Hello All,

Please help settle a debate I'm having with myself. Here is the issue: I bought the 90 4runner that I own somewhat recently. I'm new to 4runners and since I've bought it, Ive had several problems. I'm now thinking that the timing belt is a bit off (not much power, runs rough). If I have to replace that it seems that its going to cost a lot of $$. I've already had to replace the starter, ps pump, battery, air filter, fan/clutch, do a full tune up, and every time I drive it I feel like something else is going wrong. So I'm kind of pissed off, I got screwed. So here's my question:

Should I...

a) See the course, 4 runners are good vehicles and spending the $$ on repairs is worth it.

or

b) Buy another second generation 4runner for a couple thousand and switch out the parts with the ones I've had to buy new for my current heap, with the idea being that 4 runners are good vehicles and its not likely that I'd get another one as bad as the one I have now.

Please, I need help with this decision. Funds are limited, and its crucial for me to have a good working vehicle.

Thanks in advance, I look forward to your replies.

what motor Is in it and how many miles. You have already replaced a few parts and they do wear out. I have 412,000 on my 95 ( new engine at around 300,000 rebuilt tranmission) but everything else is solid on it. If the body and frame are not rotted out then I say get the timing checked out, Buying a parts truck is not a good idea if all thats wrong is the timing cause thats not gonna help. replacing old warn out parts with old almost warn out parts causes headaches down the road.
Also you have to remeber you bought a 21 year old truck.

My advice is find out what the problem is for sure. Take it someone who knows, or pay a shop to diagnose. It may end up being cheaper than throwing money and parts at it that may or may not fix the problem.

You've replaced a good deal of things already, meaning that you already know (assuming you do good work ) that those parts will not cause you another problem.

Running rough with low power can be anything from an opinion (Newsflash: 1st and 2nd gens are underpowered), to a minor adjustment with the TPS to a shot engine.

Figure out the problem, then go from there. Never forget that although Toyotas are reliable, you're working on a 21 year old vehicle.

So last night on the way to the grocery store the alternator went out I think. Having it bench tested then I'm looking at a 94 with 190 k and a recently replaced t belt and water pump. I haven't even told you about the rattling sound mine makes when I drive. Its a 3.0 by the way. Driving me nuts.

Alternator did in fact go out, and I didn't buy another 4runner. I did however replace the drivers side cv axle and the calipers and rotors, pads and put new bearings. In case you're wondering, since purchasing this vehicle less than 2 months ago I've had to replace the parts I listed above plus the Starter, Alternator, Battery, PS pump, Fan/fan Clutch; in addition to a tune up consisting of wires, plugs, cap and rotor. Also misc. plastic parts like the Coolant reservoir and fan shroud etc. I'm hopeful that I won't spend half this weekend fixing this car, but its 9:13 here on Friday, and based on my previous experience I'm due for something to break. Anyone want to guess what it'll be?

You are due for a transmission explosion!!!!!

Awesome.

Turns out it was the speedometer of all things. Maybe transmission next time.