Topic: Used Vehicle Review: Toyota 4Runner, 2003-2009

[Autos_Editor]

Fourth-generation Toyota 4Runners are built to take the abuse of off-roading and V8 models are good for towing, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.  But there are some reliability issues to look out for, he warns.

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[Gardiner Westbound]

The list of expensive reliability issues would make me reluctant to plunk down my money for a new or used one.

[ArticSteve]

Avoid the V8 AWD models because of the clunk which can be fixed with grease, the leaking acuator which is a bad scene, and the horrific gas mileage, and the lousy wholesale value in Canada.

The V6 model has always been the 4 Runner to buy.  They have zero major issues.  If you buy a V8 AWD 4 Runner it's your own fault. 

[chrischasescars]

Avoid the V8 AWD models because of the clunk which can be fixed with grease, the leaking acuator which is a bad scene, and the horrific gas mileage, and the lousy wholesale value in Canada.

The V6 model has always been the 4 Runner to buy.  They have zero major issues.  If you buy a V8 AWD 4 Runner it's your own fault. 

That's right, and something I forgot to mention in the article (I just added a couple of references to it): the V6 and V8 models use different four-wheel drive systems, and the V6's doesn't have that leaky bit.

[67 Piston Slap]

I have a 2003 V8 Limited with 223,000km that is regularly used in a farm and tows a 2-horse horse trailer and so far this is my list of problems:

1 burnt headlamp, low beam
1 burnt DRL, front
1 dead battery @ yr 03 (replaced under warranty, courtesy, go figure)
1 seized front caliper yr 02 (replaced under warranty)
1 rear window wiper rubber insert (rubber torn)

All other repairs were regular wear&tear items.

If you grease the multiple splines as directed in the owner's manual, there will be no noise. If you don't, it will clunk and eventually break. This is true for all drive shafts with grease fittings.

Transmission-wise my car had the transmission oil changed @ 100K and 200K, and the center case and differentials oil changed at around every 25k/30k or so. So far, knock on wood, no seepage/leakage. BTW, our 2006 F350 4x4 seeps oil from 2 transmission seals and the Toyo cases are completely dry on the outside.

But yes, the gas consumption is about as much fun as herpes.

[Olivier]

1 burnt headlamp, low beam
1 burnt DRL, front
1 rear window wiper rubber insert (rubber torn)

All other repairs were regular wear&tear items.

I would enter those three in the regular wear&tear items too!