Need advice on buying a 4runner!
 

Here is the situation.....I have a 1998 Honda Accord with 113K miles. I've wanted a 4runner for a long time now but am not yet in a position to spend a lot of money. So I'm wondering is it reasonable to buy a 4runner with 100K+ miles on it, and expect it to run for another 100K miles? Are 4 runner's really as reliable as you hear? Specifically, I found a 2004 (4 wheel drive) with 140K miles for about $7K. My thought was that I could buy one with more miles, have it for years or so, and then get a newer one when I'm making more money.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Did you buy it? It sounds like a good deal to me. I am in a similar situation. I bought an 04 Pilot from a used car lot and found out it had torque converter/tranny rumbling noises after buying it. I returned it to the dealer and they were not so keen on giving me my money back. They offered to have me look in the lot to see if I wanted something else. The only thing I saw that I would accept a swap with was an 04 4Runner with 147000 miles with V8 engine. I took it for a short drive and it really did feel like a brute of a truck. The engine was super clean and quiet. I said what the hell, and will be picking it up on Monday. I paid 9,000 for the Pilot so instead of getting my money back I will take the 4runner. Hope it works out this time!

4Runners are known for their longevity, but there is a pretty big difference between 140K and 100K. And don't just buy a car for a year. Think about financing something with a little less mileage. My used Toyota 4Runner has about 160K, and she runs beautifully. I know the newer ones are getting better gas mileage though!!

I bought a 04 Pilot and I noticed a lot of cars he had the torque converter / tranny brands after purchase. I returned to the dealer and they were not so eager to give me the money. 4runner are known for their longevity, but there's a pretty big difference between 140K and 100K. And do not just buy a car of the year.