This is my first 4runner ever. Picked it up yesterday and so far I absolutely love it! Taking it on a trail out in CO today.

I currently have a paid off vehicle that I do not want to keep due to multiple theft attempts. The vehicle is valued at 10-12k Depending on trade in and private sale

I really love the 4runner but I have 3 options Im really stuck on.

1. There is a Good condition 2002 3rd Gen I have found that is going for a great deal. Understandably, there will be a lot of money going in towards maintenance and more money for aftermarket support. But with the money from my sold car I can comfortably restore the car with no issue and not have to worry about financing.

I have found a 2019 5th gen TRD Off road that is going for 38k with 70k Miles. Love the look and reliability but outdated infotainment

Final Option

6th Gen 2026 SR5 40k for 20k miles. Look is amazing as well as the MPG. I just cant faithfully accept that the engine will survive as long as its predecessors. Updated interior and infotainment is a plus as well.

These are all 1 owner vehicles with clean carfax..
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, just need some people to point me in the right direction

Louisiana 4Runner owner here:

We tried a “moderate” overland trail in Moab and I can’t sing the praises of the 4Runner enough.

It got us from Louisiana to Utah in comfort and handled this (frankly it was probably an easy trail by all reckoning but it was my first ever) trail with ease.

The whole time I had a smile on my face and I believe it was the final puzzle piece for being satisfied with my purchase.

Here’s a video of us on the trail where I rubbed the spare tire lol. Never took it out of 4-Hi and didn’t need to use any additional off-road tools the ORP offers.

Thanks for letting me share!

finally got it today after months of research and reviews. wish me luck with it yall.

Amazing machine! Jones pass in Colorado.

Hello 4Runner community. I have been lurking this community for a while as I’ve been wanting to upgrade my 2012 Camry. A local used car dealer has this 2024 TRD off road premium on their lot that caught my eye. It’s listed for $43,000 and has 51,000 miles on it. I test drove it today and it was much smoother than I anticipated and the inside is pristine. However, around 60 mph the steering wheel started vibrated pretty significantly and it wanted to slightly pull to the right. I spent about 20 minutes driving around at city speeds and highway speeds and the vibration seemed to come and go but was still mostly present at highway speeds.

When I got back to the dealer I told them I loved the car but couldn’t move forward due to the steering wheel vibration. They offered me a due bill basically a contract stating they will send the car to their mechanic and fix the issue before I purchase. This steering wheel vibration seems to be pretty common and based on some reddit threads to be relatively easy remedied. The dealer also offers a $3500 10 year/100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty that I would probably purchase if I decide to move forward.

I feel like the price and mileage is great but would love opinions here. The vibration issue gives me a big pause though but I am reassured they are willing to fix the issue. I have not yet agreed to the due bill as I wanted time to think on it. They took my information and said they’d call me when they had their mechanics look at it. Signing the due bill would just prioritize the work so I could get the car as soon as it’s fixed.

Thank you in advance!

Recently had the cabin flood from first heavy rain of the year. I thought it was plugged sun roof drains but turns out the seals from the roof rack went bad.

I had to remove the seats and plastic trim to lift up the carpet and fully dry it for a week. I was shocked how much water got in from the roof rack.

I made my own seals from an old motorcycle inner tube and then used high-quality silicone similar to the attached picture. For reference: 2018 4Runner SR5 Premium.

Finally got Bertha broken in

After seeing a few posts about the Temu roof rack (Yzona) and talking to a few that have had it installed for over a year now without any issues, I pulled the trigger. Honestly, for $250 I’m blown away by the fitment and quality. I’ll post up if I run into any issues. I’ll be mounting my Thule Pulse box for now but plan on getting an awning as well.

The wife was driving on the 4Runner and smacked a road gator (blown tire debris), resulting in the door trim blowing off. Anyone ever replace one? Found a few replacements online but wasn’t sure if anyone has any recommendations.

Is this what everyone is using for power steering fluid?

I checked out a 2015 trail premium today and saw that it was leaking something from somewhere. Kind of looks like its coming from the power steering pump as the thing is covered in oil (i know its not engine oil). The leak seems relatively small and slow as the bottom side of the skid plates was not covered in oil but I live in a desert so sand can make things look very dry.

Was wondering if anyone else has dealt with this or if other leaks can cause something similar? Im primarily worried about the timing chain cover gasket leak that ive heard is not a fun one to deal with. Trying to get the car in for a PPI because of this but many shops nearby dont have availability for serval days.

Other than this, the car was perfect and at a decent price. 16k at 200k miles (i know a little high but ive been told they are reliable). It has better than average maintenance history as well. Thank you for the help!

Tried to get the best photos i could.

My 4Runner (281k) has started to run hot when I’ve sat idling. I’ve only noticed it twice once about a month or so ago after sitting in a drive thru and yesterday waiting in line for gas. It also seems to happen on particularly hot days, yesterday got up to 88. When I start moving again the gauge will quickly return to normal temps. Then once I sit it will creep back up. I don’t appear to be burning any coolant (no white or sweet smelling exhaust), when the engine is cold my fan clutch spins but does have resistance, my heat is great inside so I don’t think it’s the thermostat. I felt my upper rad hose yesterday after parking and it was quite hot. My coolant was a little low in the burp tank so I filled that. Any ideas here? Temp switch maybe? The gauge isn’t erratic like an oil pressure switch will get but it will go from normal temps to hot quickly. Thanks

I have a 2016 4Runner, recently had throttle body position sensor replaced because the CEL would come on and it would enter limp mode. Had a dealership repair it, seemed fine after that. I then started to notice it was lagging when accelerating, similar symptom when I had an issue with the throttle body.

Took it back to the dealer since that part is under warranty, they came back and said he that part is ok… but I have bad rod knock from cylinder 4 and need a new MOTOR…. Recommend a compression test but said that’s a waste of money cause I need a new motor anyways!

Getting a second opinion later this week and a compression test done as well.

Yes I can hear the rod knock, and no, I do not have a warranty.

Help.

Hi everyone. I need to buy a pet barrier for my 5th gen, and all the conversations are 2-5 years old.

I'm looking at getting one for folded down rear seats. Where should I get one from that won't tear up the interior? I don't mind mounting brackets, but I only have 65k miles on this truck, don't want to replace the interior early. Thought about getting a fabric net, not carrying a black bear.

How much are you guys getting quoted to undercoat the frame? I went to an in town guy who quoted my ‘23 4Runner $1k flat and then went to a well known shop that quoted me $1800. I’m located in the Northeast and just bought my 4Runner which was initally from NY. I do have some rust on the welding points but nothing too crazy.