Best Years to Buy a Used Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is a popular used car choice, but certain model years have documented issues worth knowing about — including frame rust. Here's a breakdown of the best and worst years to buy.
Known Issues — Toyota 4Runner
- 2003–2009: Frame rust — same issue as Tacoma in salt-belt states [High severity]
- 2003–2015: Timing chain stretch on 4.0L V6 at high mileage [Medium severity]
Best Years to Buy
Based on documented issues, the cleanest years for the Toyota 4Runner are: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026. These model years avoid the most common documented failure points and represent the best value for used buyers.
Years to Avoid
Exercise extra caution with model years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 due to documented high-severity issues. If buying one of these years, have a pre-purchase inspection done and verify any known repairs have been completed.
- 2003–2009: Frame rust
What to Inspect Before Buying
- Run a VIN report (Carfax or AutoCheck) to check for accidents, title issues, and odometer rollbacks
- Ask specifically about Frame rust — verify it has been addressed
- Verify all open recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls using the VIN
- Have an independent mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection ($100–$200)
- Ask for service records — consistent maintenance history is the best reliability indicator
Check Repair Costs Before You Buy
See repair cost estimates, known issues, and a pre-purchase inspection checklist for any by model year.
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