About the Toyota 4Runner.
The 4Runner is what you buy when you want a body-on-frame SUV that's actually built like a truck. The 5th-generation 4Runner has been in production since 2010 with the same 4.0L V6, the same 5-speed automatic transmission, and largely the same chassis the whole run — which means parts availability is excellent, mechanics know it inside and out, and the platform has been refined and proven over a long production run. Trims run SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, Limited, and the family-focused 4Runner trim with optional third-row seating. Four-wheel drive is part-time on most trims with low range, and the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models add Crawl Control, KDSS suspension, and locking rear differentials. The interior is dated by modern standards — physical knobs, older infotainment, no cutting-edge driver assists — but that's part of why the 4Runner has the following it does. It's built to last, not to feel new every two years. South Mississippi buyers who want a 4Runner usually want it for hunting trips out past Collins, off-road exploring, or because they've owned one before and refuse to drive anything else. They're easy to find on the market but rarely cheap.
Why buy a used Toyota 4Runner?
There is no other vehicle on the road that holds value like a 4Runner. A six- or eight-year-old 4Runner with reasonable miles often sells for 70% of its original sticker — which sounds bad until you realize most other SUVs have lost 50% by then. That tells you something about how the market views these. The 4.0L V6 and 5-speed transmission combination is one of the longest-proven drivetrains on the road, and finding one with 200,000 miles still running strong is normal, not exceptional. Off-road capability is real — locked rear differentials on TRD models, KDSS on equipped trims, real low range. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, enough for a bay boat or small camper. Cargo room is generous, especially with the back seats folded. If you're buying a vehicle to keep for 10+ years and you want one that won't leave you stranded, the 4Runner is one of the best answers on the market.
What to watch for on a used Toyota 4Runner.
4Runners are about as trouble-free as used SUVs get, but a few things are worth knowing. KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) on TRD Off-Road and certain Limited trims can develop hydraulic fluid leaks at the actuator — check around the rear suspension for fluid signs and feel for any binding when turning at low speeds. The 4.0L V6 has been known to develop a vibration in rare cases, usually traced to tires, ball joints, or alignment — check for clean steering feel on the test drive. Watch for rust on examples from northern climates, especially around frame rails, brake lines, and exhaust hangers. The 5-speed automatic is robust but benefits from regular fluid changes; ask about service. On higher-trim models with the rear sliding window, the motor can quit and isn't cheap to replace. Brake pads and rotors wear normally — nothing unusual. Higher-mile examples are still good buys if they've been maintained — these run a long time. We pull a CARFAX on every 4Runner before it goes on the lot.
Financing & trade-in.
Get pre-qualified in two minutes with a soft credit check — no impact to your score. Top national lenders, rates as low as 4.9% APR for qualified credit. Trading in your current vehicle? Get an instant offer online, valid seven days.