280k mile 4Runner opportunity

I have the opportunity to grab a V8 4runner. My only reservation is it has 280k on it. I know it has been fairly well taken care of other than it belonging to my mother in law and she drove kinda crazy sometimes. Are these trucks worth picking up at that mileage? I would be daily driving it/offroading and using it to tow a small trailer.

 

@xtremewlr

 

It's a good motor. I had the same in my previous Tundra.

With that said, I don't get excited about it. The 6 is more attractive to me. The 8 is pretty heavy for the little gain in hp. If you get it cheaper than what you could buy the same with the 6, then you are ahead of the game. It will run you plenty of years.

 

My coworker just sold one like that with 260k on it. I believe it was a 2009, but could be mistaken. He just had the rear axle done on it and a few other things. His was lifted with pizza cutters on it too. Otherwise, it ran like a top.

 

For much much? And what do you know about the prior owner(s) and the condition? At that age and mileage, how it's been cared for matters more than anything else can, and ever, will.

Long story short: V8 4Runners are rising in value. The 4th gen is the only of the long line of T-4Rs that has a truly strong engine. Others can run for as long, but not as stoutly. The 4R is a fantastic vehicle across the board, but the V8s stand out as special. I've had 3 4Runners in the last 5 years and spent a ton of time around the generations I haven't owned.

So it should say a lot when I tell you I bought a 2005 V8 4R last fall. It had 267xxx miles on it when I bought it, 269xxx now. It needs some things... nothing out of the ordinary for the age/mileage... but it runs like a champ. The 2UZ is the "million mile motor," as it's been called. Change the oil and it'll purr along without needing more attention than a timing belt. And maybe/probably/definitely exhaust manifolds. But that's just an opportunity for upgrades.

I haven't taken this one off-road yet but my prior 4th gen ('05, V6) was a champ on the trails. This should fare similarly. I expect it'll pull a trailer with ease given the power and factory tow rating.

TL;DR -- Maintain it and it'll go until you kill it. If you can swing it, buy it.

 

They have taken pretty good care of it. They are the kind of people that do whatever the mechanic says to do. Also that mileage is all highway and I don't think it has ever left pavement.

Also the big thing for me besides the V8 is the fact it has a usable back seat unlike my taco. Just had a baby so that's a big one for me.

 

What's the price? If it's priced well and you can swing it, buy it. You can always sell it. People are paying more and more for 4.7-powered T-4Rs these days. They have an aura about them and have become a fixation in the Toyota community.

 

Well they already sold it. Good info though guys. If I catch another high mileage one that has been taken care of now I know not to be too afraid of it.

 

Bummer. Keep your eyes open for another if it's on your radar. Great combo between the engine and platform.

 

Even tho it's sold, don't let high mileage scare you away from the V8 4Runners. I bought my 2003 with 282k on it and it's around 300,330 or something right now. Still runs like new, doesn't burn any oil. The 2UZ motor is solid.

 

It was 6500. I felt that was pretty high considering the mileage. I was going to offer around 5000.

 

Good to know. I bought my Taco with higher mileage 180k and it's been great. I will keep that in mind while I am looking.

 

I like the 6 too. No timing belt, comes with a better transfer case and doesn't have the exhaust manifold issues. The V8 is just so smooth though. Plus the noise is great too.

 

Sucks they sold it, but if you come across another I’d be concerned about rust more than anything

 

I just sold a 2006 with about 190k for 10.5k straight up. I know TX and CA usually catch a bit more in price. Cheers!

 

Ended up with a 2008 lexus GX470 instead. I figured it was the same drive train so it should be great as well. I think a light build would be fun.

 

Nice. Just an extra fancy 4Runner basically.

 

@gmr102 How much? miles? Thats a lot sweeter imho over the 4runner you were looking at.

 

You say: "It's a V8 4runner it has 280k on it and it belonging to my mother in law. She drove crazy sometimes."
You have Four RED FLAGS, (V8 engine, 280K, mother in law and crazy driving). I'll pass on this one.