4th gen Toyota 4Runner 2003–2009

Maintenance

Services on the maker's schedule, from the sources. Faults that happen however well a car is kept are under Watch out for. Tap one for what to ask.

Timing belt and water pump V8 Replace every 90,000 miles

Ask the seller: Ask for records showing the timing belt was changed.

If it was skipped: Engine Builder Magazine says Toyota lists the timing belt on its UZ V8s at 90,000 miles, that the same belt drives the water pump, and that all of them are interference engines that "could" be badly damaged if the belt breaks. Jalopnik and two forum members give the same mileage.

Sources ^1,2,3

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.²
Sought after: 2005 and later V8 2005–2009 One source so far

35 more horsepower. Autotrader prefers a V8 from after the 2006 update.⁴
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.^4,5
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.⁶
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.^7,8,2,9,10
Avoid: 2003–2005 V6 2003–2005 Less sought after One source so far

Members of one thread split. Four steer buyers away from 2003–2005 V6s or shop only 2006 and later, while five owners of 2003–2005 V6s report no head gasket trouble, one at about 303,000 miles.¹¹

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