1996 reliability?

[Jordy22]

Hello everyone, I really want a 4runner but have come to realize that I probably wouldnt have more then $4500 to spend on one. so my question is how reliable would a 1996 with higher miles (up to 200k probably) be as an every day driver and occasional outdoors vehicle?
thanks jordan.

 

[audiness]

most people consider the 3g 4runner to be one of Toyota's most reliable vehicles. But, it really depends on how its been maintained (regular oil changes, etc). i would take a well maintained high-mileage 4runner over one that's been neglected anyday.

 

[Jordy22]

thank you very much audiness! Also im guessing a 4runner is better then xterra?

 

[4Running Daily]

Hello everyone, I really want a 4runner but have come to realize that I probably wouldnt have more then $4500 to spend on one. so my question is how reliable would a 1996 with higher miles (up to 200k probably) be as an every day driver and occasional outdoors vehicle?
thanks jordan.

Like he said, depends on maintenance.

I have a 1996 with 162k miles. It had pretty casual maintenance, not the best, not the worst.

The things that are major I've replaced.

Head gaskets at 150k
TB and Waterpump at 150k
One Fuel Injector at 156k

I have a 5-speed so I also had to replace the Slave Cylinder and the Master Cylinder at 158k.

This is my Daily Driver and the only time it left me on the side of the road was the fuel injector.

 

[downpour11]

Just depends how the truck has been maintained. My 96 is at 406k miles original motor and tranny.

 

[Trekerjohn]

I have a 96 with 253,500 which I bought at 250,000. It is not my DD, and I have done mostly suspension work on it, but it runs like it's new and gets 20 mpg on the highway. Original engine and tranny. I agree with the others. If you find a good one, it would be a good buy at $4,500, or even more. I paid $5,700 for mine (it's a Ltd, 4x4 w/ leather and sunroof) and have put a few $thousand into it. I would do it all over again.

 

[nissanh]

If you know how to use a compression tester, use it and check the compression in all 6 cylinders.
One quick method is, while engine is running pull the dip stick (oil fill cap must be fully closed at this time). If it gives fumes, smoke or oil drops the engine is close to be out (due to back pressure). You can rev the engine and still you should not see any of above.

 

[Jordy22]

thank you very much for all the info everyone!

 

[Castaway]

I have a '96 with 234838 on the odometer. I bought it a little over one yer ago with about 225k miles on it. Since then I have had to replace the Master cylinder, rebuild the front end after a ball joint failed, and replace the seals in the rear axle. Oh, and the dealership rebuilt the front brakes before I took delivery (or so they claim, I am beginning to doubt that claim).
The truck was all factory installed parts as far as I could tell except for the brush guard a previous owner had bolted to the bumper (torn up the stock brackets once, and working on tearing them up again).
I have spent a bit on getting fluids changed, but that was preventative since I did not have documentation about the last time the fluids were changed.

Just to clarify, I have recently come to believe that the former owner(s) did not do regular maintenance. To use a horse term; my t4r was ridden hard and put up wet. Or, so I've come to believe.

That being said, right now it's purring along perfectly happy. And, me being a college student, I am not the nicest to my truck (though I do try to do regular maintenance).

 

[duckrunner]

i have a 96 limited with 214xxx daily driven that i got lucky and paid 1800 for still in good condition and it runs like a champ, i did have to take it to the dealer for a whole new wiring harness buuut thats also cause it sat outside untouched for 2 years

 

[mnkeith]

thank you very much audiness! Also im guessing a 4runner is better then xterra?

Drive one and see for yourself...but I did not care for the Xterra (early '00s) at all. I've owned a Titan and Pathfinder that I did like, especially the Titan.

Bought a 4runner for a lot less than an Xterra and while it is slower than a box of rocks, it doesn't "feel" underpowered. It just feels like a tank, slow and built fairly well.

 

[HCurphy]

If you know how to use a compression tester, use it and check the compression in all 6 cylinders.

This is great advice, a 5 or 3VZ will last a very long time if treated properly. And, compression is a good indicator of that if done properly.

Everything said I agree with. I, too, have a '96 with nearly 300k miles on it. Changed very few parts. My only fear is that my headgasket is on the way out, I only know this because i left the country for a few weeks and got mucho white smoke on start up after sitting(but, ya know, it did start right up after sitting for three weeks). When I'm driving it everyday, which is all the time, I still can't tell the motors not new. It runs like it. Point being, they just keep going. If head gaskets don't scare you away, then theres not much worse that can happen to one of these motors. (there are few cases of cracked heads, and there was one guy I've seen that threw a rod.)

I would think a 4runner would be a good match. I won't mislead you though, there are issues that need to be addressed, and if whatever 4runner you buy doesn't have it documented, you need to put some money in up front to address the known issues. (Lower ball joints, radiator, and good maintenance, fluids, front brakes aren't the greatest but can be improved)

If the budget is firm at 4500, I would try to find a 3.5k 4runner and get it tip top. Then drive it worry free.

(If you do want to consider some other things, I'll put in a vote for well a well maintained pathfinder, I think they are said to be nearly as reliable.)

 

[shadow247]

Just depends how the truck has been maintained. My 96 is at 406k miles original motor and tranny.

I'm close to rolling 346k on an original motor and tranny. It's had 2 timing belts, 1 rearend, about 110 oil changes, and been in 3 wrecks. I took it to the beach 3 hours away at least 6 times this summer and it never missed a beat. I even sat in traffic for 4 hours on the 4th of July weekend and it gave me not one bit of trouble even after driving 35 mph across the hot beach! Just make sure the one you get has been maintained and you will be in good shape. As long as they have done regular oil changes everything else is pretty simple. Put aside a few hundred bucks for repairs in the first few months, because you never know what will pop up when you buy a used vehicle.

 

[S Brake]

I have a 96 Limited automatic with 144k that is my daily driver. Bought it for $3900 in August. Other than a CEL related to a bad O2 sensor, no problems at all.

 

[thebrandon]

thank you very much audiness! Also im guessing a 4runner is better then xterra?

I have not ever owned an Exterra, but I did have a Frontier which has the exact same motor. Nissan's 3.3L for the most part is a solid motor that will last a long time, with the exception of the knock sensor which fails on a regular basis. I went through two within a year. They are tricky to replace, and will cause a check engine light to come on so it's not something you can just ignore depending on emissions in your area.

Other than that, you'll probably find more support as well as parts for Toyota's 3.4L whether it be the 4runner, or the Tacoma vs the Exterra and Frontier.

 

[Cali4Runnea]

Hello everyone, I really want a 4runner but have come to realize that I probably wouldnt have more then $4500 to spend on one. so my question is how reliable would a 1996 with higher miles (up to 200k probably) be as an every day driver and occasional outdoors vehicle?
thanks jordan.

Good luck finding you 4R Jordy! I'm glad to see your back in the market. Were you able to sell your dodge? ...Have fun shopping!

 

[mcfly0913]

What did you end up getting? I'm looking at a '96 limited with 225,000 miles. He's done a lot of maintenance on it that needs to be done. I was hesitant at first but I think it's almost too good to pass up.

 

[JayRolla]

What did you end up getting? I'm looking at a '96 limited with 225,000 miles. He's done a lot of maintenance on it that needs to be done. I was hesitant at first but I think it's almost too good to pass up.

This thread is 5 years old. He may jump in but maybe not.

I bought my 96 with 180k miles. She is about to roll 280k. It's done me well. I've had to do the suspension, lbjs, radiator, axle seals, fuel pump, ect.. But mine was all original parts. If it's a good price and he used OEM parts it could be a good deal. If he used lots of parts store crap you may end up replacing it all again.

 

[96RedRunner]

I'd jump on a 96 with 225K miles. None of the tech as with 99's and up which has it's problems. I've had mine since 2000, $18k 74000 miles, 370k miles now. Original drive train, zero problems!!!! I have not babied it, but i have done fluid changes religiously. Plus the normal maintenance schedule.

 

[mcfly0913]

That's good to know. My fear is I buy something with that mileage and I end up spending more time and money underneath it then driving it. I'm going to look at the '96 tonight and a 2000 tomorrow. What worries me about the 96 is he's replaced 1 rear seal but not the other one. I'll be asking him to see where he got his parts, he has all the receipts. I appreciate your help with this decision.