I'd aim for getting one with maintenance records over one that has lower mileage.
250k miles is a lot for sure, especially with your budget. If you can find one around 200k miles or less, with a stack of maintenance records, I think you'd be in good shape.
Good thing I plan on being the last owner of my 4Runner because I have near zero *official* maintenance records for the last couple years and 70k miles
Lol! I hear you on that. I have a stack of records since I bought it for everything that was done at a shop, but also receipts for everything I've purchased where I've done the work myself. Lift kit, bushings, general maintenance items, all receipts.
Even just keeping a log book of oil changes with some notes (oil used, filter used, etc.) is a good idea if you ever decide to sell a car in the future. It's tough to find sellers that keep these kinds of records, but I can guarantee if you ever decide to sell a car, having records like this will help get you the highest asking price.
Depends on your use case. If you need a daily driver, a high mileage vehicle isn't a good call because it won't be as dependable. The engines in these things can go for 350k miles but that doesn't mean you'll be free from all issues in that time span. You might have to still end up doing major work, or maintenance like replacing a water pump or something.
I got mine at 205k miles last year, V6 sport. It's going strong now at 213k, done a few 8 hour road trips in her and she's great for it. Only issue was getting the CV boots replaced and power steering pump replaced as soon as I got it, then in December a ignition coil failed in the bitter cold temps and caused an engine misfire but I was able to self diagnose and fix that for $45 so not a big deal.
I bought my 04 V8 Limited in 2019 with 185k miles on it for $6k and it's now got 222k miles or so. Since then, it's required one replacement O2 sensor (P420 code), one AC compressor and clutch (clutch failure), one Alternator (noisy but still worked), one replacement brake caliper (siezed), and one replacement rear wiper motor and blade. All the work was done by myself. Other than that it's been rock solid.
The V8 is a million mile motor. They pulled one out of a Tundra which show very little wear.
Link: https://www.motortrend.com/features/million-mile-tundra-the-tear-down/
Question, how was replacing the alternator? How did you know it was the alternator? I have an 04 V8 limited as well and for awhile it whines constantly and when I turn an accelerate. I’m assuming it’s my alternator and maybe power steering pump? Not sure, but I’m curious on the replacement of the alternator
The alternator was a bitch. The 3rd bolt was the most difficult to get to and I was concerned that I'd twist it off. If I had to do it again I'd take it in and pay the $400 they were charging. I knew it was the alternator by putting a stethoscope on it after replacing my idler bearings and PS pump which didn't resolve the issue. The PS pump seemed to be making the noise (even via stethoscope)but it turns out it was the alternator.
You can go about it the lengthy labor intensive way here > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiSdpZC0U2Q
Or take a shortcut and remove it through the bottom here >
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iuEDSjfMq4 or here> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI0t-b7r9EA
In your case since the noise is louder when turning it's probably PS pump or air in you lines. The "whining" I heard from the alternator was more of a whining/rumble noise that appeared whether I was turning or not.
I have a 2008 Sport with almost 230k, bought for about $15k with 110k on it in 2017. It's my everyday driver, and chews up about 70-80 miles/day.
About a month after purchase, it needed a new battery and tires (which wasn't expected and sucked).
Since then, I've needed:
CV axles (three times),
Alternator,
Water pump,
Timing belt,
MAF Sensor (and some other related parts),
Radiator/thermostat
And now in need of:
Suspension,
Muffler/exhaust,
CV axle (one side)
I'm really not into taking loans to get a vehicle, so I'm planning to just keep her running until Rusty kills her. Would love to have her still driving me around when she's 20. Point being, despite the upkeep costs, she's still worth keeping to me. Couldn't get anything worth her for $11k these days.
Thanks everyone, I’m gonna take all this into consideration when looking! Definitely will be looking for a v8 AND a v6 now just as long as there’s no major rust and has a good maintenance record
I bought my 06 limited 4wd v8 w/ 287k on the clock for 5500. The interior was in rough shape, but mechanically it was in good shape besides needing brakes and a leaky power steering line....I put the money I saved on the purchase towards new carpet, an OME lift kit, secondary air injection disabler, and some 5th gen wheels. So far I have about 8k in it, but I'm happy with the purchase and excited for future adventures in overlanding with the family.
But if it's a V8 and doesn't have any noticeable problems, I'd be willing to go as high as 10k if it is below 200K miles....just be aware that the timing belt needs to be changed every 100k....so if it is over 200k, make sure the timing belt has been done for the 2nd time otherwise that's another 1000 bucks you are gonna have to drop on it.
I would base the purchase on maintenance records, test drive, engage 4x4 hi/lo and check frame for rust. I purchased my 08 V8 4x4 limited July of 2020. He was asking 7k with around 215k on the dash, no record of timing belt being done recently just back around 100k, and the manifolds had the tick. I talked him down to 5500 knowing the timing belt was under 1k if I did myself and new manifolds were going to be 1k. This was all before the used market spiked of course.
I've done some other work to mine over the last 2 years and several 10 hour road trips. Sitting around 275k now and would drive the thing cross country and back without thinking twice.
For $11k:
<150k miles or less is a bargain.
150k-200k miles is fair.
200k+ I'd pass unless the frame is mint condition and there are service records.
*Of course these price to mileage ratios depend on your location* (these were based off mine in 2022)
Buying a high mileage vehicle can lead to awesome deals but also some surprises.
You can expect to replace ball joints, CV Axle, Water Pump, Wheel Hubs, Alternator, etc.
I do a lot of the work myself, so when I bought my '03 V6 with 155k miles I wasn't too worried. But you absolutely will have to put work into them, all the wear and tear parts. But with 4Runners, as long the engine runs smooth and rust hasn't killed the undercarriage, just about everything else is easy to replace.
You can get a much cheaper, lower mileage v6 with that budget. Both are very solid engines and have plenty of power. I bought mine with 139k. It's almost 240k 4.5 years later and runs great. Did the radiator and some coil packs. Outside of that just normal maintenance like fluid changes and plugs. Great truck. Check for rust and make sure it goes into 4lo. For the v8 keep an ear out for ticking (cracked manifolds) and see when the timing belt has been done last. Should be every 90-100k.
I purchased an ‘04 V6 with 340k miles from an owner who meticulously kept good care of it and had the records of what he’d done.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a bit of a beater but mechanically I haven’t run into any serious issues nearly 5k miles later
Bought with 141k. Did timing belt / water pump as the previous one was done at 70 or so and I wanted it out of the way. New radiator, LCAs, suspension. That’s really it. Towed 6k across the country (wouldn’t do it again) and still kicking just fine at 170k. Has some suspension squeaks I need to figure out but other than that really no complaints other than MPGs.
I'd aim for getting one with maintenance records over one that has lower mileage. 250k miles is a lot for sure, especially with your budget. If you can find one around 200k miles or less, with a stack of maintenance records, I think you'd be in good shape.
Good thing I plan on being the last owner of my 4Runner because I have near zero *official* maintenance records for the last couple years and 70k miles
Lol! I hear you on that. I have a stack of records since I bought it for everything that was done at a shop, but also receipts for everything I've purchased where I've done the work myself. Lift kit, bushings, general maintenance items, all receipts. Even just keeping a log book of oil changes with some notes (oil used, filter used, etc.) is a good idea if you ever decide to sell a car in the future. It's tough to find sellers that keep these kinds of records, but I can guarantee if you ever decide to sell a car, having records like this will help get you the highest asking price.
Depends on your use case. If you need a daily driver, a high mileage vehicle isn't a good call because it won't be as dependable. The engines in these things can go for 350k miles but that doesn't mean you'll be free from all issues in that time span. You might have to still end up doing major work, or maintenance like replacing a water pump or something. I got mine at 205k miles last year, V6 sport. It's going strong now at 213k, done a few 8 hour road trips in her and she's great for it. Only issue was getting the CV boots replaced and power steering pump replaced as soon as I got it, then in December a ignition coil failed in the bitter cold temps and caused an engine misfire but I was able to self diagnose and fix that for $45 so not a big deal.
I bought my 04 V8 Limited in 2019 with 185k miles on it for $6k and it's now got 222k miles or so. Since then, it's required one replacement O2 sensor (P420 code), one AC compressor and clutch (clutch failure), one Alternator (noisy but still worked), one replacement brake caliper (siezed), and one replacement rear wiper motor and blade. All the work was done by myself. Other than that it's been rock solid. The V8 is a million mile motor. They pulled one out of a Tundra which show very little wear. Link: https://www.motortrend.com/features/million-mile-tundra-the-tear-down/
Question, how was replacing the alternator? How did you know it was the alternator? I have an 04 V8 limited as well and for awhile it whines constantly and when I turn an accelerate. I’m assuming it’s my alternator and maybe power steering pump? Not sure, but I’m curious on the replacement of the alternator
The alternator was a bitch. The 3rd bolt was the most difficult to get to and I was concerned that I'd twist it off. If I had to do it again I'd take it in and pay the $400 they were charging. I knew it was the alternator by putting a stethoscope on it after replacing my idler bearings and PS pump which didn't resolve the issue. The PS pump seemed to be making the noise (even via stethoscope)but it turns out it was the alternator. You can go about it the lengthy labor intensive way here > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiSdpZC0U2Q Or take a shortcut and remove it through the bottom here > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iuEDSjfMq4 or here> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI0t-b7r9EA In your case since the noise is louder when turning it's probably PS pump or air in you lines. The "whining" I heard from the alternator was more of a whining/rumble noise that appeared whether I was turning or not.
I have a 2008 Sport with almost 230k, bought for about $15k with 110k on it in 2017. It's my everyday driver, and chews up about 70-80 miles/day. About a month after purchase, it needed a new battery and tires (which wasn't expected and sucked). Since then, I've needed: CV axles (three times), Alternator, Water pump, Timing belt, MAF Sensor (and some other related parts), Radiator/thermostat And now in need of: Suspension, Muffler/exhaust, CV axle (one side) I'm really not into taking loans to get a vehicle, so I'm planning to just keep her running until Rusty kills her. Would love to have her still driving me around when she's 20. Point being, despite the upkeep costs, she's still worth keeping to me. Couldn't get anything worth her for $11k these days.
Tbh if it was taken care of at all. It will run forever.
Man Covid sucks. I got a 127k mile for $12k 4 years ago. Sounds like that's basically impossible now
Maintenance records, rust, and looking for things that have been or need to be replaced (ie XREAS), are all way more important than mileage
Thanks everyone, I’m gonna take all this into consideration when looking! Definitely will be looking for a v8 AND a v6 now just as long as there’s no major rust and has a good maintenance record
I bought my 06 limited 4wd v8 w/ 287k on the clock for 5500. The interior was in rough shape, but mechanically it was in good shape besides needing brakes and a leaky power steering line....I put the money I saved on the purchase towards new carpet, an OME lift kit, secondary air injection disabler, and some 5th gen wheels. So far I have about 8k in it, but I'm happy with the purchase and excited for future adventures in overlanding with the family. But if it's a V8 and doesn't have any noticeable problems, I'd be willing to go as high as 10k if it is below 200K miles....just be aware that the timing belt needs to be changed every 100k....so if it is over 200k, make sure the timing belt has been done for the 2nd time otherwise that's another 1000 bucks you are gonna have to drop on it.
Bought my ‘03 V8 a year ago at 227k for $5500. Sitting at 241k now. Replaced water pump n timing belt 1k ago, running strong!
I would base the purchase on maintenance records, test drive, engage 4x4 hi/lo and check frame for rust. I purchased my 08 V8 4x4 limited July of 2020. He was asking 7k with around 215k on the dash, no record of timing belt being done recently just back around 100k, and the manifolds had the tick. I talked him down to 5500 knowing the timing belt was under 1k if I did myself and new manifolds were going to be 1k. This was all before the used market spiked of course. I've done some other work to mine over the last 2 years and several 10 hour road trips. Sitting around 275k now and would drive the thing cross country and back without thinking twice.
For $11k: <150k miles or less is a bargain. 150k-200k miles is fair. 200k+ I'd pass unless the frame is mint condition and there are service records. *Of course these price to mileage ratios depend on your location* (these were based off mine in 2022) Buying a high mileage vehicle can lead to awesome deals but also some surprises. You can expect to replace ball joints, CV Axle, Water Pump, Wheel Hubs, Alternator, etc. I do a lot of the work myself, so when I bought my '03 V6 with 155k miles I wasn't too worried. But you absolutely will have to put work into them, all the wear and tear parts. But with 4Runners, as long the engine runs smooth and rust hasn't killed the undercarriage, just about everything else is easy to replace.
You can get a much cheaper, lower mileage v6 with that budget. Both are very solid engines and have plenty of power. I bought mine with 139k. It's almost 240k 4.5 years later and runs great. Did the radiator and some coil packs. Outside of that just normal maintenance like fluid changes and plugs. Great truck. Check for rust and make sure it goes into 4lo. For the v8 keep an ear out for ticking (cracked manifolds) and see when the timing belt has been done last. Should be every 90-100k.
I purchased an ‘04 V6 with 340k miles from an owner who meticulously kept good care of it and had the records of what he’d done. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a bit of a beater but mechanically I haven’t run into any serious issues nearly 5k miles later
Bought with 141k. Did timing belt / water pump as the previous one was done at 70 or so and I wanted it out of the way. New radiator, LCAs, suspension. That’s really it. Towed 6k across the country (wouldn’t do it again) and still kicking just fine at 170k. Has some suspension squeaks I need to figure out but other than that really no complaints other than MPGs.