Should we fix our 2003 SR5 with $4,793 in repairs… or sell it?

Toyota Truck, SUV and Vans Forum Toyota 4Runners
1

My mother-in-law bought this 4Runner new and it’s been in the family ever since. It has 264k miles and definitely shows its age. Her ex-husband used to handle maintenance, but now that’s on me. I took it to a trusted local mechanic because it was leaking a bit of oil and the brakes were acting up.

The repair estimate came back at $4,793. The 4Runner probably isn’t worth more than $4k or $5k in its current state—maybe less. But even with its quirks, we actually like driving it (don’t ask why—I used to drive an Audi S5!).

Here’s the list of what it needs:

  • Front and rear brakes and rotors
  • Rear main seal (mechanic wants to do all seals due to age)
  • Timing chain and tensioner
  • Oil change and tune-up

Is it worth dumping money into this, or should we sell it as-is and move on?

2

With how expensive cars are now, I’d get a second opinion and really weigh the cost of fixing it against buying something else.

3

Flann said:
With how expensive cars are now, I’d get a second opinion and really weigh the cost of fixing it against buying something else.

This was actually the second opinion. First shop quoted even more. This mechanic is well-known locally. My mother-in-law says she’s done taking it to shops—wants to take a couple days and weigh her options.

4

@Heath
You could find a 4th gen with under 200k miles for less than $10k if you’re patient.

5

A few things to think about:

  1. If you fix it, how long will it last?
  2. How much would a replacement cost?
    2a. If you can’t get something comparable for the same price, fix it.
    2b. If a new one would also need work, you’re better off just fixing this one.
    If you spend $4.7k and it lasts another 5+ years, that’s a great deal.
6

@Zander
That’s all fair. Not sure she wants to drop that kind of money on it though. She’s been looking at newer options anyway.

7

I’d just fix the brakes at a cheap shop, top off the oil when needed, and drive it till it quits. At 264k, I wouldn’t sink $5k into it.

8

RuthMitchell said:
I’d just fix the brakes at a cheap shop, top off the oil when needed, and drive it till it quits. At 264k, I wouldn’t sink $5k into it.

That’s kind of where I’m leaning too. Mechanic even said he might know someone who’d buy it as-is, so we’re checking into that too.

9

Timing chains usually last forever. We didn’t replace ours on an old Camry until over 400k when it started making noise. Everything else sounds like normal wear stuff.

10

Finnian said:
Timing chains usually last forever. We didn’t replace ours on an old Camry until over 400k when it started making noise. Everything else sounds like normal wear stuff.

Yeah, that’s what I thought too. But I guess 264k miles is already pushing the limits a bit, haha.

11

@Heath
My WRX made it past 275k. A 4Runner still has some life left in it!

12

Pretty standard stuff honestly. If you can do the work yourself, it’s cheap—just takes time. My ‘90 needs a lot of the same things.

13

I’d call it a money pit. Once you start replacing stuff, other things tend to go wrong too. At the very least, do the brakes and keep it moving.

14

I’d just handle the brakes and change the oil. Keep an eye on fluids and top off as needed.

15

You could do the brakes yourself and maybe try AT-205 for the leaks. That stuff works wonders.

16

Marlowe said:
You could do the brakes yourself and maybe try AT-205 for the leaks. That stuff works wonders.

If she doesn’t decide to just buy a new car this week, that might be the move.

17

Honestly just sounds like regular high-mileage maintenance. I’d fix it.