Considering purchasing a 2016 SR5 4Runner

Since you ended up buying it, who ended up eating that $8k?

 

Nobody ate the $8,000 the Stealership wants to replace the “bad” cats. They were planning on selling the 4Runner to the Stealership all along. I told them that whatever they are giving them I would buy it from them at the same price. With the CEL on and their assessment that it had “bad” cats they said they would pay $20,000. I paid $20,000 and will take my chances with anything that might be wrong with it. Like the casino, the house never loses. If they say it is worth $20,000, I have no problem paying $20,000. I got a copy of the assessment and read it myself. They did not come to any conclusion, except the light was on indicating there was a problem with the cats. There answer was to replace both cats and all 4 sensors.

Checking the temperature of the cats, the temperature is the same on the entrance and the exit (therefore no air flow restriction). Therefore, my assessment is that the cats are not clogged, but likely just junked up enough to trigger the sensors and CEL. I purchased a CEL Check Engine Light Fix O2 Sensor Eliminator Adapter and that caused the CEL light to go out. Sure, there might be a bit more of the bad stuff going out the exhaust than one might want, but as of 1/1/2020 we no longer are required to have emission checks. I believe once the vehicle is really driven, the cats will clean out anyway. If, by chance they get worse, I will just order something like these $320 apiece cats from RockAuto.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...0,exhaust+&+emission,catalytic+converter,5808

So far, I have bought and installed Husky Mats and an Auto Light Sensor. My Pedal Commander is getting delivered today. I ordered windshield wipers and spark plugs that I hope are delivered this week (20% off parts if ordered and delivered). My wife prefers leather and heated seats, so I am working on Katzkin seats. I have the best wife in the world. She is a great mother, great partner, wonderful person, and very intelligent. We spent the last year with her going through Cancer treatment. If she wants leather seats and heat, leather seats and heat she shall have.

 

I went from a 2015 Taco TRD OffRoad to a 2016 Trail and haven't looked back. It may sound strange but everything in the 4runner feels more refined and better built.