I bought my 2005 4 runner new and been driving it every day since. I’m on my 3rd brake job, 2 nd, battery, and other than regular scheduled maintenance that’s it. Great car, rides great, good gas mileage, looks great, highly dependable, best vehicle I’ve ever owned.
Dude, this is such a great video for me to consider the pros and cons! And truth is, this 4Runner has been great for your family! Super appreciate your detailed videos!
Still love you, Viking! I'm 65 years old, and have owned many vehicles. I feel your pain, but I'm glad you have attacked the issues. I had so many problems with the used cars I'd owned in the past, except, (surprisingly) old Porsches. Crazy. I started leasing cars late in life, and my last lease was a 2016 4Runner. I bought her.... It was like coming home. She's awesome. You have a great advantage with all of your knowledge, and I'm sure you'll make the best of decisions.
Great story/video! Really appreciate all the straightforward commentary and advice from the videos. I just purchased a 21' TDR ORP with 45k miles from Enterprise rental. Clean Carfax but no maintenance records other than most likely changed oil and rotated tires. Took it to my trusty Toyota dealer and told him to assume nothing had been done and to start all over. He took my money of course but said overall the truck checked out great and is in really good shape mechanically. I always get over 200k on my vehicles, but I've always purchased them with less than 20,000 and even then with complete maintenance records - so a little nervous. Your comments certainly help to alleviate my anxiety. Looking forward to mods!!
I appreciate your support!! TRD ORP nice find 👍🏻 I can guarantee you that with routine maintenance, 200k will be a breeze. Lots more content to come. 😉
It’s a member of your family at this point. It sounds like the price was good, you have enjoyed it for five years and you share it’s adventures on your channel. Fix and keep enjoying it!!
Absolutely man, we all enjoy it! Has brought my son home from the hospital, has safety brought us so much joy! We are giving it a nicely deserved makeover. 😉 I appreciate you watching!
I am on my 3rd 4Run. The first two I bought used (1991/310k, 1997/295k), my 2019 I bought new. I would have bought a used 4Run, but I figure I will be keeping it for close to 20 years. Either way they are worth it. Take care of the engine and drive train and they will run for ever.
Here’s a pro tip. Before putting in new headlights, wet sand them and clear coat them with a quality clear coat. This will keep them from fading and yellowing. I’ve been restoring the old faded headlights in our vehicles this way and the results are amazing and you can wax your headlights when you wax your car. I wish I could post pictures of the results on here.
@@VikingsGarage Same I've wet sanded polished them and with time and with no care to them they will fade again. Wet sanding them then clearing them with 2k clear coat they will look a lot better and last. I would use a better coating then wax. Like ceramic coating or graphene coating. There's some decent ones that don't break the bank on Amazon. Watch a few of Scott HD videos that he does tests on cheat to expensive coatings for over a year and has monthly updates on his test panels of multiple products.
Yes, I did the same. I bought a used cargo van at a very low price. I could tell it was in an accident by the slightly mismatched paint but the body work was immaculate, as being a cargo van, there was no insulation in the interior so I could see all the metal panels from the inside. I'm not a body man by any means, but I couldn't see any wrinkles or welds in the body from outside or inside. I crawled under the van and couldn't see any frame repairs or major rust.
End of the day, most solid vehicle on the road. I sold my 16’ but a coworker that does inspection work literally idles his 12hrs a day. AC on in summer and heater on in the winter. He complained at 180k when his water pump started weaping. I told him well you haven’t shut it off in over 6 months 😂
That is insane, but you’re absolutely right… that much abuse it was kind of expected. It’s one of the most reliable vehicles I’ve ever owned. I’ve owned a few!! Thank you for sharing your story.
I would have bought the truck for 21k. It's a good buy as long as it didn't have structural damage. Check the A pillar because the driver door isn't aligned to the fender or the rear door. The reason I know is because the body lines don't match up.
Im actually not worried about the resale, they hold their value. Just don’t want to drive around in such a nice car with rust covered doors. I appreciate you watching!!
Considering I bought a 4Runner that had a Carfax that showed two wrecks I think I answered your 1st question! The challenge with the Carfax is that it doesn't show the severity of the wreck beyond general categories. Also, I figured if the wreck shows up in Carfax it was probably fixed professionally....although as you mentioned that is no guarantee the work was done properly. I have only had my 4Runner for a little over a year and so far no major issues so time will tell if I got a good deal or not.
8 years ago I bought a mint condition Runner from a guy for $12K. It’s a 2007. Today an 8 year old runner would cost me $25K (roughly). And the best part is it’s still worth about $8K even this many years later. It’s a beast!!!
You gotta live with it. My 4Runner has waaaaaaaaay more rust under the whole vehicle than yours. I'm guessing an issue with 4Runners? But it runs great! If you don't like it - probably best to trade it in. Mine is paid off so I'll drive it until the engine goes. Currently I have 230,000 miles on it.
230k that’s awesome, what year? Im totally going to live with it, at a tender 168k miles she’s barely broken in + in 5 years has never let us down. Best car I’ve ever owned.
I see a beautiful vehicle. Sometimes, when you just get a new ride, you micro-observe every detail. I did that with my Tesla. Everything looked like an imperfection at first sight. That was four years ago and I'm still super happy with my ride. Next week, I should be picking up a 2020 4Runner ORP with 46k miles, unseen in person. It is out of state private party deal. Risky, but honestly every car I've purchased in the past 6 years have all been site unseen (but all purchased from reputable dealership in Scottsdale, Arizona - Porsche, Audi, BMW). You got a great deal on this vehicle. I'm not sure how many miles it has but that car can easily sell in this market for 25k plus even with those imperfections. Unfortunately, you will have a very hard time finding a similar year vehicle with low miles at such prices. You'll be paying in excess of 30k for a 2017, assuming under 80k miles. ' Like another commenter said below, hell yea you can sell this car for 21k easy in this market. I guarantee you it won't last a few days, even if you post this video along with the ad. No question about it.
I appreciate your thoughts and input, unfortunately as you stated, I would be paying more then 30k for another used one. So… Yeah I’m keeping this thing untill the doors fall off, literally! I appreciate you watching and your support!! Good luck with the new ride!! 🤟🏻
I just bought a 2014 4runner and I worry about someday making these same discoveries. I'm sorry you feel so sick and conflicted now about your rig. When I bought mine, I did everything I could to make sure it was a good car: I had it inspected by my personal mechanic, I checked all the seams of the fenders, doors, hood and bumpers for signs of an accident. I checked the frame for rust and cross referenced multiple Carfax type information to compare and contrast. After all that, it was time to piss or get off the pot. Best of luck! I enjoy all your videos 👍.
Crazy right, our sales manager offered me 20k for it 2 months ago. It had 165k miles then 😱 (I paid 21k , 5 years ago with 79k miles) The car market is a complete mad house right now. I appreciate you watching!
I've had good bodywork and bad bodywork, paid good money for both, finally found a place that does excellent work not terribly far away from you, will gladly recommend them if you want a quality repair, you still got a great deal on a great vehicle
I do appreciate that, but I’m actually stopping by an old friend that does some of the best bodywork I’ve ever seen. It’s about 50 miles away, but worth it. I appreciate your input. Thank you for watching!!
I bought a 2014 Dodge Charger R/T with a "dirty" car fax. Whole front end pretty much had been replaced. I had that car for 4 years and doubled the mileage. Never had any issues with it!
i did the same thing. I bought a 2018 TRD off road in barcelona red with two claims both were under 2000 and I reviewed the repair documents. New front bumper replacement and rear bumper replacement. no big deal.
@@VikingsGarage I didnt do as good as you did! since I just bought mine in August. Amazing how much they have appreciated in value. MSRP goes up every year.
5 years is not bad at all with it's condition now. It only has a small amount of rust. That can be fixed by a good body shop just not go to Maco. I thought it's something bad like a bent frame or some grave mechanical issues.
I just purchased my 2015 SR5 with a “dirty” one owner carfax, although I would really only consider it a dirty carfax if it had been moderate/severe damage. Upon arrival I found some very slight front bumper fitment issues which were indicated by the carfax, but also noticed the rear bumper had some issues which weren’t on the carfax. The other thing the carfax showed that every single oil change during winter months had been done in South Carolina, so that pretty much cancelled the fender benders in my opinion.
Thank you for sharing your story. The same here, the first 60k maintenance was very good so I kind of took that as a factor. The Dodge dealership should have changed both filters before I got there, plus their clean-up crew never clean under the 2nd row seats. So… I used that to save an additional $895 🤷🏼♂️😉
@@VikingsGarage that’s unfortunate, but like you said it’s a great bargaining chip when you bring it up to them. The reality is that many people who want to buy a car just drive to a dealership and leave with whatever appeals most to them. When you are mechanically inclined and have hunted down a few very good options, it puts you in a great position as a buyer. I live in upstate NY and there’s a few shady dealers around me. I had to drive out to Binghamton to buy mine. I do have to say, I bought at the wrong time but I could not wait any longer than the year and a half I’ve been waiting to buy one.
I hear you buddy, right now forget it. Buying a car is almost absurd. But I get it, that’s a long time to wait. Congrats and enjoy it!! Thank you for your support!!
It's a collision repaired car and imperfection wil always be there. Not bad after 5 years before the paint started to bubble. If its taking you from point A to point B without a problem then you are good. Just address the rust issue so it does not spread and become unmanageable.
Yeah., I hear you. I’m currently figuring out best course of action. Either way I’m keeping her around way past 200k , currently at 171k. I appreciate your thoughts!!
Sorry you’re dealing with this but I would always spend a little more for a clean car, especially with something like a 4Runner that holds its value so well. I have 2018 cavalry blue pro bought new and hopefully will keep it throughout all the new vehicle temptations 😁
That is one of my Favorite Colors, check out my latest video… I show off my New 2022 Army Green TRD off-road. ua-cam.com/video/PzkH3J0WIxw/v-deo.html I appreciate your advice!
My advice : either fix it yourself, get some spray paint from Walmart online or Amazon that matches your color code (see driver door for paint code), maybe make it an off-road toy and then you'll really not care about some imperfections, either fix it properly with new Toyota parts, either sell it and get a new one (or a dodge, lol).. Good luck, I hope you'll keep it, 4runners are fun. And also, nice job with headlights.
Hey sir. You’ve always helped me. Taking my 22 4Runner in tomorrow. In between 30-50 mph I hear a growel or groan noise only in 2wd in 4wd it doesn’t happen. I saw TSB 0075-23 exactly describing my issue. My wife has to drop it off, what should I tell the advisor for the “problem” to help the mechanic.
@morfdq You want to hear the craziest thing ever… you know how it’s really cold outside.Therefore accentuating the issue. Guess who also needs a Differential? 😱
I really want a 4Runner and I’ve seen a lot. I even considered getting a rebuilt title, it looked good and the guys at the dealership said it only had water go up halfway to the tire, but I knew it was going to bug me that it wasn’t a clean title. The majority of 4Runners I looked at the carfax was clean but you could tell by the gaps that it had work done. Guys go and get stuff fixed and aren’t reported. It’s a crazy time to buy anything but I may go brand new knowing it’s definitely a clean title if the prices ever come back down to earth, if not then I’ll be driving the RSX-S until it’s no more.
My fathers was a originally a rental and had car fax damage for front and it has been great. He got a great deal. I do notice that the metal tube running vertical was bent and never fixed. I don’t know if that makes a difference. I know drain holes on door tend to get clogged causing rust so I would make sure the stay clean. I would keep it and just fix it and never look back. Where did you get your replacement headlights and how much?
Thank you for sharing your story. The drain holes in the doors being free of debris is an excellent point, thank you for reminding me. I got both headlights on EBay for $200 and $95 for the Fog light assemblies. The Fog lights are new also.
I personally don’t like dealing with issues so I just bought a new 22 4Runner along with my 21 Camry XSE. It’s a good price you paid you’re just gonna have to live with them little issues
@@VikingsGarage ofcourse, after all its just costmetics..cosmetics... that thing will run forever and trust me I've had Toyota's all my life. Not always new. We work with what we have but these cars will always take care of you. This from a guy who also drives an 07 Camry SE V6 with nearly 250K up and down all of North and Carolina on a daily basis and it's still running strong and purring like a kitten
Depending on how badly damaged it was and how well the repairs were done I most likely would have bought it. I'm thinking those rust "bubbles" were not showing when you bought the vehicle. You did get it for a good price so having to put money into it isn't the end of the world. It's such a good, dependable vehicle I think it's worth putting the money into it.
My question is how is the frame? As we know the frame will determine the bones of the 4Runner. We are on 4Runner #3, 2014 4Runner, also have a 02 4Runner. If yours is 4wd and the frame is good, turn it into an off read beast with after market bumpers and other 3rd party stuff.
The frame is in great condition, I’ve been treating it for a few years. I have a feeling I might be doing a lot of aftermarket stuff in the near future.
I bought a brand new 40th Anniversary Edition for $49k which I think it’s ridiculously expensive. BUT, I wanted to be the one who breaks it in, vehicle had only 11 miles on it. I’ve been breaking it in right. Will take care of it properly and see if I can get it to way over 300k miles.
I'm sure you realize even if you are going to wrap the vehicle you are going to have to address the rust. As to the color of wrap if you decide to do so, go with a Bronze to match the wheels. Bronze with Black accents would look amazing & I'm quite certain you would have a one off. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Sorry to hear about your badluck. How is the frame? If the frame is good and you plan to use it offroading then I would say no sweat. Because if you take it in the woods it will get some damage. If you want a ‘show car’and it bugs you then I would trade it. I know the feeling about loving your new ride but at the end everything perish. Love the work you did on her. Thanks for sharing and in the end it is not a big deal. Greetings from Yellowknife 🇨🇦.
Hey, how’s it going. I feel you, it’s sucks to see your investment rotting away. The frame for the rust belt, it’s not bad. I’m going to keep on driving it and fix those doors. Cheers 🍻
I picked instantly on the rear bumper when you first walked up the drivers side. You have a totally interesting subject there! Haven’t you said you want a new Pro anyway 😜. I feel like a wrap will still rust under it. And unless you get the bubble like spots flattened out you will see them. So get some fun trippy wrap 😁
your drivers side lights were likely replaced with non-OEM lights. The discoloration is a dead giveaway. After market UV coatings typically don't last as long as OEM. You also live in Jersey which doesn't help with the rust issues. Ex-Long Islander here and moved to Charlotte years ago. When purchasing a used vehicle the first thing I do is look at the Carfax, even if it's clean but I see it's from the Northeast, it automatically gets passed over.
Perhaps I would have bought it. Depends on the degree of damage in the accidents. I sold a Yukon that had been in an accident but all that needed replacing was the bumper cover and one headlight.
I bought a low mileage 1996 4x4 tacoma in 1999 for cheap. I bought it from a rebuilder due to being sold by the insurance company. It was torn up and different colors, missing dash ect. I rebuilt it and still have it 23 years later. I hope to get another 23 years out of it. It's got 160k miles on it now. Nothing wrong with a salvage vehicle if you know what you are doing. Car fax wasn't popular back then but even if the title was clean. Apparently they ran it through Colorado and then back through a different state which washed the title. Colorado was an old trick. I was able to get a loan from the bank because of the clean title and just never said anything to them about it. I'd totally do it again but it's not for everybody. On a family vehicle I may not do it but for a work or offroad type vehicle sure.
I think you have it backwards on the headlights, the fogged one is the original and the clear one has been replaced. Also, Toyota has had a reputation as rust buckets for decades. I am shocked that the rust isn't worse. Keep a close eye on that frame!
I don’t have it backwards at all, re-watch the clip. I even show you the aftermarket sticker on it. You think Toyota has rust buckets try more like Nissan. And for the record you are clearly new to the channel, I’ve covered the frame issues several times, I’ve now treated my frame twice. I am the guy that replaces your frame at the dealership. 😉😎 (Toyota Master Tech here)
@@VikingsGarage Ok, glad to see that as a "Toyota Master Tech" you admit Toyota's are rust buckets, and have had the reputation forever. Believe me, yours is not the only one on earth.
Great job on headlights. If it were any other vehicle I would be weary of keeping it with compounding troubles down the road, but a 4runner, take care of the cosmetics and it will out perform any other in its class IMHO, keeping up with maintenance of course as I'm sure you're aware. I have 2007 SR5 with 170000 and it drives like new, and I live in Vermont salt belt, but I Fluid Film the frame 2x year. Great video, take care.
These things are built to last. Im a firm believer in preventive maintenance. So 🤞I’ll drive it another 60k. I need to spray the frame again. I appreciate your support . Thank you!!
I believe it, so common they have a service bulletin that address it but doesn’t really fix it completely . Every single 4runner I work on looks like that. We just get used to it 🤷🏼♂️ I appreciate you watching!
@@VikingsGarage I love your channel! I thought I was the only 4Runner owner with this common issue with the bumper fitment until I started looking around on the Internet to see if other owners had the same problem. They did.
That is an easy question to answer. Do you want another payment? Keep it and maintain it. My 2011 runner I bought in March of 18 was great. The front bumper was repainted, which I knew about, the clear coat peeled like a sun burn. I ended up making my sr5 into a trail with the front and rear bumper swap. I bought all the OEM front Toyota. I also installed OEM trail front and rear lights. Looked at local body shops. Reviewed their work, found a great one. 900 to spray the bumpers. I installed them. Unfortunately later that winter the rear spoiler and shark fin peeled too. 400 bucks later it is rectified. I am a huge preventive maintenance guy. I maintain the paint, under carriage as best as I can. My last vehicle, 99 suburban, the frame rotted out. I had it for 12 years because I just didn't want to have a payment.
Very cool, thank you for sharing! I’m right there with you, I have no car payments and I intended to keep it that way. We do whatever it takes to keep them sharp/ reliable and on the road. I appreciate you watching, hopefully you’ll find plenty of useful content on my channel to help you with your 2011. 👍🏻
Can the rust be cut out and new metal put on? If the car is paid and mechanically in good shape, just fix it right. Much cheaper than buying a new one. It’s still an AWESOME truck!
I plan on doing exactly that. I do own it, no car payments. I’m getting a body shop to give me there opinion, I personally think that new metal could be added after cutting the rust off. W’ll see what they say. I’ll post an update once fixed. I appreciate your support.
What year is it and second your first issue is coming to macco. Find a better shop, one that does better work. Those doors are fixable, might cost a little more but you’ll get a better resolution
I personally think you're still on top with this 4runner. The body work done could be the insurance company the previous owner had. Geico (if that's what the previous owner had) tends to pay out the least compared to other insurance companies (they estimate using cheap aftermarket and some times junkyard prices. Offset that with a cheaper estimated bodyshop work = not so good results) and your 4runner could be a reflection of that. - As for the doors, don't go to MAACO. That's the worst place to go (you get what you pay for). If you're thinking of replacing the entire door with good ones, I'm sure with some patience you can find a pair with same color. If not, wrapping the truck with mismatched color doors would be a decent solution 🤷♂️. --I guess these are the issues that come with a "dirty" carfax vehicle lol
Ain’t that the truth, insurance companies will most of the times not pay enough to the body shop to complete the work. Hence why they do what they do. I think your right, some patience and I’ll find some good doors. 👍🏻
I'll bet when they did the body work they never rust proofed before they painted. I'd do the rust work myself, sand it rust proof it, paint it, it will probably last much longer .it was probably sent to a cheap painting place, they sell rustproof products that will work if applied correctly, a bit more money but worth it.
Wow amazing what fresh headlights do for the look ! Nice ! I'd say get the rust fixed and spray the whole vehicle after for matching. But in my opinion I dont think maacco is the place to do it. Unless you know people who have used your local one and got quality work done. Maybe find a local body shop that might want to give you a little break for some review time on the video ?? I had a red Toyota 4x4 and had body work done on the bed and didnt spray the front of the truck..it was still perfect.. ended up not matching. Red is a really tough color , even exact paint wont match because red pigment fades slightly. I think you can line up that quarter panel for the gap correction :-) It's just the money you saved earlier going back into it now.. Keep on rockin' man !
You did save thousands when you bought her. So my 2 cents is, keep her, and know that your awareness of the repair issues are typical. I've worked with repair shops who were perfectionists. And they did a good job. We're the replaced parts toyota OEM? Or Chinese. But you have a 4runner. You have the basics there, in excellence. Power train and electronics are superior. I lived with a 2005 subaru sti that had been hit twice by worthless deer. Rebuilt but I knew that what basics remained, such as no performance issues after repairs. Your 4runner is still a 4runner. Get the work done on the doors.
I appreciate your input, I am planning on having it addressed and fixed properly after this winter. You’d right, at the end of the day it’s got that Toyota reliability. 😉
Don't beat yourself up, things happen. You paid 21 for a fine machine with a "dirty car fax", and I paid 16 for one with almost 200k and a couple things that don't work.. but I have no regrets and love her anyway, and you should still love yours as well! As an aside, so sorry about that repair job (I work in auto body), but the factory headlights look oh so good. Here's an idea, get an ARB winch bumper! I'd rather cut up a Keystone cover versus a factory one any day!
You got yourself a great deal and an awesome machine, we learn to accept them as they are. Thank you, yeah I’m definitely doing something with the front bumper eventually, a winch is a must for what my plans with this truck are. 😎 Thank you for your support, I appreciate the feedback you guys give me. Enjoy your weekend!!
@@VikingsGarage Hey, I appreciate that! My e-locker never worked, and the damn AC quit for the second time just before we had that stretch of 90+ degree weather up here in the NE. Any insight on either would be helpful!
The e-locker could be a wire issue or the most common Diff. Lock Actuator . The A/C I’ve seen/replaced a few A/C compressors or a puncture on the A/C condensor which causes the Freon to leak out. 🤷🏼♂️ hard to fix over the phone. Good luck with everything 👍🏻
Toyota Delearship told me I need to reseal cam stand gaskets. Is that a common thing with a 4Runner? I went from a BMW to a 4Runner for reliability and that’s what I get hit with…
From what you show, it looks like cosmetic and not structural damage. Keep up with the rust. Living in NJ, coat the frame and floor panels. This car could outlive you.
There is no doubt carfax can only report what is given to them. I recently laid to rest my 2002 Isuzu Axiom for a 2023 4Runner. The Axiom was in 3 accidents. I know because I am the original owner of the Axiom. Carfax only listed 2 of them. Also I have seen used cars at dealerships promoted as clean carfax and it was evident those cars were in accidents. The dealerships did not care just as long they had the clean carfax. So, definitely Check the used cars out. My Axiom (named-Spirit), even with 3 accidents served me faithfully until the end. So for the price I think you got a deal. Those issues are minor. If the frame is straight and all things work like the engine and transmission I think you are good. For fix on the cheap, color match the paint have the auto body paint store place in a spray can and only do those minor spots that need it. Of course you will be able to tell the difference from the original paint to the aerosol paint for the first couple of months. But continued waxing and some slight compound over time will blend the paint nicely. I think you did great.
I am sorry to hear that man! That was horrible body job they did. I would leave it as is as long as car has no mechanical issues. Sell it as carfax problem car, you might get a nice deal and get all or most of your $ back because used car market is still hot! I always tell people, you get what you pay for. I have 2019 Trd pro , paid about $5k more than Off-road , when it’s time to sell, I will get much more than off-road modified ones (pro look alike).
Looks nice with the new headlights! If it were mine I'd only spend more money on mechanical issues and maintenance, as far as the cosmetic stuff id live with it but thats just me.
@@VikingsGarage Doing a wrap like you said would look very cool ,probably a bit pricey but would make it look perfect. Maybe yellow or purple, something that you never see on a 4runner! Oh and put a big viking garage logo on it haha!
I miss my durango bro, lol ..lots of room in the back and alittle more power, less body role, and can tow 6k pounds. But wife likes the 4runner, she said it feels like a truck,, I mean it is a truck,,, the durango is a souped up wagon lol..
Very fair and Accurate, no hard feelings. I was just dumbfounded when the sales guy told me what she traded it for. A base model Durango 😆 The 4runner is technically on a truck frame, so yes Accurate 👍🏻
Yea, that's too bad. I can't stand body shops that don't take the time to do it right. Could have been a city body shop, depending on where the truck is originally done, or a small local place without the quality of some. I've always vowed that if I ever have a car hit, it's as good as sold.
I hear you, the reason why I know it was poor body work is because, I work on so many 4Runners. They never have rust on the doors like mine. I do wash this truck, twice a week during winters 🤷🏼♂️
I thought by dirty car fax, i thought you would say stolen vehicle report. My 4runner has a dirty carfax due to recovery from being stolen, insurance paid out so its technically a total loss for car fax but the title is clean, this however does void manufaturer warranty. When i got mine i knew this but dealer included a third party warranty for free and heavily discounted sale price because it was sitting. 2021 9000 miles.
Check out Max Powell he has Tacoma with fiber glass mold fenders, maybe he can hook you up with his supplier that makes fiberglass doors for the 4Runner
@@VikingsGarage hit him a DM Paul he loves Toyota’s , he got a bad ass wide body ,long travel.his really cool man he got a new 2023 tundra project on the way.
Hey man where did you get the lights from and are they oem? My 2015 4runner headlights are starting to slightly haze from the top because I keep it outside in the sun all day.
Mine are not OEM , bought on eBay. $180 for the set, brand new. Look on Facebook markets place, I see take offs there all the time for a fair price. 🤷🏼♂️
I would likely not buy a 4runner that had been hit since the front end on these is so sensitive to vibration if everything is not perfect. If you are not having problems with it, you should keep it and drive it till it dies. It's gonna be a beater. If you don't like that idea, then trade it in. Rust has to be stopped at any cost. Anything with rust on should be sprayed with CRC 0626 Rust inhibitor which will stop it in its tracks.
I appreciate the tip, I do remember Farm project testing that stuff out. Thank you for reminding me. I’m definitely fixing it for sure. Me and the wife agreed, I need to get 3 more years out of it. 🤷🏼♂️
Sorry for your troubles. IMHO, the money you saved buying the car will be spent and then some getting it in proper shape. Wraps are nice but if the corrosion isn’t properly addressed, you will still have problems. Now you know why the previous owner traded it in on a Dodge. The local Toyota dealership probably didn’t want to touch it. If I was in your shoes, I’d cut my bait and run. If you decide to keep it, then just do minimum required maintenance and not spend anymore money on it. Best wishes.
That makes sense. It’s a good thing that you are a professional Toyota mechanic. I have no doubt that you will make it right. I really enjoy your channel. By the way I received my passenger hand holds last week. The wife tried them out and she liked them, said they really helped. No I don’t make her ride in the back all the time. Just when we take my mom out. On a different note, I just had the spacer lift removed and 285’s. Went back to 265’s. Yes I gave up some ground clearance but the car rides and drives much better. Keep up the great work! Thanks, Slopemaster
if you gonna get a new door my as well drive it through with that rust . but might takes years for it to actually eat the door through. But I would freak out evrytime I see this if that was my 4runner.
Personally I would stay away from anything that had major paint / body work here in the north. It will last long enough to sell it but if prep and paint was not done correctly it won't last and will cause rust issues. That said, my brother just called me about a car he was looking at at a dealer in Upstate New York also. He said the dealer told him it was a lease turn in one owner cream puff. I did a search on the vin and discovered the car had been wrecked, sold at a city auction, repaired and put up for sale. Carfax can be wrong, and sellers can be less than honest. My fear for your 4Runner is that this rust is the beginning of something that may start happening in different places on the car. The good thing is if you decided to sell it, you could be 100% honest about the issues and still get a good dollar for it.
@@VikingsGarage I'm sure you will! Given today's market, I still think you did pretty good! I regret putting repairs into my Grand Cherokee to keep it going before deciding to trade it on my 4runner!
That’s always a great connection, you’ll find me occasionally at Harry’s u pull it. Google it, fun place but rarely ever has 4Runners 🤣 I appreciate you thinking of me. 👍🏻
That’s somewhat my goal, turn it into a full blown off-road machine. There’s so much still in store for it. Rumor has it a deposit will be made on a 2023 as a daily driver. 🤫😉
Just fix the spots on the doors and wrap it if that's what you want or put graphics on the bottomdoors,, 5 years down the line get new doors if you need them, body shop guys want that insurance money, in and out ASAP.. I know, it's trash.. truck looks good though
I know right, it sucks that they don’t care about the guy that will own it long term. I don’t know what I’m doing yet, but it’s going to be loud 🤘🏻😎 Thank you Sir!
Does the car runs fine? Is it mechanically sound? If so then invest into replacing the parts, dirty carfax? Who gives a shit? One of the best vehicles I’ve ever had, had a dirty carfax, that vehicle took me and family to the mountains so many times and made some of the best memories with it. Invest the $3-4k and enjoy it for many years to come, unless you want a $700 car payment, because another 4Runner or any other similarly capable vehicle won’t be cheap the way the car market is right now.
I hear you brother, I’m keeping her on the road for a while. At this point, holds a special place in my heart: drove my wife to deliver my son in it and brought my son home. We’ve been to so many adventures, even to Niagara Falls Canada I can keep going… the best part is; never has let us down ever. I stay on top of it and runs like a clock. I agree with you, I don’t need a car payment. Specially now that we’re expecting my little girl. It will bring my wife there to deliver her and back home safe. It’s the little things for me. I can’t quit on her. Thank you for sharing your story my fellow 4runner friend! To many more memories 🍻
Overlay the rust with vinyl overlays (off road graphic), and never buy any automobiles from north of southern Oklahoma. We in Texas, haver trusted a Yankee for anything. My 2018 Limited (32K miles) and bought NEW, with no issues.
I bought my 2005 4 runner new and been driving it every day since. I’m on my 3rd brake job, 2 nd, battery, and other than regular scheduled maintenance that’s it. Great car, rides great, good gas mileage, looks great, highly dependable, best vehicle I’ve ever owned.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Amen!!!
Thank you for sharing!!
Good gas mileage??? What can you get for MPG? I love the 4Runner but they aren't good for fuel efficiency.
BS on the good mileage unless you are comparing it to a tank.
Dude, this is such a great video for me to consider the pros and cons! And truth is, this 4Runner has been great for your family! Super appreciate your detailed videos!
I very much appreciate that! 🙏🏻
Still love you, Viking! I'm 65 years old, and have owned many vehicles. I feel your pain, but I'm glad you have attacked the issues. I had so many problems with the used cars I'd owned in the past, except, (surprisingly) old Porsches. Crazy. I started leasing cars late in life, and my last lease was a 2016 4Runner. I bought her.... It was like coming home. She's awesome. You have a great advantage with all of your knowledge, and I'm sure you'll make the best of decisions.
Thank you, I appreciate that. 🤞
4Runner’s are awesome
Old Porsches are great and sexy too.
Just found your page and have watched like five of your videos this week. Appreciate the content and your honesty in all of your videos.
🙏🏻 Thank very much!!
It's a 4Runner. It doesn't need perfect cosmetics. Just drive it off road and enjoy it.
I’m right there with you, it will live on In Utah, sold it to my brother in law. 😁
Great story/video! Really appreciate all the straightforward commentary and advice from the videos. I just purchased a 21' TDR ORP with 45k miles from Enterprise rental. Clean Carfax but no maintenance records other than most likely changed oil and rotated tires. Took it to my trusty Toyota dealer and told him to assume nothing had been done and to start all over. He took my money of course but said overall the truck checked out great and is in really good shape mechanically. I always get over 200k on my vehicles, but I've always purchased them with less than 20,000 and even then with complete maintenance records - so a little nervous. Your comments certainly help to alleviate my anxiety. Looking forward to mods!!
I appreciate your support!!
TRD ORP nice find 👍🏻
I can guarantee you that with routine maintenance, 200k will be a breeze.
Lots more content to come. 😉
It’s a member of your family at this point. It sounds like the price was good, you have enjoyed it for five years and you share it’s adventures on your channel. Fix and keep enjoying it!!
Absolutely man, we all enjoy it!
Has brought my son home from the hospital, has safety brought us so much joy!
We are giving it a nicely deserved makeover. 😉
I appreciate you watching!
I am on my 3rd 4Run. The first two I bought used (1991/310k, 1997/295k), my 2019 I bought new. I would have bought a used 4Run, but I figure I will be keeping it for close to 20 years. Either way they are worth it. Take care of the engine and drive train and they will run for ever.
What I’ve been saying all along. Perfect testament, thank you for sharing with us.
You best believe my next car is a 4runner. 😉
I love your son’s little yellow car! Too cute 💜You look like a cool dad. Thanks for all the great videos 👍🏽
☺️Thank you, I am trying.
I appreciate your kind words.
Here’s a pro tip. Before putting in new headlights, wet sand them and clear coat them with a quality clear coat. This will keep them from fading and yellowing. I’ve been restoring the old faded headlights in our vehicles this way and the results are amazing and you can wax your headlights when you wax your car. I wish I could post pictures of the results on here.
That’s very Interesting, I certainly don’t want to replace them again. I appreciate you sharing!
This does do a pretty good job. I’ve been doing what wildman’s suggested for years now.
Might just try it on the old headlights first.
@@VikingsGarage Same I've wet sanded polished them and with time and with no care to them they will fade again. Wet sanding them then clearing them with 2k clear coat they will look a lot better and last. I would use a better coating then wax. Like ceramic coating or graphene coating. There's some decent ones that don't break the bank on Amazon. Watch a few of Scott HD videos that he does tests on cheat to expensive coatings for over a year and has monthly updates on his test panels of multiple products.
Thank you!
Yes, I did the same.
I bought a used cargo van at a very low price. I could tell it was in an accident by the slightly mismatched paint but the body work was immaculate, as being a cargo van, there was no insulation in the interior so I could see all the metal panels from the inside. I'm not a body man by any means, but I couldn't see any wrinkles or welds in the body from outside or inside. I crawled under the van and couldn't see any frame repairs or major rust.
And bet you, it’s been a great van.
That was a great 4Runner, my brother in law is still driving it.
Currently at 210k miles
End of the day, most solid vehicle on the road.
I sold my 16’ but a coworker that does inspection work literally idles his 12hrs a day. AC on in summer and heater on in the winter. He complained at 180k when his water pump started weaping. I told him well you haven’t shut it off in over 6 months 😂
That is insane, but you’re absolutely right… that much abuse it was kind of expected.
It’s one of the most reliable vehicles I’ve ever owned. I’ve owned a few!!
Thank you for sharing your story.
I would have bought the truck for 21k. It's a good buy as long as it didn't have structural damage. Check the A pillar because the driver door isn't aligned to the fender or the rear door. The reason I know is because the body lines don't match up.
I will check it, although not much I can do at this point. I appreciate you watching, thank you for the info.
Thanks for all this information. I hope the best for you.
Thank you, much appreciated!
If you are not worrying about resale value of this vehicle I wouldn't even worry about it you already saved money.
Im actually not worried about the resale, they hold their value. Just don’t want to drive around in such a nice car with rust covered doors.
I appreciate you watching!!
Considering I bought a 4Runner that had a Carfax that showed two wrecks I think I answered your 1st question! The challenge with the Carfax is that it doesn't show the severity of the wreck beyond general categories. Also, I figured if the wreck shows up in Carfax it was probably fixed professionally....although as you mentioned that is no guarantee the work was done properly. I have only had my 4Runner for a little over a year and so far no major issues so time will tell if I got a good deal or not.
Fingers crossed 🤞!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Appreciate you watching!!
8 years ago I bought a mint condition Runner from a guy for $12K. It’s a 2007. Today an 8 year old runner would cost me $25K (roughly). And the best part is it’s still worth about $8K even this many years later. It’s a beast!!!
Isn’t that crazy, that’s awesome!
Similar story here, last month I got offered what I paid for it 5 years ago.
Got to love it.
Enjoy your day!
You gotta live with it. My 4Runner has waaaaaaaaay more rust under the whole vehicle than yours. I'm guessing an issue with 4Runners? But it runs great! If you don't like it - probably best to trade it in.
Mine is paid off so I'll drive it until the engine goes. Currently I have 230,000 miles on it.
230k that’s awesome, what year?
Im totally going to live with it, at a tender 168k miles she’s barely broken in + in 5 years has never let us down.
Best car I’ve ever owned.
I see a beautiful vehicle. Sometimes, when you just get a new ride, you micro-observe every detail. I did that with my Tesla. Everything looked like an imperfection at first sight. That was four years ago and I'm still super happy with my ride. Next week, I should be picking up a 2020 4Runner ORP with 46k miles, unseen in person. It is out of state private party deal. Risky, but honestly every car I've purchased in the past 6 years have all been site unseen (but all purchased from reputable dealership in Scottsdale, Arizona - Porsche, Audi, BMW).
You got a great deal on this vehicle. I'm not sure how many miles it has but that car can easily sell in this market for 25k plus even with those imperfections. Unfortunately, you will have a very hard time finding a similar year vehicle with low miles at such prices. You'll be paying in excess of 30k for a 2017, assuming under 80k miles. '
Like another commenter said below, hell yea you can sell this car for 21k easy in this market. I guarantee you it won't last a few days, even if you post this video along with the ad. No question about it.
I appreciate your thoughts and input, unfortunately as you stated, I would be paying more then 30k for another used one. So…
Yeah I’m keeping this thing untill the doors fall off, literally!
I appreciate you watching and your support!!
Good luck with the new ride!! 🤟🏻
I just bought a 2014 4runner and I worry about someday making these same discoveries. I'm sorry you feel so sick and conflicted now about your rig. When I bought mine, I did everything I could to make sure it was a good car: I had it inspected by my personal mechanic, I checked all the seams of the fenders, doors, hood and bumpers for signs of an accident. I checked the frame for rust and cross referenced multiple Carfax type information to compare and contrast. After all that, it was time to piss or get off the pot. Best of luck! I enjoy all your videos 👍.
I appreciate you, yeah Thank you.
I’m trying my best to find a good place to fix it.
After market parts are not the best ! Good on you for fixing it ! You did great 👍🏼 Try chris fix for a rust repair video.
Will look into it!!
Thank you.
Depending on the mileage, hell yeah... I'd buy that 4runner for 21k ! You can't touch that price right now.
Crazy right, our sales manager offered me 20k for it 2 months ago. It had 165k miles then 😱
(I paid 21k , 5 years ago with 79k miles)
The car market is a complete mad house right now.
I appreciate you watching!
I bought my 2018 4Runner in 2020 from a Ford dealer for a similar deal, love it!
👏🏻👏🏻
I've had good bodywork and bad bodywork, paid good money for both, finally found a place that does excellent work not terribly far away from you, will gladly recommend them if you want a quality repair, you still got a great deal on a great vehicle
I do appreciate that, but I’m actually stopping by an old friend that does some of the best bodywork I’ve ever seen. It’s about 50 miles away, but worth it. I appreciate your input. Thank you for watching!!
But I’ll take that recommendation. You never know. What’s the name of the shop?
I bought a 2014 Dodge Charger R/T with a "dirty" car fax. Whole front end pretty much had been replaced. I had that car for 4 years and doubled the mileage. Never had any issues with it!
That’s awesome, it’s a gamble but sometimes it pays off.
Thank you for sharing your story.
It was in an accident on the right side and the shop that did the work only replaced parts that the insurance company covered.
Possibly, but that’s the thing with previous accidents… one might never know the whole story.
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts.
i did the same thing. I bought a 2018 TRD off road in barcelona red with two claims both were under 2000 and I reviewed the repair documents. New front bumper replacement and rear bumper replacement. no big deal.
That was exactly my thought. I saved almost $5k at the time. I appreciate you sharing your story!!
Happy New year!!
@@VikingsGarage I didnt do as good as you did! since I just bought mine in August. Amazing how much they have appreciated in value. MSRP goes up every year.
It’s so crazy!!
Probably more rust under? Probably when on sal water or submerge on loading or unloading boat
Probably, lots of unknowns . 🤷🏼♂️
@@VikingsGarage good luck! ,still a 4runer!
Why don't manufactures make the headlight out of the same material as the tail lights? I haven't seen weathered taillights.
That’s a very good point. 🤔
The top of my headlights look the same. I think its that spray "polish" the dealers use to quickly make them look better.
5 years is not bad at all with it's condition now. It only has a small amount of rust. That can be fixed by a good body shop just not go to Maco.
I thought it's something bad like a bent frame or some grave mechanical issues.
Yeah. I’m totally getting it fixed. I don’t need car payments right now. It’s mechanically perfect.
I appreciate you!
sweet Christmas that is a beautiful red color
Thank you!! Barcelona Red
The 4runner wears it well.
Move to the great southwest bro , no snow no rust all love!!
I know right, there’s talking about moving to the great state of Utah 😎
I appreciate you!!
I just purchased my 2015 SR5 with a “dirty” one owner carfax, although I would really only consider it a dirty carfax if it had been moderate/severe damage. Upon arrival I found some very slight front bumper fitment issues which were indicated by the carfax, but also noticed the rear bumper had some issues which weren’t on the carfax. The other thing the carfax showed that every single oil change during winter months had been done in South Carolina, so that pretty much cancelled the fender benders in my opinion.
Thank you for sharing your story.
The same here, the first 60k maintenance was very good so I kind of took that as a factor.
The Dodge dealership should have changed both filters before I got there, plus their clean-up crew never clean under the 2nd row seats. So… I used that to save an additional $895 🤷🏼♂️😉
@@VikingsGarage that’s unfortunate, but like you said it’s a great bargaining chip when you bring it up to them. The reality is that many people who want to buy a car just drive to a dealership and leave with whatever appeals most to them. When you are mechanically inclined and have hunted down a few very good options, it puts you in a great position as a buyer.
I live in upstate NY and there’s a few shady dealers around me. I had to drive out to Binghamton to buy mine. I do have to say, I bought at the wrong time but I could not wait any longer than the year and a half I’ve been waiting to buy one.
I hear you buddy, right now forget it. Buying a car is almost absurd.
But I get it, that’s a long time to wait. Congrats and enjoy it!!
Thank you for your support!!
It's a collision repaired car and imperfection wil always be there. Not bad after 5 years before the paint started to bubble. If its taking you from point A to point B without a problem then you are good. Just address the rust issue so it does not spread and become unmanageable.
Yeah., I hear you.
I’m currently figuring out best course of action. Either way I’m keeping her around way past 200k , currently at 171k.
I appreciate your thoughts!!
Going to Maaco is equal to going to minute lube to get your automatic transmission serviced.
Your not wrong 🤣
Sorry you’re dealing with this but I would always spend a little more for a clean car, especially with something like a 4Runner that holds its value so well. I have 2018 cavalry blue pro bought new and hopefully will keep it throughout all the new vehicle temptations 😁
That is one of my Favorite Colors, check out my latest video… I show off my New 2022 Army Green TRD off-road.
ua-cam.com/video/PzkH3J0WIxw/v-deo.html
I appreciate your advice!
My advice : either fix it yourself, get some spray paint from Walmart online or Amazon that matches your color code (see driver door for paint code), maybe make it an off-road toy and then you'll really not care about some imperfections, either fix it properly with new Toyota parts, either sell it and get a new one (or a dodge, lol).. Good luck, I hope you'll keep it, 4runners are fun. And also, nice job with headlights.
Thank you for the tips. I’m fixing it for sure.
I’m not picky like that, as long as it’s mechanically ok. I would change the lights though. Drive it till the wheels fall off.
Absolutely will, this thing will be on the family for a while.
With my preventive maintenance that’s a long while.
Thank you for watching!
Hey sir. You’ve always helped me. Taking my 22 4Runner in tomorrow. In between 30-50 mph I hear a growel or groan noise only in 2wd in 4wd it doesn’t happen. I saw TSB 0075-23 exactly describing my issue. My wife has to drop it off, what should I tell the advisor for the “problem” to help the mechanic.
Exactly what you just explained to me. You might have a bad front differential and or needle bearings.
@@VikingsGarage. Thank you so much brother. You always help me. I watch all your videos. Love them
@morfdq I appreciate your support!! 🙏🏻
You nailed it. Need a new differential. Thank god that’s covered. Appreciate you!
@morfdq You want to hear the craziest thing ever… you know how it’s really cold outside.Therefore accentuating the issue.
Guess who also needs a Differential? 😱
Given current market, not sure selling is best option. Unless of course you have the financial means to purchase another without any concerns.
I’m not going to trade it in. It’s getting fixed, eventually.
I appreciate you watching.
I really want a 4Runner and I’ve seen a lot. I even considered getting a rebuilt title, it looked good and the guys at the dealership said it only had water go up halfway to the tire, but I knew it was going to bug me that it wasn’t a clean title. The majority of 4Runners I looked at the carfax was clean but you could tell by the gaps that it had work done. Guys go and get stuff fixed and aren’t reported. It’s a crazy time to buy anything but I may go brand new knowing it’s definitely a clean title if the prices ever come back down to earth, if not then I’ll be driving the RSX-S until it’s no more.
I don’t blame you, the market is totally bunkers right now. Wait a little, then buy new.
My fathers was a originally a rental and had car fax damage for front and it has been great. He got a great deal. I do notice that the metal tube running vertical was bent and never fixed. I don’t know if that makes a difference.
I know drain holes on door tend to get clogged causing rust so I would make sure the stay clean.
I would keep it and just fix it and never look back. Where did you get your replacement headlights and how much?
Thank you for sharing your story.
The drain holes in the doors being free of debris is an excellent point, thank you for reminding me.
I got both headlights on EBay for $200 and $95 for the Fog light assemblies. The Fog lights are new also.
I personally don’t like dealing with issues so I just bought a new 22 4Runner along with my 21 Camry XSE. It’s a good price you paid you’re just gonna have to live with them little issues
I hear you, hopefully my next 4runner will be brand new.
I appreciate you sharing!
@@VikingsGarage ofcourse, after all its just costmetics..cosmetics... that thing will run forever and trust me I've had Toyota's all my life. Not always new. We work with what we have but these cars will always take care of you. This from a guy who also drives an 07 Camry SE V6 with nearly 250K up and down all of North and Carolina on a daily basis and it's still running strong and purring like a kitten
I believe that, strong cars. 250k 👏🏻
Depending on how badly damaged it was and how well the repairs were done I most likely would have bought it. I'm thinking those rust "bubbles" were not showing when you bought the vehicle. You did get it for a good price so having to put money into it isn't the end of the world. It's such a good, dependable vehicle I think it's worth putting the money into it.
Absolutely. I’m fixing it, I need at least 3 more years out of it.
I bought it 5 years ago, it looked perfect back then, no rust at all.
My question is how is the frame? As we know the frame will determine the bones of the 4Runner. We are on 4Runner #3, 2014 4Runner, also have a 02 4Runner. If yours is 4wd and the frame is good, turn it into an off read beast with after market bumpers and other 3rd party stuff.
The frame is in great condition, I’ve been treating it for a few years. I have a feeling I might be doing a lot of aftermarket stuff in the near future.
It took me almost 20 years to replace the oem light bulbs on my tundra
lol, it only took me 5 years to finally address that headlight assembly. 😉
I bought a brand new 40th Anniversary Edition for $49k which I think it’s ridiculously expensive. BUT, I wanted to be the one who breaks it in, vehicle had only 11 miles on it. I’ve been breaking it in right. Will take care of it properly and see if I can get it to way over 300k miles.
Congratulations on your new truck, I have no doubt it will reach 300k no problem.
Welcome to the channel!
I'm sure you realize even if you are going to wrap the vehicle you are going to have to address the rust. As to the color of wrap if you decide to do so, go with a Bronze to match the wheels. Bronze with Black accents would look amazing & I'm quite certain you would have a one off. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Thank you Mark, bronze does sound pretty wild. 🤔
Sorry to hear about your badluck. How is the frame? If the frame is good and you plan to use it offroading then I would say no sweat. Because if you take it in the woods it will get some damage. If you want a ‘show car’and it bugs you then I would trade it. I know the feeling about loving your new ride but at the end everything perish. Love the work you did on her. Thanks for sharing and in the end it is not a big deal. Greetings from Yellowknife 🇨🇦.
Hey, how’s it going.
I feel you, it’s sucks to see your investment rotting away.
The frame for the rust belt, it’s not bad.
I’m going to keep on driving it and fix those doors.
Cheers 🍻
I picked instantly on the rear bumper when you first walked up the drivers side. You have a totally interesting subject there! Haven’t you said you want a new Pro anyway 😜. I feel like a wrap will still rust under it. And unless you get the bubble like spots flattened out you will see them. So get some fun trippy wrap 😁
Decisions, decisions. Knowing me I’m probably getting the doors fixed painted and 3 years later trade it in for a PRO.
Thank you for your support!
Hitting 350k on my 98 4Runner Sport. No leaks. Going strong.
That’s freaking awesome 👏🏻
Thank you for sharing and watching the video!!
@@VikingsGarage Thanks for posting!
your drivers side lights were likely replaced with non-OEM lights. The discoloration is a dead giveaway. After market UV coatings typically don't last as long as OEM. You also live in Jersey which doesn't help with the rust issues. Ex-Long Islander here and moved to Charlotte years ago. When purchasing a used vehicle the first thing I do is look at the Carfax, even if it's clean but I see it's from the Northeast, it automatically gets passed over.
Yeah it gets rough around here with used cars.
I appreciate you watching!!
Cheers 🍻
Perhaps I would have bought it. Depends on the degree of damage in the accidents. I sold a Yukon that had been in an accident but all that needed replacing was the bumper cover and one headlight.
That’s fair.
I bought a low mileage 1996 4x4 tacoma in 1999 for cheap. I bought it from a rebuilder due to being sold by the insurance company. It was torn up and different colors, missing dash ect. I rebuilt it and still have it 23 years later. I hope to get another 23 years out of it. It's got 160k miles on it now. Nothing wrong with a salvage vehicle if you know what you are doing. Car fax wasn't popular back then but even if the title was clean. Apparently they ran it through Colorado and then back through a different state which washed the title. Colorado was an old trick. I was able to get a loan from the bank because of the clean title and just never said anything to them about it. I'd totally do it again but it's not for everybody. On a family vehicle I may not do it but for a work or offroad type vehicle sure.
Super cool story thank for sharing it with us!!
I think you have it backwards on the headlights, the fogged one is the original and the clear one has been replaced. Also, Toyota has had a reputation as rust buckets for decades. I am shocked that the rust isn't worse. Keep a close eye on that frame!
I don’t have it backwards at all, re-watch the clip. I even show you the aftermarket sticker on it. You think Toyota has rust buckets try more like Nissan. And for the record you are clearly new to the channel, I’ve covered the frame issues several times, I’ve now treated my frame twice. I am the guy that replaces your frame at the dealership. 😉😎 (Toyota Master Tech here)
@@VikingsGarage Ok, glad to see that as a "Toyota Master Tech" you admit Toyota's are rust buckets, and have had the reputation forever. Believe me, yours is not the only one on earth.
Great job on headlights. If it were any other vehicle I would be weary of keeping it with compounding troubles down the road, but a 4runner, take care of the cosmetics and it will out perform any other in its class IMHO, keeping up with maintenance of course as I'm sure you're aware. I have 2007 SR5 with 170000 and it drives like new, and I live in Vermont salt belt, but I Fluid Film the frame 2x year. Great video, take care.
These things are built to last. Im a firm believer in preventive maintenance. So 🤞I’ll drive it another 60k.
I need to spray the frame again.
I appreciate your support . Thank you!!
The fitment on my 2018 Limited is the same, it pops out.
I believe it, so common they have a service bulletin that address it but doesn’t really fix it completely .
Every single 4runner I work on looks like that.
We just get used to it 🤷🏼♂️
I appreciate you watching!
@@VikingsGarage I love your channel! I thought I was the only 4Runner owner with this common issue with the bumper fitment until I started looking around on the Internet to see if other owners had the same problem. They did.
🙏🏻👍🏻
That is an easy question to answer. Do you want another payment? Keep it and maintain it. My 2011 runner I bought in March of 18 was great. The front bumper was repainted, which I knew about, the clear coat peeled like a sun burn. I ended up making my sr5 into a trail with the front and rear bumper swap. I bought all the OEM front Toyota. I also installed OEM trail front and rear lights. Looked at local body shops. Reviewed their work, found a great one. 900 to spray the bumpers. I installed them. Unfortunately later that winter the rear spoiler and shark fin peeled too. 400 bucks later it is rectified.
I am a huge preventive maintenance guy. I maintain the paint, under carriage as best as I can. My last vehicle, 99 suburban, the frame rotted out. I had it for 12 years because I just didn't want to have a payment.
Very cool, thank you for sharing!
I’m right there with you, I have no car payments and I intended to keep it that way. We do whatever it takes to keep them sharp/ reliable and on the road.
I appreciate you watching, hopefully you’ll find plenty of useful content on my channel to help you with your 2011. 👍🏻
Can the rust be cut out and new metal put on?
If the car is paid and mechanically in good shape, just fix it right. Much cheaper than buying a new one.
It’s still an AWESOME truck!
I plan on doing exactly that. I do own it, no car payments.
I’m getting a body shop to give me there opinion, I personally think that new metal could be added after cutting the rust off.
W’ll see what they say. I’ll post an update once fixed.
I appreciate your support.
@@VikingsGarage great to hear. Good luck!!
What year is it and second your first issue is coming to macco. Find a better shop, one that does better work. Those doors are fixable, might cost a little more but you’ll get a better resolution
I’ve never fixed it at Macco, I was considering Macco. I’m getting it fixed at a reputable body shop.
Thank you for watching!
I personally think you're still on top with this 4runner.
The body work done could be the insurance company the previous owner had. Geico (if that's what the previous owner had) tends to pay out the least compared to other insurance companies (they estimate using cheap aftermarket and some times junkyard prices. Offset that with a cheaper estimated bodyshop work = not so good results) and your 4runner could be a reflection of that.
- As for the doors, don't go to MAACO. That's the worst place to go (you get what you pay for). If you're thinking of replacing the entire door with good ones, I'm sure with some patience you can find a pair with same color. If not, wrapping the truck with mismatched color doors would be a decent solution 🤷♂️.
--I guess these are the issues that come with a "dirty" carfax vehicle lol
Ain’t that the truth, insurance companies will most of the times not pay enough to the body shop to complete the work. Hence why they do what they do.
I think your right, some patience and I’ll find some good doors. 👍🏻
I'll bet when they did the body work they never rust proofed before they painted. I'd do the rust work myself, sand it rust proof it, paint it, it will probably last much longer .it was probably sent to a cheap painting place, they sell rustproof products that will work if applied correctly, a bit more money but worth it.
I hear you, I wouldn’t know how to do it.
I’m going to have a trusted body shop do it, soon.
Thank you for the info.
The lights look great!
Thank you!!☺️
Wow amazing what fresh headlights do for the look ! Nice ! I'd say get the rust fixed and spray the whole vehicle after for matching. But in my opinion I dont think maacco is the place to do it. Unless you know people who have used your local one and got quality work done. Maybe find a local body shop that might want to give you a little break for some review time on the video ?? I had a red Toyota 4x4 and had body work done on the bed and didnt spray the front of the truck..it was still perfect.. ended up not matching. Red is a really tough color , even exact paint wont match because red pigment fades slightly. I think you can line up that quarter panel for the gap correction :-) It's just the money you saved earlier going back into it now.. Keep on rockin' man !
I appreciate you man.
Will post an update soon as I have one.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this.
@@VikingsGarage if they fix that rust the right way..you will have many years !
That’s my plan, unfortunately for me it’s going to be more then $1500.
Better safe then sorry right.
You did save thousands when you bought her. So my 2 cents is, keep her, and know that your awareness of the repair issues are typical. I've worked with repair shops who were perfectionists. And they did a good job. We're the replaced parts toyota OEM? Or Chinese. But you have a 4runner. You have the basics there, in excellence. Power train and electronics are superior. I lived with a 2005 subaru sti that had been hit twice by worthless deer. Rebuilt but I knew that what basics remained, such as no performance issues after repairs. Your 4runner is still a 4runner. Get the work done on the doors.
I appreciate your input, I am planning on having it addressed and fixed properly after this winter. You’d right, at the end of the day it’s got that Toyota reliability. 😉
Don't beat yourself up, things happen. You paid 21 for a fine machine with a "dirty car fax", and I paid 16 for one with almost 200k and a couple things that don't work.. but I have no regrets and love her anyway, and you should still love yours as well!
As an aside, so sorry about that repair job (I work in auto body), but the factory headlights look oh so good. Here's an idea, get an ARB winch bumper! I'd rather cut up a Keystone cover versus a factory one any day!
You got yourself a great deal and an awesome machine, we learn to accept them as they are.
Thank you, yeah I’m definitely doing something with the front bumper eventually, a winch is a must for what my plans with this truck are. 😎
Thank you for your support, I appreciate the feedback you guys give me.
Enjoy your weekend!!
Not really sure what’s not working on yours or how far you live, but I’m always ready to help a fellow 4runner owner 😉
@@VikingsGarage Hey, I appreciate that! My e-locker never worked, and the damn AC quit for the second time just before we had that stretch of 90+ degree weather up here in the NE. Any insight on either would be helpful!
The e-locker could be a wire issue or the most common Diff. Lock Actuator .
The A/C I’ve seen/replaced a few A/C compressors or a puncture on the A/C condensor which causes the Freon to leak out. 🤷🏼♂️ hard to fix over the phone. Good luck with everything 👍🏻
My 4Runner was hit from behind before I bought it.
I knew about it , it’s just body parts and paint. The trails do more paint damage anyways lol
That’s very true. Thank you for sharing!
Toyota Delearship told me I need to reseal cam stand gaskets. Is that a common thing with a 4Runner?
I went from a BMW to a 4Runner for reliability and that’s what I get hit with…
Cam Stand Gaskets, never heard of such thing in my entire life. What year 4runner Sir?
@@VikingsGarage I sent you a direct message on Instagram!
From what you show, it looks like cosmetic and not structural damage. Keep up with the rust. Living in NJ, coat the frame and floor panels. This car could outlive you.
Thanks for the tips!
There is no doubt carfax can only report what is given to them. I recently laid to rest my 2002 Isuzu Axiom for a 2023 4Runner. The Axiom was in 3 accidents. I know because I am the original owner of the Axiom. Carfax only listed 2 of them. Also I have seen used cars at dealerships promoted as clean carfax and it was evident those cars were in accidents. The dealerships did not care just as long they had the clean carfax. So, definitely Check the used cars out. My Axiom (named-Spirit), even with 3 accidents served me faithfully until the end. So for the price I think you got a deal. Those issues are minor. If the frame is straight and all things work like the engine and transmission I think you are good. For fix on the cheap, color match the paint have the auto body paint store place in a spray can and only do those minor spots that need it. Of course you will be able to tell the difference from the original paint to the aerosol paint for the first couple of months. But continued waxing and some slight compound over time will blend the paint nicely. I think you did great.
I appreciate that brother. I ultimately am happy with the truck, which has been serving us so well.
Thank you for sharing your story!
I am sorry to hear that man! That was horrible body job they did. I would leave it as is as long as car has no mechanical issues. Sell it as carfax problem car, you might get a nice deal and get all or most of your $ back because used car market is still hot! I always tell people, you get what you pay for. I have 2019 Trd pro , paid about $5k more than Off-road , when it’s time to sell, I will get much more than off-road modified ones (pro look alike).
Very true, you always do get what you paid for. Looking to keep it for a few more years and fix it. Either way I’ll keep you guys posted. 😉
@@VikingsGarage cool! Go for it! you definitely have stronger mind than mine. Mentally I would think about it all the time haha. Best of luck!
Looks nice with the new headlights!
If it were mine I'd only spend more money on mechanical issues and maintenance, as far as the cosmetic stuff id live with it but thats just me.
Thank you.
You’re probably right, I just know that I’m eventually going to address it. 🤷🏼♂️
@@VikingsGarage Doing a wrap like you said would look very cool ,probably a bit pricey but would make it look perfect. Maybe yellow or purple, something that you never see on a 4runner! Oh and put a big viking garage logo on it haha!
Now we’re talking.
Rolling publicity = more Subs 🤩
I miss my durango bro, lol ..lots of room in the back and alittle more power, less body role, and can tow 6k pounds. But wife likes the 4runner, she said it feels like a truck,, I mean it is a truck,,, the durango is a souped up wagon lol..
Very fair and Accurate, no hard feelings.
I was just dumbfounded when the sales guy told me what she traded it for.
A base model Durango 😆
The 4runner is technically on a truck frame, so yes Accurate 👍🏻
Yea, that's too bad. I can't stand body shops that don't take the time to do it right. Could have been a city body shop, depending on where the truck is originally done, or a small local place without the quality of some. I've always vowed that if I ever have a car hit, it's as good as sold.
I hear you, the reason why I know it was poor body work is because, I work on so many 4Runners. They never have rust on the doors like mine.
I do wash this truck, twice a week during winters 🤷🏼♂️
I thought by dirty car fax, i thought you would say stolen vehicle report. My 4runner has a dirty carfax due to recovery from being stolen, insurance paid out so its technically a total loss for car fax but the title is clean, this however does void manufaturer warranty. When i got mine i knew this but dealer included a third party warranty for free and heavily discounted sale price because it was sitting. 2021 9000 miles.
Wow, very interesting. Thank you for sharing. Some deals are just to good to pass. 👍🏻
Look up door shells or skins, if it's just the exterior sheet metal that's rusty. They're quite a bit cheaper than the entire door 👍
I most certainly will, thank you for the tip. 👍🏻
Door skin is like 400 from toyota
Last time I asked parts, they weren’t available with an ETA. Haven’t ordered yet.
Looking clean
Thank you!!
Check out Max Powell he has Tacoma with fiber glass mold fenders, maybe he can hook you up with his supplier that makes fiberglass doors for the 4Runner
You know, that might actually not be such a bad idea. 🤔
@@VikingsGarage hit him a DM Paul he loves Toyota’s , he got a bad ass wide body ,long travel.his really cool man he got a new 2023 tundra project on the way.
Will do! 👍🏻
For me, if I had purchased that, it would have been classified as my beater off raider. I would leave it as is as it’d get beat up even more.
Hey man where did you get the lights from and are they oem? My 2015 4runner headlights are starting to slightly haze from the top because I keep it outside in the sun all day.
Mine are not OEM , bought on eBay.
$180 for the set, brand new.
Look on Facebook markets place, I see take offs there all the time for a fair price. 🤷🏼♂️
I would likely not buy a 4runner that had been hit since the front end on these is so sensitive to vibration if everything is not perfect. If you are not having problems with it, you should keep it and drive it till it dies. It's gonna be a beater. If you don't like that idea, then trade it in. Rust has to be stopped at any cost. Anything with rust on should be sprayed with CRC 0626 Rust inhibitor which will stop it in its tracks.
I appreciate the tip, I do remember Farm project testing that stuff out. Thank you for reminding me. I’m definitely fixing it for sure. Me and the wife agreed, I need to get 3 more years out of it. 🤷🏼♂️
@@VikingsGarage You will likely get 15 more years out of it.
🤣🤣 The sad part is, we both know you’re right!!
Sorry for your troubles. IMHO, the money you saved buying the car will be spent and then some getting it in proper shape. Wraps are nice but if the corrosion isn’t properly addressed, you will still have problems. Now you know why the previous owner traded it in on a Dodge. The local Toyota dealership probably didn’t want to touch it.
If I was in your shoes, I’d cut my bait and run. If you decide to keep it, then just do minimum required maintenance and not spend anymore money on it.
Best wishes.
I’m fixing it properly and keeping it for a few more years. 👍🏻
That makes sense. It’s a good thing that you are a professional Toyota mechanic. I have no doubt that you will make it right. I really enjoy your channel. By the way I received my passenger hand holds last week. The wife tried them out and she liked them, said they really helped. No I don’t make her ride in the back all the time. Just when we take my mom out.
On a different note, I just had the spacer lift removed and 285’s. Went back to 265’s. Yes I gave up some ground clearance but the car rides and drives much better. Keep up the great work!
Thanks,
Slopemaster
I appreciate you Sir. That would have been wild if you made your wife sit in the back all the time. 🤣🤣🤣
Enjoy!!
if you gonna get a new door my as well drive it through with that rust . but might takes years for it to actually eat the door through. But I would freak out evrytime I see this if that was my 4runner.
Same, that’s why after the winter, new doors will go in . 😉
Personally I would stay away from anything that had major paint / body work here in the north. It will last long enough to sell it but if prep and paint was not done correctly it won't last and will cause rust issues. That said, my brother just called me about a car he was looking at at a dealer in Upstate New York also. He said the dealer told him it was a lease turn in one owner cream puff. I did a search on the vin and discovered the car had been wrecked, sold at a city auction, repaired and put up for sale. Carfax can be wrong, and sellers can be less than honest. My fear for your 4Runner is that this rust is the beginning of something that may start happening in different places on the car. The good thing is if you decided to sell it, you could be 100% honest about the issues and still get a good dollar for it.
Very true, I’m going to do my best to keep it in good shape. I’m fixing it up.
I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
Thank you for your support!!
@@VikingsGarage I'm sure you will! Given today's market, I still think you did pretty good! I regret putting repairs into my Grand Cherokee to keep it going before deciding to trade it on my 4runner!
What a great deal!
Thank you, best car I’ve ever owned.
So many great memories made!!
Thank you for watching.
Oh, and check out body shops other than maaco, just to get some competitive quotes
For what you paid i would say it's a heck of a deal. Everything you pointed out is super minor.
Right on!!
I’m fixing her back to her former glory.
I appreciate you watching!!
You got a great suv that will be around a very long time
Agreed, will be fixing the body soon.
Looks great
Thank you!!
Are you near western upstate ny?
Not at all, Mount olive county NJ.
@@VikingsGarage ah, I have a friend at a salvage yard out here...
That’s always a great connection, you’ll find me occasionally at Harry’s u pull it.
Google it, fun place but rarely ever has 4Runners 🤣
I appreciate you thinking of me. 👍🏻
Keep it make it into a kick ass overland jeep style doors if it's paid off just od the shoot out of it
That’s somewhat my goal, turn it into a full blown off-road machine. There’s so much still in store for it.
Rumor has it a deposit will be made on a 2023 as a daily driver. 🤫😉
Awesome video. Carfax is a false sense of security anyway...
My point precisely!
Thank you for watching!
sell 4runner,you would have to replace doors and to match paint all 4 doors. I won't replace lights or anything else/
No way, I’m not selling it. Still got lots of life left. 😎
Return it back or coll lemon law they have to give you the money back or another 4runner
I didn’t buy it new, it had previous know accidents. 🤷🏼♂️
Just fix the spots on the doors and wrap it if that's what you want or put graphics on the bottomdoors,, 5 years down the line get new doors if you need them, body shop guys want that insurance money, in and out ASAP.. I know, it's trash.. truck looks good though
I know right, it sucks that they don’t care about the guy that will own it long term.
I don’t know what I’m doing yet, but it’s going to be loud 🤘🏻😎
Thank you Sir!
Does the car runs fine? Is it mechanically sound? If so then invest into replacing the parts, dirty carfax? Who gives a shit? One of the best vehicles I’ve ever had, had a dirty carfax, that vehicle took me and family to the mountains so many times and made some of the best memories with it. Invest the $3-4k and enjoy it for many years to come, unless you want a $700 car payment, because another 4Runner or any other similarly capable vehicle won’t be cheap the way the car market is right now.
I hear you brother, I’m keeping her on the road for a while.
At this point, holds a special place in my heart: drove my wife to deliver my son in it and brought my son home. We’ve been to so many adventures, even to Niagara Falls Canada I can keep going… the best part is; never has let us down ever.
I stay on top of it and runs like a clock.
I agree with you, I don’t need a car payment.
Specially now that we’re expecting my little girl.
It will bring my wife there to deliver her and back home safe. It’s the little things for me. I can’t quit on her.
Thank you for sharing your story my fellow 4runner friend!
To many more memories 🍻
I wonder if it was an impact accident or someone tried off roading and it went bad….🤔
I believe it was the second one… 🤷🏼♂️
As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Still I would fix it.
I will!!
Overlay the rust with vinyl overlays (off road graphic), and never buy any automobiles from north of southern Oklahoma. We in Texas, haver trusted a Yankee for anything. My 2018 Limited (32K miles) and bought NEW, with no issues.
Sweet!!!
I’m seriously considering those overlays 😎