tendency to do long road trips -- this 4Runner has been from California to Alaska four times so far. I'm looking to do another long trip (4 - 6 months on the road), mostly up north again.

The last time I did a 6-month road trip, I had to have the radiator replaced while I was on the road. That wasn't a big deal, but I had to pay to have it done since I was nowhere close to home (I prefer to do simple stuff like that myself).

With that, I don't want problems on the road this time. I'm tempted to get a 2015 4Runner Limited 4WD before this next trip, but I wonder if that's being too cautious. After all, my current 4Runner is running fine (of course, maybe that's the best time to trade it in).

My question for 3rd gen owners: What should I expect to have problems with at this mileage?

I just had the timing belt and water pump changed two years ago, so that should be good for a while. I replaced the head gasket and cleaned the throttle body around the same time. The tires have plenty of life on them. The steering rack bushings were replaced recently. Shocks/struts were replaced prematurely at around 180,000 miles. The brake pads should be good until 500,000 miles. All fluids have been synthetic and changed at fairly good intervals (sometimes 10,000 miles between oil changes).

Should I do some kind of "preventative" maintenance now to get it through another 30,000 miles with no troubles on the road? Maybe replace the alternator, starter, etc.?

Or go for the shiny new Limited?

Thanks in advance for all opinions, advice, and commentary!

 

I would like to keep both if it was me and could afford to buy a 2015 Limited without selling the 2002.

on the 2002, you need to replace the ball joints ASAP, especially the lower ball joints. there have been quite few who had the bad luck of experiencing failed lower ball joints. if you plan on keeping it and using it for another long trip, do a big brake upgrade like the ones from stoptech.

 

Interesting thought -- I sure wouldn't get much for the 2002 on trade-in, so maybe there's not much reason to get rid of it.... It would be nice to have a "beater" car for the gnarly mountain trails.

I forgot to mention that I had the lower ball joints replaced (paid for by the recall notice). Also, it was the valve cover gasket that I replaced, not the head gasket. PCV valve and A/F sensor were also replaced. Everything else was "standard" maintenance (motor oil, differential and transfer case oil, fuel filter, spark plugs, etc.).

 

when were the LBJs replaced? the truck has 286,000 miles now so you might like to consider replacing them again.

I would recommend to have those replaced at 150,000 miles maximum with OEM LBJs. if you look at what could happen when a LBJ fails, you can easily see that your life, those of your passengers, and those of other motorists/pedestrians are at risk.
you can do a search here in this forum and look at the pictures.

 

You gotta ask yourself if the 2002 gives you excitement when you drive.

 

Only you know what you really want.

Myself if I can`t pay cash for a new vehicle it is not going to happen


If need be sell the 2002 outright as you will make out better.

Then you never know a new 2015 may turn out to be a garage queen.

 

I've enjoyed my 2001 for 323,100 miles and nearly 14 years. Would drive it from here to Alaska tomorrow without the slightest hesitation.

I never warmed to the 4th Gen 4Runners, but the 5th Gen 4Runners are in a league of their own. I'd buy a low-mileage '01-'02 from the Southwest before considering the current model.

Style wise - what the hell is Toyota thinking?



Andreas

 

KZN185W, I had the lower ball joints replaced at 236,000 miles, so they should be good to go for a while. Also, I replaced the rotors at 240,000 miles (before the pads), and the brakes have been good enough ever since.

ARB1977, my 2002 does give me excitement when I drive, but I just don't want any excitement from being stranded in the Yukon or something. I don't think that's likely since *most* problems give some warning -- I pay attention to sounds and vibrations on my cars.

aowRS, you are probably a good source of information for my question. Could you tell me what all you've had to replace/repair? Wheel bearings, CV joints (if 4WD), U-joints?

Style-wise, the 5th gens are a bit weird, but I try to look past it and remember that it's still a Toyota engine, drivetrain, and frame underneath it all!

 

It can only get better from here right? Not sure it could get any uglier...

 

Hello all! This thread has opened my eyes! I have a 02 limited that has around 230k on it and I have been debating getting rid of it or doing the preventative maintainace to keep it running, thank you all who have contributed it has really opened my eyes and now I'm starting my list of "get it fixed"

 

I just put $1700 in maintenance into mine. Not going anywhere for a while hopefully.

 

The 3rd gen is a very solid vehicle and definitely worth putting money into.

 

So, you might want to look at the Trail versions if that is a desired feature.

I love the way they drive - much better brakes and go than the '00 we have now with the 3.4.

But ........


The '00 has 137K and is paid for, with new tires. The Trail would be in the range of 35K with notes for 6 years - I really like the no note idea, and I have learned to live with the slow as it is still faster than the Land Cruiser was.

Now, if money was no option, then I would keep the old , and buy a new one.

Good Luck !

Britt