What is the best year of Toyota's 4runner 4th generation (2003 to 2009) as far as liability, less maintenance, fuel efficiency, and engine size(v6 or v8)? And what is the price for a used one?
I would get as new as you can fit in your budget.
As to which will cost less (maintenance/repair-wise), along with better reliability and fuel economy, the answer would be the V6 (over the V8). Both engines should last hundreds of thousands of miles (with proper maintenance of course!) but the V6 will go a little further. Also, things like the starter and knock sensor replacement can cost a lot more to replace on the V8 (due to its location - poor design decision) compared to the V6. However, if you tow often you may want the V8. V8 RWD towing = 7,300 lbs (RWD only) versus 7,000 (4WD); V6 towing = 5,000 lbs
Best advice is to buy a later MY in that generation if your budget allows as there are fewer issues typically.
Look here for more details and yearly changes for the 4th Gen (MY 2003-2009):
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_4Runner
Thank u 4 ur respond. I agree with all what u said. My issue is the price of the 4runners is just insane. Even the bad ones cost a lot. Now, I am looking into the nissan xterra. It is cheaper than the 4runner and I would like to hear ur thoughts about it.
Check out:
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/4Runner, the later models had less complaints. https://www.motorbiscuit.com/the-truth-about-the-toyota-4runners-v8-problems/
https://www.testingautos.com/reviews/toyota-4runner-2003-2009.html
They are pretty good in general but like the answers above the newest model possible would be ideal.
One of the biggest 4Runner communities is
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/
Besides this place it’s a great place to get all your 4Runner questions answered.
One of the biggest 4Runner communities is
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/
Besides this place it’s a great place to get all your 4Runner questions answered.
I belong to this forum. They can answer your questions but will expect you to research earlier threads where the topic was already covered.
My brother has an 05 4runner V6 that had all 4 cats go out. Also had a valve cover leak on one side. About 180k miles on it. I would look at the Xterra or Pathfinder if you are trying to save some money. Both are pretty good as far as I know and much cheaper than any toyota these days. I saw a 96 4runner with over 360k miles for $12.5k the other day. Insane what people are asking for these things.
4Runner. I think buy brand new one is cheaper...
