New 4Runner Owner After a Short Duration With a Tacoma (long intro post)

[JRA2000TL]

Hey everyone...just picked up an 07 4Runner SR5 about a month ago after a louzy experience with an 04 Tacoma. To make a real long story short, I purchased an 04 Tacoma PreRunner V6 Xtra Cab, TRD sport with 109k for $11,300. I bought it from a small independent lot specializing in late model, mostly high-end cars. 2 weeks after I had it, it started knocking. Dealer bent me over throwing parts at it to try to fix it and ran up an $1100 bill. After previously writing service, I knew how to handle the situation. They gave almost 1/2 my $ back because they told me I had a bad main bearing after they initially thought it was a timing belt tensioner then a wobbly fan clutch. 2 independent shops confirmed the bad bearings. Not wanting to put an engine in an $11k truck I already owed $ on, I traded it. The selling dealer wasn't exactly going to do anything about it or give me a great trade since I bought it as-is. (no noise when I bought it, truck seemed to be fine) but was going to work with me.

Anyway, I drove a 4Runner the guy had (05) but it had a cracked dash. I didn't want it and was leery to do business with him again. My cousin is the F&I manager at the local Honda dealer. I found an 07 SR5 with high miles (73k), but it had the 17" alloys and was a 1 owner, clean, local trade.

I absolutely loved the vehicle except for the fact that it wasn't fully loaded. They had about $23k on it but I picked it up for around $19,700 (which I thought was still too high IMO). Apparently that was about $800 over what they had in it. Then they gave me a $150 allowance toward a tow hitch (truck was pre wired). I got an extended warranty and gap at my cousin's cost. I'd rather have a Toyota warranty but a 7/100 would do me no good with 73k already on it. Against my better judgment I bought the aftermarket crap warranty (only b/c I got it at cost--$1150). Usually I refuse these evil things, but after the truck scare, I wanted some peace of mind. The dealer also offered a lifetime engine warranty on the vehicle as long as I own it.

I'm really happy with this truck. I think I want to add leather. My uncle, (also works at a dealer), said he'd get it for me at his cost of $850. Anyone else add leather to theirs? These trucks are big $$$. I would have loved to have had the sport or the limited.

Oh it has the V6, which I wanted..no timing belt to worry with! It also came with brand new Bridgestone Dueler tires, which cost about a grand installed. The high miles (73k) on the truck somewhat bother me with it being only an 07, but I hear these are reliable vehicles--let's hope.

[canddmeyer]

The high miles are nothing to worry about, as long as the vehicle was maintained. I'm surprised it didn't come with a hitch like my 2003 did. I thought they all came with a hitch from 2003 on. The 4Runner is very solid and I wouldn't suspect any problems from here on out, except making the payments of course! I live where the summers can be triple digit, so I prefer the cloth seats. Enjoy .