2nd Gen 1995 Model year should I buy?

[Killtax]

So I'm looking at two different 1995 4runners. I'm a former 3rd gen owner, through a massive strain of horrible events that truck is now gone forever, and my budget not in the 3rd gen range anymore, but god I love these things.

There was a kick ass buyers guide for 3rd Gens, not so much for these old buckets.

Most of you are fans of manual transmissions, me not so much...

All I have managed to surmise is the following:
Check the CV boot
Look for rust in the tailgate for water seals
Something V06 head gasket program it's free from toyota blah(what is it, sounds important)
3.0's are underpowered cry, cry, cry... whatever.

If the only problem with these old little warhorses is that they're underpowered and get a little crusty with the rusty, then I'm sold.

little gem no.1:

153k
$4000 ~ dealer (going to need a little finance juice, so no private party on this ride)

little gem no.2:

$5000 ~ dealer, I know for a fact it's been on their lot since last july, almost bought it when I got my 3rd gen instead.
140,979

So aside from being ripped off, what goes wrong with these classy dames?

 

[Clone of the Mean]

The auto trannies act a little goofie sometimes and need to be manually shifted. Usually get a code on the dash... A/T light comes on ( I think) maybe it's the O/D light. And the brake light will flash. Usually ends up being shift solenoids. Pretty easy fix. I have a 94 and love it, except my kid has it at school 200 miles away. Good luck!

 

[mikedks]

On the 2nd gen V6, the main red flag is always going to be the head gasket. Was it done during the recall?, was it done recently? or was it done at all?
Spend an hour on the Toyota forum reading 3.0 and head gasket, you will get an idea of how pervasive the problem is.

And...those prices are at the top end of the market for the 2nd gen, you should
look around for a better deal.

 

[priestsallore]

I'm a 2nd gen owner. I got the 3.slo, and I love it, though mine is a manual tranny w/ manual 4x4. Mines a '92 with almost 315k on the OD. It is indeed a warhorse and no matter what has been wrong with it, this damn thing will never die. Yeah its a bit underpowered, mostly going into 4th gear from like 40-60ish when trying to dog it to get onto the highway, it hasn't been the biggest. I've even accidently superheated my 3.slo when my water pump went out enough to boil everything and have steam billow for more than 30 min AFTER I turned it off, and my head gaskets didn't even blow, only melted my valve cover gaskets a bit, but replaced em no biggie, still ran strong. I think you'll love it, especially after you lift it and get some 35s or whatever. Or, go get a little more power, instead of the dog 4:10 gears you can go with like 3:83s or so, which should ultimately open the throttle up A LOT, but you may see a drop in mpg (idk?)

BUT I will tell you, 4-5g for a '95? Hell no, I wouldn't pay that, that's top mark retail value (unless you for sure want to spend it) for prestine condition. 4.5g for the 153k motor is retail. 3.5k is private party.

I'd prob get the green one and rhino-line the bottom half haha. They both look good, red's color looks in better shape though

 

[priestsallore]

Also, to add onto it, this thing is a tank. Someone hit me going over 50 on my back bumper at an angel, all I did was take the rear bumper off, and had no dmg except for a small few dents on the very bottom corner tip of the back of the truck, in which after I bed-lined my 4Runner, made it virtually unnoticed, at all.

 

[77'911]

We've got a 1990 4runner with a V6/auto trans and love it. The truck has been exceedingly reliable. Just make sure there are loads of service records(oil changes, coolant service, etc..). For the $$ there talking about there, they should be rust free. With those miles check:
1)dealer recall list through VIN(head gaskets, steering link, etc..)
2)CV/axles
3)trans(smooth shifting, check fluid, etc..)
4)rad(make sure it's not weeping, these are pricey)
5)driveline mounts(motor, trans)
6) suspension (check for sagging, etc..)
You might look at the service records for any major repairs(like t-belt, w-pump, fuel pump, etc...). If it's been properly serviced, you won't have any problem putting another 100k on it. Have the truck completely checked out by someone who knows the mark.
regards

 

[BucknutBob]

I'm a 2nd gen owner. I got the 3.slo, and I love it, though mine is a manual tranny w/ manual 4x4. Mines a '92 with almost 315k on the OD. It is indeed a warhorse and no matter what has been wrong with it, this damn thing will never die. Yeah its a bit underpowered, mostly going into 4th gear from like 40-60ish when trying to dog it to get onto the highway, it hasn't been the biggest. I've even accidently superheated my 3.slo when my water pump went out enough to boil everything and have steam billow for more than 30 min AFTER I turned it off, and my head gaskets didn't even blow, only melted my valve cover gaskets a bit, but replaced em no biggie, still ran strong. I think you'll love it, especially after you lift it and get some 35s or whatever. Or, go get a little more power, instead of the dog 4:10 gears you can go with like 3:83s or so, which should ultimately open the throttle up A LOT, but you may see a drop in mpg (idk?)

BUT I will tell you, 4-5g for a '95? Hell no, I wouldn't pay that, that's top mark retail value (unless you for sure want to spend it) for prestine condition. 4.5g for the 153k motor is retail. 3.5k is private party.

I'd prob get the green one and rhino-line the bottom half haha. They both look good, red's color looks in better shape though

I hope those gearing numbers were typos, because they're WAY off base. The last thing you want to do with these is go to higher (lower numerically) gearing. Stock is 4.56 in many autos, and if the tire size goes up any, the gears are 4.88, 5.29, etc.. No clue where that 3.83 came from, but that would make these accelerate like they had a 30 ft. camper behind them.

And to the original poster, those prices are pretty steep--like others said, they're definitely on the top of the scale for a 2nd Gen. Best of luck!

 

[priestsallore]

@ buck, typo, but last i remember 2nd gens had a 4:10 gear ratio

 

[priestsallore]

Sorry, rechecked.. 4:56

 

[KidVermicious]

Those prices are way high, from where I'm sitting anyway. I wouldn't pay more than 3 or 3.5k for one of these, unless it was cherry clean and had some decent upgrades to boot.

 

[priestsallore]

Well kid, a 95 is a lil more pricey than my 92 & with half my miles, 4.5 is the max on retail,but i agree 3.5 max on payment

 

[thatoneguy]

@ buck, typo, but last i remember 2nd gens had a 4:10 gear ratio

Most manual transmission 1st and 2nd gens had 4.10's. If you had certain option like a tow package the manual had the possiblity of 4.30's. The auto's were geared numerically higher than that. My friend's 2nd gen has 4.88's.

 

[Footofgod]

Save up and go private party. 4-5k is outrageous for a 2nd gen. I own a 91 and I love it,but I paid $1300 for mine. Save up and buy something just as nice for $3k from a 3rd party.

 

[Footofgod]

Most manual transmission 1st and 2nd gens had 4.10's. If you had certain option like a tow package the manual had the possiblity of 4.30's. The auto's were geared numerically higher than that. My friend's 2nd gen has 4.88's.

There are 2nd gens out there that had a 4.88 or 4.56 albeit rare. I do infact have the stock 4.56 on mine.

 

[77'911]

4runner market....

Save up and go private party. 4-5k is outrageous for a 2nd gen. I own a 91 and I love it,but I paid $1300 for mine. Save up and buy something just as nice for $3k from a 3rd party.

Depends on the history, miles, and condition of the 4runner. The 4WD versions bring strong $$ here in the PNW and Canada. I would easily pay 4k for a low mile, original owner 4runner. They are pretty rare and don't come up onto the market very often. We've had offers over 5k for ours.
regards

 

[thatoneguy]

There are 2nd gens out there that had a 4.88 or 4.56 albeit rare. I do infact have the stock 4.56 on mine.

Manual? I was talking about manuals. I'm well aware of the fancy gearings auto had

 

[Deathcricket]

What part of the country you at? The price you are paying is almost double what they go for in Vegas. Fly out here, buy a car, drop 2k on hookers and slot machines and drive back. You'll spend the same amount and have a great time in the bargain...

Didn't do a lot of research, but here is one matching your specs for $2000 less. Almost half the price man!

95 Toyota 4 Runner

95 Toyota 4 Runner - $2800 (Pecos & Owens)
Date: 2012-02-19, 2:51PM PST
Reply to: [email protected] [Errors when replying to ads?]
I am looking for a buyer for my 95 Toyota 4runner in very good conditons the only reasone I am selling it is becuase I was laid off and have another smaller vehicle. It has a passed smog check that is still good. It is a 4x4 SR5 V6 Limited editon. It is standard and with leather seats a sun roof, electrical, and has 144,951 miles. Come take a look at it runns great if intrested give me a call at 702-7823223 ask for Henry. Am willing to negociate make me a reasnable offer.

 

[Footofgod]

Manual? I was talking about manuals. I'm well aware of the fancy gearings auto had

I know that. I have a maual.

 

[hellsbells]

There $3000 all day long here, the 4wd 22re 5spd go for $4000-$4500

 

[77'911]

There $3000 all day long here, the 4wd 22re 5spd go for $4000-$4500

The only problem(or problems) with most of the 4runner's in Vancouver is rust, lack of maintenance, and overall lack of service. Many of the vehicles I looked at were seriously under maintained. Most needed 2k worth of parts alone, even with lower kms. Understandably though, with parts/service price points what they are here, I get why people hesitate to a degree with maintenance/service.
regards