Quote:
Originally Posted by IBallEngineer
Although you make some very good points, I don't think the situation for a non-wrencher is as dour as all that. $5000? Well that is reflective of a $500 car right? I've had my wife's 3RZ since 2013, and my 5VZ since 2016. The value of what I've done on both might add up to that much, but that includes a TBU and 4 different sets of tires(used of course). But still some people over spend on repairs, get taken by crooks, or try replacing parts before knowing what the problem really is. So although we have some awesome rigs, they are not without their issues that for some people would be a deal breaker. I've needed rear axle seals for the last year, someone less informed might have spent big money getting that done right away. Oil on my brakes? Oh the calamity. I'll get to it this fall. Still compared to making a $500/mo payment, the maintenance isn't really that bad. And ALL vehicles need maintenance, some just need less. Some need more **cough"bmw"cough**. Haha
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Not necessarily. The only repair I've had to do that I wouldn't consider necessary to daily drive any 20+ year old 4runner or Tacoma is a new headgasket. I didn't include that in my estimate, but my runner also has the 3RZ. Any 3.4 4Runner will need the timing belt done unless you've paid a premium for one that's already been done.
By the time you go through the brakes, suspension, misc interior repairs, radiator, timing belt, water pump, along with other possible things like tires, battery, filters, etc. You are simply hemorrhaging money. Thousands of dollars in repairs and maintenance. That is my whole point as it's probably less than $1000 done yourself.
For the average person who's not going to be doing repairs and maintenance themselves I personally believe that the 4th gen is a much wiser investment at this point. It still carries full factory and aftermarket support for everything. Will be anywhere from a couple years to 13 years newer, has more power, an extremely solid nearly maintenance free drivetrain (215k on my moms 08 FJ without even an oil leak) and is an overall more refined and comfortable vehicle without sacrificing much of anything.
You'll likely pay more upfront, or you could pay the same amount even, I've seen the "low mile" 4Runners at some local dealerships listed for the same 12-13k as the equivalent 4th gens, so it depends where you shop.
Like it or not, the 3rd gen runners and 1st gen Tacomas are quickly becoming hobbyist vehicles more than everyday drivers.
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'97 3RZ 5 Speed "FrankenRunner" (
Build Thread) - Dormant
The "shitmobile" 500$ 3RZ Auto 4Runner - (
Saved from the Scrapyard: Resurrecting a 500$ 3rd Gen
02 Tacoma Double Cab, mid-travel, locked, armored, supercharged and riced. (Longbed and 5 speed in the works)