2004 mileage

[wingtcoach]

My father in law has offered me his 04 sr5. It has 159000 miles on it the vast majority of which are highway miles ( he is an NCAA official) its been well maintained and even has the original battery on it. He's asking 7500.00 . Is that a good deal and how long can I expect it to last.

[chuckoff]

Original battery? Expect to replace that. 8 year old battery seem too good to be true. If well maintained should go close to 300k.

[wingtcoach]

Thanks for responding. Yes, as unbelievable as it may be its the original battery. The vehicle was used on some long hauls to basketball games, very little city driving. I bet the cd player has been used twice. He's close to 70 yrs old so offroading is not an issue. I think he said the four wheel drive had been engaged 4 times for snow. I'm selling my nissan truck with 63000 miles to get this just because I don't want two cars.

[jetwhine]

wingtcoach,

You are coming up to a timing belt change. Save your money, about 600-1000 dollars to replace it, if you don't do it yourself.

[wingtcoach]

Is that something a local mechanic could do or does that need to be done at the nearest toyota dealership? How do I know when its time for it to be changed?

[earthrealm]

i tot the 04's dont have a timing belt, that they hv a chain instead.....pls correct me if am wrong.i thinks its the 03 that has a belt

[jetwhine]

2003 - 2010 V-6 chain

2003 - 2009 V-8 belt

2010 4 cylinder chain

[wingtcoach]

So does it cost more with a timing chain?

[jetwhine]

wingtcoach,

If you have the v6 then you don't have to worry about it. 7500 sounds like a good deal too me.

[canddmeyer]

Good deal. Jump on it.

[wingtcoach]

I got the 4runner. The father in law wasn't much on keeping it clean so I detailed the entire car and it looks like a new one. Few minor dings here and there. Is there anything mechanically I should have checked out or replaced? Any help would be appreciated.

[jetwhine]

wingtcoach,

Brakes, fluids, and lube to the drive lines/universal joints. Maybe a radiator flush and add Toyota coolant only. Its about 30 dollars a bottle but worth the money for the cast iron/alluminum engine. Also maybe a new set of NGK or Denso sparkplugs. Do not use any other brand as you will be asking for problems, Toyota's like the NGK or Denso only.

[wingtcoach]

Would it be best to have all this done at the dealership.? What would you estimate total cost?

[jetwhine]

wingtcoach,

I would say if you don't have all the tools to do the jobs then yes a dealership might be the answer for you. As far as cost that will very but I would say anywhere from $300-$800 dollars. Don't thrash me it is just a guess.

[wingtcoach]

I think I will leave it to the professionals. I can barely change my own oil.