2nd Gen as a "cheap" daily?

J

Jdrum1

New member
Hi everybody.

Due to some "life changes" (wife and I split), I am left without access to an SUV.

My current daily driver is an Honda s2000 roadster, and I also have a '65 Chevy C10 pickup (been in family since '67). Obviously, neither of these are an ideal daily. Most days, driving the s2000 is fine, but not when it rains (the pickup does not leave the garage in foul weather). The good thing is a dry climate, the bad is that my city has no storm drainage at all. The streets flood with even a light rain.

On top of that, I just adopted a large dog (Greyhound), so again, s2000 is not ideal.

I don't intend on getting rid of either vehicle, so have been pondering the idea of an inexpensive older SUV.

A 2nd generation 4Runner is currently at the top of my list. Thoughts?

My reasoning for this is the price (I want to stay under $5k), reliability, looks (I've always liked this generation), and ease of repairs (I can do maintenance and minor repairs myself).

I know the 3rd generation has some things going for it that make is a better choice for my needs, but I'm seeing those priced closer to $10k.

How many miles are too many? I know that doesn't really have a clear answer. I don't mind miles if the maintenance is there, but I do want to feel confident enough in it for cross state road trips (remember, Texas is big).

I've been looking online for a week or so. I'm doubtful of finding one near me. I have family in the DFW area that will gladly go scout out any I'm interested in before I make the drive myself.

I've done a little reading around here on what to look for (timing belt, head gasket recall, etc.) Will the dealers really still honor the head gasket recall on a vehicle this old?

I know MPG's aren't good, but my daily commute isn't far (and the s2000 has horrible MPG's for its size......and I can't keep my foot out of the pedal). I'm aware that the 3.slow isn't winning any races, but that's what the s2000 is for (I've recently started autocrossing).

Opinions? Am I barking up the wrong tree?

Thanks!
 
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Miles don't matter. These trucks regularly go for 200k to 300k before an overhaul. Like any 20-30 year old truck, they do take maintenance and parts will wear out, and that can get expensive if you're not handy with a wrench. I've heard of some guys getting the head gasket recall work done in recent years, but lots more are saying that recall is closed. It makes sense, because if it's lasted this long it's a fair bet there's nothing wrong with it. If you don't mind me saying, though, get one with the 22RE if you can find it. I'm not one to be all doom and gloom about the 3.0, but the 4 cylinder does get significantly better mileage. Go for one with a manual, as well, the autos in these trucks suck power.

You'll be more likely to find both those options in a 1st gen. Just sayin'... :)
 
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Thanks Kid.

I'm not really opposed to a 1st gen, but the only ones I've seen have either been projects trucks or completed projects. I want to find one as stock as possible.

I've honed in on the 2nd generation because they seem to be the financial sweet spot (I'm not opposed to any generation, though).

I get what you are saying about the 4 cyl and stick, but I'm not sure I can be that picky.
 
I know we all make fun of the 3.slow around here but I find it's not actually that slow if you shift the automatic tranny manually. The automatic transmissions on these trucks seem to want to get into top gear too quickly for my taste. I am running 4:88 gears with 33" tires and I scoot around town very briskly. The gas mileage is about 13mpg but I accept that.
The main thing is to make sure that there is not a current issue with the head gaskets or the cooling system. If there are tons of oil leaks, it can get expensive quickly.
 
Be picky about the tranny. A manual 2nd gen will help with gas mileage over the auto. if all you want is a DD, try and find the 4cyl 22re. The V6 is ok on gas around town, but push it over 65 on the highway and your mileage will start to suck.
 
I hope I don't harassed about this, but you might want to look at a jeeps too. I got lucky and found a 4runner in my very low price range, but that after months of looking. Jeeps seem to be a dime a dozen (at least in my parts) and should fit what it is you're looking for. Just a suggestion.
 
I dont know about texas, but in middle tennessee, that is a fair price for a very nice 2nd gen

1st gens are about that price or more for a nice one
 
Around here you can get a good third gen for $4000-5000 if they're earlier years, such as 96-99. I prefer them heavily over second gens.

I would avoid an auto 3.0 if you can. I hardly ever see 4cyl second gens, but if the price is right i'd get one.

It should be noted that when the truck goes wrong, it won't be cheap if you can't turn a wrench. With that said, im at 15,000 miles no issues.
 
nicnmike said:
I hope I don't harassed about this, but you might want to look at a jeeps too. I got lucky and found a 4runner in my very low price range, but that after months of looking. Jeeps seem to be a dime a dozen (at least in my parts) and should fit what it is you're looking for. Just a suggestion.
Click to expand...

There's a reason that Jeep stands for "Just Empty Every Pocket".

I've spent a whole lot less on my 93 4Runner than my friends with Jeeps have spent on theirs.

What was said about doing a lot of your own wrenching is sound advice. A 2nd Gen is getting long in the tooth, but if properly maintained is a rock solid investment in reliability. I should know. Mine just completed a 3000+ round trip from Charles Town WV to Moab Utah (Canyon Lands National Park), and I only had to change out the spark plugs (my fault - not the 4Runner's. Older 4Runner ONLY like NGK and Denso spark plugs/wires).

Good luck on your hunt, and like I tell my kids - when you buy a used vehicle of any make/model - expect to sink at least $1,000.00 more into it on top of the negotiated price.

:doh:
 
Footofgod said:
Be picky about the tranny. A manual 2nd gen will help with gas mileage over the auto. if all you want is a DD, try and find the 4cyl 22re. The V6 is ok on gas around town, but push it over 65 on the highway and your mileage will start to suck.
Click to expand...

I'd prefer a stick, but not sure if I can be that picky.

nicnmike said:
I hope I don't harassed about this, but you might want to look at a jeeps too. I got lucky and found a 4runner in my very low price range, but that after months of looking. Jeeps seem to be a dime a dozen (at least in my parts) and should fit what it is you're looking for. Just a suggestion.
Click to expand...

I'm not a big Chrysler fan. The older Cherokees I've been in were rattle traps (although the engines did seem to last).

Chuckles89 said:
I dont know about texas, but in middle tennessee, that is a fair price for a very nice 2nd gen

1st gens are about that price or more for a nice one
Click to expand...

Good to know

thatoneguy said:
Around here you can get a good third gen for $4000-5000 if they're earlier years, such as 96-99. I prefer them heavily over second gens.

I would avoid an auto 3.0 if you can. I hardly ever see 4cyl second gens, but if the price is right i'd get one.

It should be noted that when the truck goes wrong, it won't be cheap if you can't turn a wrench. With that said, im at 15,000 miles no issues.
Click to expand...

I'm guessing that rust in your area may lower the values there. If I can find a Texas truck, it should be rust free.

RiFF RaFF said:
There's a reason that Jeep stands for "Just Empty Every Pocket".

I've spent a whole lot less on my 93 4Runner than my friends with Jeeps have spent on theirs.

What was said about doing a lot of your own wrenching is sound advice. A 2nd Gen is getting long in the tooth, but if properly maintained is a rock solid investment in reliability. I should know. Mine just completed a 3000+ round trip from Charles Town WV to Moab Utah (Canyon Lands National Park), and I only had to change out the spark plugs (my fault - not the 4Runner's. Older 4Runner ONLY like NGK and Denso spark plugs/wires).

Good luck on your hunt, and like I tell my kids - when you buy a used vehicle of any make/model - expect to sink at least $1,000.00 more into it on top of the negotiated price.

:doh:
Click to expand...

I can handle basics (fluids, radiators, starters, distributors, etc.). I do all the maintenance on my s2000 (thanks to an awesome s2000 board) and kept my (soon to be) ex-wife's '97 CR-V running like a top (with around 200k miles).

I can follow repair directions like a boss!

I know that I may be in for a timing belt right off the bat. Is the 3.0 an interference engine?
 
 
Greg_Canada said:
I'd honestly look for a 3rd gen... they are better built and more reliable than 1st/2nd gen's... 3rd gen's are very cheap up here, maybe you should buy one and drive it down!

Example:
2000 Toyota 4Runner limited SUV - Mississauga / Peel Region Cars For Sale - Kijiji Mississauga / Peel Region Canada.
2000 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4LV6 SUV - Gatineau Cars For Sale - Kijiji Gatineau Canada.
2002 Toyota 4Runner SUV - Petawawa Cars For Sale - Kijiji Petawawa Canada.
1997 Toyota 4runner - Kitchener / Waterloo Cars For Sale - Kijiji Kitchener / Waterloo Canada.
2001 Toyota 4Runner SUV - Oshawa / Durham Region Cars For Sale - Kijiji Oshawa / Durham Region Canada.
(yes the mileage is in KM, divide by 1.61 to get miles)
Click to expand...

What about the tin worm?

I lived in the Midwest for a few years and ended up coming back to Texas to buy a used car because of rust (and I did probably pay a bit more). I was looking at cars that were only around 5 years old that were rustier than I was comfortable with.
 
Jdrum1 said:
What about the tin worm?

I lived in the Midwest for a few years and ended up coming back to Texas to buy a used car because of rust (and I did probably pay a bit more). I was looking at cars that were only around 5 years old that were rustier than I was comfortable with.
Click to expand...

It all depends if they've been undercoated or not. If it was rustproofed every year, it will be minty. If it has never been undercoated... it'll be bad. It's a case to case with every truck i've seen...
 
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