Used 2009 Toyota 4Runner Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 4Runner, so we've included reviews for other years of the 4Runner since its last redesign.
Love it!
ksdogwalker, 03/12/2014
2008 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
17 of 17 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck used in 2011, with 138k miles. Yes, you read that correctly: 138,000 miles! Everything had just been 100% serviced and it was like buying it brand new. In the 30k miles I have had it (including driving halfway across the country), I have only had 2 issues. 1. I have had the driveshaft (?) lubricated twice due to a "thunk" sound and small lurch when stopping - no charge by the dealer; apparently it is common. 2. This winter, the back hatch has begun to freeze when it's below 30° outside and becomes impossible to open (at least for this gal!). Sort of a pain. Of note: the paint scratches relatively easily, but I haven't noticed any rust issues. Just irritating.
It keeps going…and going…and going…
rjw2000, 04/19/2014
updated 05/17/2023
2008 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
23 of 24 people found this review helpful
Update, 5/23: Finally, something broke, at 215k miles. On a rural freeway my radiator sprang a leak. I had it towed to my repairman. He found there was evidence of very slow leakage in all four corners. One tow and new radiator. First major repair, ever. Perfect vehicle. Toyota has me as a customer for life. Update, 11/22: Still going strong. 210 k miles. Still no repairs. Engine purrs; steering’s tight. A car can’t be any better than this! Update, 5/22: Other than normal oil, lube, filters and tire rotation, no change. I just had it detailed, to clean up some puppy mud. I replaced three little light bulbs in the dash in about 1/2 hr. Still going strong at c. 203k. Update 11/21: Nearing 200k. About a year ago the latch that closes the rear hatch froze up with rust. We have lots of salt in MN winters. The dealer repaired it. So far, other than maintenance, my needed repairs were: 1) A rubber boot on a front axle needed to be replaced. 2) That latch needed to be replaced. That’s it. Perfect vehicle. It might make 300k. Update: 11/20: Good old 4Runner now has 185k miles. No repairs done since last review. The latch release for the rear hatch has rusted shut. I finally need to have dealer repair work at nearly 185k mikes. Excellent vehicle. Update: 4/20 Still its same wonderful self. 175k now. Doesn’t use a drop of oil. 19 mph; 17-18 with trailer. This winter the electric latch on the tailgate quit releasing, and I need to replace a dash lightbulb in the heater control section. Amazing vehicle. Update: 4/19 4Runner now has 162k miles. Steering is still tight. No rust except small spot on driver’s door sill. The only repair was a torn boot on a front CV joint. Mechanic, who is a family friend replaced both front CV shafts for good measure. That’s it at 162 k. Remarkable, amazing vehicle!! In June of 2013, a full-sized crew cab Chevy pickup ran a red light and hit my left front corner. My left rear corner swung around and his his R. R. side. $23,000 body damage to 4runner, and they couldn't open the hood. Front end was bent about 10" to the right. Adjuster said the 4runner probably saved me from serious injury or worse. I came out without a scratch. Update: 4/18- ' Car now has 145k, and has been problem-free since I bought it at 28k. I have replaced one set of tires, brake pads and front rotors, and regular maintenance. That's it. Front end is still tight, and even though it's now 10 years old, it only has one tiny spot of rust, and that's on the driver's door sill, about the size of a dime. An outstanding vehicle! The dealer found me an '08 with only 29k miles- it's virtually identical, but grey not black. It's been a great vehicle. It's been elk hunting in CO, fishing on logging roads in Canada, and through some bad winters in MN. Excellent vehicle. I get 19 mpg unless towing a heavy boat, (16). 24 at 65 on the freeway. Update: 4/16 4Runner now has 90k miles. I have still had zero repairs. Steering and suspension still feel tight. I have one spot of rust on the driver's side door frame. Update:10/17 I just replaced the Sam's Club Michelin tires that had 115k miles, and still had about 3/16" of tread. 4Runner now has 130k miles, and the only repair has been to replace the spark plugs, brakes and front rotors, as well as normal maintenance. It has been as close to a perfect vehicle that I can imagine. Steering and suspension are still tight and sound. All systems are functioning perfectly, although sometimes the side mirrors are slow to respond to controls. Rust spot on door frame hasn't changed. No other body rust. Update: 10/19: Just passed 170k. Still no repairs needed. Front end still feels like new. All A-OK.
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Loved...Loved...Loved my 2008 4Runner!
horseluver5, 08/18/2014
2008 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
I had a 2008 4Runner that I bought in December of 09'. I loved that car from the first time I drove it. It was great in the snow, rain or mountains. The 6 cylinder had enough power to get me where ever I wanted to go. Unfortunately on August 3rd I was in an accident where we were basically hit head on, but to the amazement of everyone we "walked" away with minor injuries! It was me, my daughter and my 3 year old granddaughter in her car seat in the back. Us two up front have injury from the seatbelts/whiplash but my granddaughter is completely fine. I can't say the same for my car, she didn't make it through the accident but she did save our lives! Best Car Ever!
Yea, I loved my 2008 Urban Runner
snowchasr, 08/26/2014
2008 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
22 of 24 people found this review helpful
This was my dream vehicle. It handled well on the highway, was great in winter conditions, and is one of very few SUV's that have any strong styling anymore. Furthermore, with the truck frame, I believe it is one of the safest. I too was involved in a head on accident at 65 Mph and survived well in this truck! When I originally purchased this vehicle in Spring of 2009, I was glad to have the confidence of all the safety features, but never thought I would have to use them in such a severe accident. Glad to have survived, wish my 4Runner did too.
Bought it with 180k miles, and it rides like new!
Indiana Bruce, 10/28/2016
2008 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
I saw this on a dealers lot with over 180,000 miles on it, and it looked like new. Knowing it was a Toyota, I bought it. Am SOOOO glad I did. I have the 6 cylinder and often pull a 7x14 lightweight cargo trailer with it. It does great. I love so many things about Toyotas. A headlight went out, and it was about $12 and took less than 5 minutes to replace. I just changed the oil tonight, and it's so easy. The filter is easy to get to, and even has a shroud around it to catch any oil that runs off so it doesn't mess up the engine area. Oh, and it's now about 210,000 and doesn't use a DROP of oil and runs like new. The body and paint are still perfect with no signs of rust or corrosion. I expect to easily get 300k or maybe more. Love, love, love it.
Made in Japan
JML56, 12/14/2020
updated 12/11/2023
2008 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought mine in 2009 with 25K miles on it. I now have 204K and I've never had a moment's trouble with it. These are solid vehicles, with the proven engine, simple (by today's standards) 5-speed transmission, and remarkable resale value; frustratingly so if you're in the market for a used one. There's a reason they hold their value, and it's not just because of the cult-like following, it's because they last. 12/7/23 Radiator finally developed a very small leak at 226,000 miles. A local independent Toyota/Lexus mechanic performed a safety check and found my left front wheel bearing was bad as well. First major repairs; not bad for a vehicle with that mileage.
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just get it!
drew, 10/06/2015
updated 04/06/2016
2008 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Don't waste your time looking for something else if you want a true off road capable, comfortable, reliable, all around great vehicle. I bought mine with 66k last year have almost 90k now a year later. The only problem I had is the stupid owners before me bought the worst possible tires for snow. I went and bought some blizzaks and now it's unstoppable in a Minnesota winter. I have never written a review for anything before. I freaking love my 4runner.
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Saved My Life
John, 03/26/2009
2008 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I drove a 2006 4Runner until it was totaled on January 29, 2009. That vehicle gave me back my life. It suffered a severe side impact at 55 MPH, rolled twice, slid on its roof and ended up with the driver's side on the ground. I walked away with no serious injuries. Even though there was severe damage to the sides and roof of the vehicle and suspension parts and some of the drivetrain were all over the highway, the roof pillars never collapsed and the interior was intact. Before making the 06 purchase, I did check to see which SUV's best protect their occupants. The 4Runner was the leader hands down. Now I am driving an 08. This time I made sure that I had the side curtain air bags.
Best Vehicle ever!
Brian Petersen, 11/17/2015
updated 03/21/2023
2008 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
I have had my 2008 SR5 V6 (red salsa pearl) for 15 years and it has proven to be the most enjoyable vehicle I have ever owned. Perfect reliability, useful utility configuration (I love the unique lift-gate power window), great comfort, excellent audio system (I still use MP3 CD's), and a great looking design. With normal dealer maintenance there have been no problems at all. I have no trouble with winters in Iowa, and always look forward to driving this sharp looking model. I installed a chrome horse head hood ornament so I could always look between a horses ears as I drive... I like to think of it like riding an ultra-smooth powerful horse.
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Wanted one for years
Danjo, 04/26/2010
2008 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
After reading tons of these reviews and finally getting a 4Runner I would like to put in my two cents. Build quality is great. Did not get the sunroof option as it really does limit head room. I get about 14-15 mpg in the city but average 21-22 on the highway. The only way that I have been able to get better on the highway is on roads with a 55mph limit. Then I can get around 24mpg. I really like pretty much everything else about this vehicle. We pulled out the fold up rear seats and used the 4runner as pick up during a recent move. Great family vehicle as well.
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