2012 Toyota 4Runner — should you buy one?

Why people love the 2012 Toyota 4Runner

The 2012 4Runner pairs the 4.0-liter V8 with a five-speed automatic that drivers praise for pulling hard on dirt and pavement without feeling sluggish. The third-generation body is boxy enough that you can actually see all four corners from the driver seat, which beats modern SUVs when you're navigating tight parking lots or forest service roads. Owners keep these trucks running past 200k miles because Toyota's V8 is bulletproof if you change the oil on schedule.

Common complaints and known issues

The transmission cooling lines on 2012 models frequently leak around 120k–150k miles, dumping fluid and causing the transmission to overheat if you don't catch it fast. The NHTSA received repeated complaints about the panoramic sunroof cracking spontaneously without impact, sometimes between 60k–90k miles, and replacement costs $1,200–$1,800. Rust appears under the doors and along the frame rails in snowy climates by 100k miles, eating away the paint and metal even on well-maintained examples.

Typical asking price

Under 80k miles: $24,000–$29,000. 80k–140k miles: $18,000–$23,000. Over 140k miles: $13,000–$17,000. V8 models command $2,000–$3,000 premiums over the V6 (which wasn't offered in 2012, so all are V8). Region matters—Western trucks run $2,000–$4,000 higher than rust-belt examples with comparable mileage. Clean title, single owner, and full service records can add $1,500 to asking prices.

Ranges are typical 2026 asking prices, not appraisals. The actual fair offer depends on this specific car's title history, accident record, and open recalls — which is what EstimateProof tells you.