2009 Toyota 4Runner

What buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

Sought after: V8 All years One source so far

The only 4Runner generation with a V8. Enthusiasts are said to seek out a clean one.¹
Sought after: 2005 and later V8 2005–2009 One source so far

35 more horsepower. Autotrader prefers a V8 from after the 2006 update.²
Sought after: 2009 Trail Edition 2009

Locking rear differential and Bilstein shocks. Hard to find, and called worth the search. Offered on the V6 4WD SR5 only.^2,3
Sought after: 2006 and later V6 2006–2009 One source so far

Five members in one thread believe Toyota changed the V6 head gasket around 2005 or 2006, two citing a part number change. None points to a Toyota bulletin, and one doubts it was fixed.⁴
Avoid: Frame rust All years Walk away

Both generations rust at the frame, worst where roads are salted, and rust can leave a frame unsafe. Toyota's frame rust program for its trucks did not include the 4Runner.^5,6,1,7,8

Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.