1st or 2nd Gen 4runner?
- Thread starter 206pete
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KidVermicious
New member
Popping the top for the summer is awesome, but maybe not so awesome where you're at unless you invest in a good soft top. If you have more than one kid, you might like four doors more than the ability to go topless.
mikesmith140
New member
It depends on what you want. The '95 has 4 doors and a hatchback, the '89has 2 doors and a removable top plus a real tailgate. The older vehicle will likely have more issues, unless the '95 has been ignored (mechanically). I like the looks and size of the 1st gen, but if you have kids you'll probably like the '95 better. It's a blast to take off the top in the summer (I have an '86), but the hatchback of the '95 makes it easier to load/unload groceries in the rain. I used to have a '96, and it was a very practical vehicle, but I like the looks of the 1st gen much better.
So, it really depends on what you want and how you intend to use it.
Good Luck,
Mike
So, it really depends on what you want and how you intend to use it.
Good Luck,
Mike
thatoneguy
New member
Since the drivetrains are identical (woohoo auto 3.0L.... 
), it is solely a matter of bodystyle preference. If the summer rain in seattle is constant, being topless might be more of a hassle than a pleasure. Here in dry-ass Utah, it works fantastically for ~ 5 months of the year. The 2nd gen has the practicality advantage of the doors, plus they have less road noise due to the one-piece body.
), it is solely a matter of bodystyle preference. If the summer rain in seattle is constant, being topless might be more of a hassle than a pleasure. Here in dry-ass Utah, it works fantastically for ~ 5 months of the year. The 2nd gen has the practicality advantage of the doors, plus they have less road noise due to the one-piece body.The question should be 1st or 3rd gen. You pick the 1st because you're in love with it. Its a hassle, will cost more, have more issues, less driveable on a daily basis....blah, blah, blah. So you love it, you forgive it for all that. If those feelings aren't there for you....then the 1st is not the right vehicle. Since 3rd gens can be had for the same price, hold out for one of those. Its better all around then the 2nd gen.
mikesmith140
New member
I think the two choices you're debating are too close to each other due to the drive train and engine (auto, 3.0). I'd go with the 1st gen or totally skip the 2nd gen and search for a 3rd gen with the 3.4 engine. We have a Tacoma with the 3.4 and it's power rocks! I love that engine. This experience would keep me from ever buying a 3.0 engine (which means I wouldn't buy a 3.0 1st gen either). If an engine swap wasn't such a chore with California SMOG issues, I'd consider putting one in my 1st gen when it's overhaul time.
So, given how you'll be using your 4Runner, I'd recommend a 3rd gen with the 3.4 engine.
Have fun,
Mike
So, given how you'll be using your 4Runner, I'd recommend a 3rd gen with the 3.4 engine.
Have fun,
Mike
thatoneguy
New member
I'd have to agree with the above. Today, 3rd gens are affordable enough that i'd just hold out for one instead of a 2nd gen. The power difference between a 3.0 and 3.4 is larger than the numbers would suggest.
3rzrunner
Member
Actually the 95 has a real tailgate it was the last year of the 2nd gen that has a tailgate a 96 is a 3rd gen that is a hatch back so both the 84-89 and 90-95 have the same style tailgate.
giro
New member
For safety, the 2nd gens started having antilock brakes (I don't believe the 1st gens did), but then it wasn't until the 3rd gen that they had airbags.
I was commuting up and over an 8900' mountain pass, and bought my 3rd gen after fishtailing near the top of that when in 2wd and hitting a shady icy patch. But, at least with this particular one that maybe needed suspension work, I didn't like the feel of the 3rd gen as much and ended up keeping the 2nd gen instead.
I haven't felt too underpowered with the 3.0 manual, even when matching a bmw up the hill (yes, I pushed it a bit for that one, and probably knew the road better) or at the capacity limit with 1100lbs of stone (took it slower), but it is limited and others say the automatic feels even more underpowered.
I was commuting up and over an 8900' mountain pass, and bought my 3rd gen after fishtailing near the top of that when in 2wd and hitting a shady icy patch. But, at least with this particular one that maybe needed suspension work, I didn't like the feel of the 3rd gen as much and ended up keeping the 2nd gen instead.
I haven't felt too underpowered with the 3.0 manual, even when matching a bmw up the hill (yes, I pushed it a bit for that one, and probably knew the road better) or at the capacity limit with 1100lbs of stone (took it slower), but it is limited and others say the automatic feels even more underpowered.
For me, it would be the one in the best condition with the largest stack of maintenance records. 1st , 2nd, or 3rd gens are somewhat meaningless for me, as they are all old enough to have a plethora of problems now. Drive them both to see what works best for your situation. We have a 1990 4runner with a V6 (auto, 4wd) that has been a very reliable truck, but it's maintained well. Best of luck with the search.
regards
regards
mikesmith140
New member
What did you buy?
206Pete, what did you decide to do?
Mike
206Pete, what did you decide to do?
Mike
airdreams1
New member
I grew up in the Seattle aria. A convertible is just a bad idea in that aria. Everyone wants to steal everything you have inside of it if you do not have the top on or have a soft top. Or they will take the whole rig.
That said, either keep the hard top on all the time, get a second or third gen. No mater what gen you get, be sure to get an alarm.
They broke into my 89 SR5 4x4 pu to steel the chrome mirrors, rare center cancel. Nothing else was missing. & No, I haven't had it for even a week, so no alarm had been installed yet.
That said, either keep the hard top on all the time, get a second or third gen. No mater what gen you get, be sure to get an alarm.
They broke into my 89 SR5 4x4 pu to steel the chrome mirrors, rare center cancel. Nothing else was missing. & No, I haven't had it for even a week, so no alarm had been installed yet.
