2nd gen 4Runner trouble?

Gryphon-

New member
So I am looking at buying a 1994 4Runner but I have some questions because I am not very familiar with them. So, when I turn the key to the start position it takes 3-4 seconds to actually start. Is this common? Oh and it has 213k miles. Then when it is cold and starts is rumbles for like 30 seconds, sort of like when the RPMs are too low and you are about to stall. Also the gearbox seems odd, but that may be because I've never driven a 4Runner. But it seemed like it was harder to put it in gear compared to the cars I've driven. If you try to shift into second from a stop it grinds as well. I hope that this is not a problem. One last question, what would you guys pay for this? Apparently there is no oil in the coolant and not coolant in the oil so the head gaskets seem good. The dude bought it broken for cheap and replaced things on it.
 
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normally that 3-4 seconds can be lowered with a good tune up, plugs wires oil and fuel filter. but even though i'm caught up on that, mine still takes 2 seconds. I have a 3rd gen but I believe it applies everywhere.
 
So I am looking at buying a 1994 4Runner but I have some questions because I am not very familiar with them. So, when I turn the key to the start position it takes 3-4 seconds to actually start. Is this common? Oh and it has 213k miles. Then when it is cold and starts is rumbles for like 30 seconds, sort of like when the RPMs are too low and you are about to stall. Also the gearbox seems odd, but that may be because I've never driven a 4Runner. But it seemed like it was harder to put it in gear compared to the cars I've driven. If you try to shift into second from a stop it grinds as well. I hope that this is not a problem. One last question, what would you guys pay for this? Apparently there is no oil in the coolant and not coolant in the oil so the head gaskets seem good. The dude bought it broken for cheap and replaced things on it.

My 2nd gen starts usually on the first turn over if warm, cold takes about a second so i think a good tune up is in order.

trans might have some issues...slave cylinder?

I would pay no more than $1000-$1200 for it by the way it sounds but that is just my opinion...just cause you'll have to do work to it.

How much he asking? What was broken that he fixed? Service history?
 
My 2nd gen starts usually on the first turn over if warm, cold takes about a second so i think a good tune up is in order.

trans might have some issues...slave cylinder?

I would pay no more than $1000-$1200 for it by the way it sounds but that is just my opinion...just cause you'll have to do work to it.

How much he asking? What was broken that he fixed? Service history?

From the listing:
THE GOOD:

- New timing belt (OEM, not the cheap one).
- New OEM idler pulley.
- New OEM hydrolic timing belt tensioner.
- New iridium plugs, plug wires, distributor cap/rotor, ignition coil, and igniter.
- Newly refurbished Mass Air Flow Sensor (professionally done).
- New air filter.
- Replaced many vacuum tubes and tested all six vacuum switches.
- Cleaned and tuned the Throttle Position Sensor (within 3 ohms!)
- New 750 amp battery, corrosion washers, and terminal clamps.
- New fuel pump and fuel filter.
- Created aluminum fuel pump access hatch below passenger rear seat for easy access.
- AC.
- Roof rack.
- Tow package.
- Full original jack kit.
- 4x4 works great.
- Suspension is solid all the way around.
- Sun roof, works great!
- Power windows, all working fine!
- All lights working fine!
- No rust!
- Uninstalled defunct dealer alarm system (was causing door lock problems ... no longer!)
- Pulled and washed all interior plastic, as well as floor mats
- Used heat gun to smooth scratched surfaces on plastic
- Used Bissel wet carpet cleaner throughout interior ... looks good!
- New beige front seat covers (not pictured).
- Re-upholstered center arm rest.
- Includes original user guide, supplement, and manual.
- Tires at ~70%.
- Solid spare (now under vehicle, not in rear cargo area as pictured).

THE BAD:

Cracked dash (as usual), small ding on front driver's quarter panel, very slow oil leak, expired registration, power locks not working (disconnected somewhere by previous owner), radio antenna doesn't go up, and radio backlight periodically works (same connection problem?), paint exhibits typical fading.


He's asking 2300 OBO.
 
Sounds decent. My 92 is a little tough to get into gear, especially from a cold start. If I get resistance I normally let out the clutch and put it in again, and it does fine. But we back into our parking spot, and I often hear my wife grind it just a little when she puts it into reverse there.

The antennae is a common issue. Look around....there are very few working ones on 2nd gens, and I'm not sure if I've ever seen one. Mine has been left up for the 10 years I have owned it.

It might need a new Oxygen sensor, which is pretty cheap. And check the catalytic converter, muffler, and pipes for leaks/rust/holes. Either of those could cause some extra rumbling at cold start, or all of the time.
 
Pull up KBB on your phone and show it to the buyer.
Then pull out some cash and see what happens.

before doing that pay to have full inspection on the truck done will cost you bout a 150 bucks but it is money well spent since then you have some REAL power in your bargaining.
 
From the listing:
THE GOOD:

- New timing belt (OEM, not the cheap one).
- New OEM idler pulley.
- New OEM hydrolic timing belt tensioner.
- New iridium plugs, plug wires, distributor cap/rotor, ignition coil, and igniter.
- Newly refurbished Mass Air Flow Sensor (professionally done).
- New air filter.
- Replaced many vacuum tubes and tested all six vacuum switches.
- Cleaned and tuned the Throttle Position Sensor (within 3 ohms!)
- New 750 amp battery, corrosion washers, and terminal clamps.
- New fuel pump and fuel filter.
- Created aluminum fuel pump access hatch below passenger rear seat for easy access.
- AC.
- Roof rack.
- Tow package.
- Full original jack kit.
- 4x4 works great.
- Suspension is solid all the way around.
- Sun roof, works great!
- Power windows, all working fine!
- All lights working fine!
- No rust!
- Uninstalled defunct dealer alarm system (was causing door lock problems ... no longer!)
- Pulled and washed all interior plastic, as well as floor mats
- Used heat gun to smooth scratched surfaces on plastic
- Used Bissel wet carpet cleaner throughout interior ... looks good!
- New beige front seat covers (not pictured).
- Re-upholstered center arm rest.
- Includes original user guide, supplement, and manual.
- Tires at ~70%.
- Solid spare (now under vehicle, not in rear cargo area as pictured).

THE BAD:

Cracked dash (as usual), small ding on front driver's quarter panel, very slow oil leak, expired registration, power locks not working (disconnected somewhere by previous owner), radio antenna doesn't go up, and radio backlight periodically works (same connection problem?), paint exhibits typical fading.


He's asking 2300 OBO.

Well it depends if you wanna drive it as is or fix it up more. sounds like a lotta hype for some of the things he has done that is normal maintenance(that tps should be in spec spot on if i am correct, no getting close which means that the tps could be dead). Go with your gut on this since i bought mine brand new in 1991(still love it) i have very small cracks(not visible unless your looking for them) in the dash but everything else works so that car has seen some use in the sun and weather. and I would maybe offer $1500 but again that is my opinion(depends on how bad you want it). The starting issue might be spark related so test drive that thing first and see how you like it.:juggle:
 

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