1995 Toyota 4Runner SR5

[StormHunter]

Hey everybody, havent been here for a while now...
Just want some help here to make a decession, I want to trade in my 1999 Grand Cherokee for an older 4Runner, and I am looking at one specific one now. Its a 1995 Toyota 4Runner Sr5 with 170k on the clock. I went to look on some reviews on it and I got a bit scared, all from Head Gaskets Recall and even some people having to rebuild there engines. I have the full history on the car and it did replace the haed gasket in 2007 at 136k also with some other things. Now I have to drive 70 miles to this car and take a look at it, should I check some other things in the history of the vehicle that should have been replaced also? What do you guys think about this.

Thanks

 

[StormHunter]

Nobody...? :sadwave:

 

[SCRunner12]

This is the first question I ask anyone buying a 4runner with the 3.0 (V6). Have you driven a 4runner with the 3.0 prior to buying? I suggest this because the 3.0 is not the greatest engine for power, fuel economy or reliability. Many people including myself have bought a 4runner with the 3.0 and been a little dissapointed. Mine is a 95 as well and my mileage is pretty poor. I don't mean to discourage you, just let you know what you are getting yourself into.
Besides that, the head gaskets shouldn't fail on you anytime soon. As long as they were done right. I would look for any leaks like the power steering pump and rear main seal. You didn't say if it was an auto or 5 speed, but you should be fine either way. Timing belt and water pump should have been replaced or they may need to be soon. Every 90k for those and I'm assuming they did it with the head gaskets. There was a recall on some of the steering components, so they should have been replaced. You can look up if it has any recalls that aren't done using this site Toyota Owners Online | Official Toyota Owners Website.
Obviously just do the normal checking of brakes, lines, all windows and electrical components. If it has 4wd, I would check that by putting in 4wd and driving a couple of feet just to be sure. The 2nd gens are a solid vehicle and a blast to drive. Good luck with your purchase.

You could also move this post to the 2nd gen sub forum. You will probably get more responses there.

 

[StormHunter]

Thanks SCRUNNER12
Well everything you said seemed to have been done on it, they Repl the Water Pump, Repl Rear Shocks, Repl Steering Relay Rod and they also took care of the oil leak. Ive already been informed about its lack of the power which really doesnt bother me, Im going to be using it as a daily vehicle and will probably just be using the 4wd in the snow. Now about the MPG is it something really out of this world? Will a feel a big diference from my V6 Grand Cherokee? Im just doing this trade because my Cherokee is not in the very best condition and I really dont like it much, and I love the older 4Runners, Im more of an old school type.
PS: How do you move the Thread?

 

[SCRunner12]

It sounds like it is a solid 4runner then. I noticed you were in New Jersey, so I'm sure you know to look for rust. MPG's seem to vary among the 3.0's. Most people get around 14-16 in the city and 18-20 on the freeway. I don't know why, but I average about 14-15 for mixed driving. A recent road trip I averaged about 18. It might be around your Grand Cherokee or a little worse. I also attribute my mileage that I'm running 31's AT, which don't help the cause. It should be fine around town. I don't know about moving a thread, usually the admins will do that, but you could just repost the original info you put up in a new thread in the Classics forum.