4R Virgin looking for advice

F

fagundes79

New member
Pardon my nOObness, but I'm currently looking for any possible advice on older model 4R's, anything from late 80's to mid 90's. I currently drive an Audi A6 2.7T Quattro 6MT and have never owned a truck before. I'm moving to Northern Wisconsin (Door County) in late Summer and the winter up there is not navigable (new word) w/o big tires and enough clearance.

I've done a tiny bit of research and see that alot of early 90's models had "significant" engine issues. I guess the 96 was a good year? The '96 may be out of my price range of 5K. On another note, how do the 2 wheel-drive rear vehicles handle in nasty stuff? I found a '96 with 106K miles for $5K, 2 wheel drive though. I would think they'd be pretty bad in that stuff, but what do I know.

I'm looking to spend no more than 5K, what year/mileage would you guys recommend? Also, what repair receipts should I look for when I show up to see these cars? Luxury is not important to me at all with this purchase, leather, etc...


Thanks very much in advance, I look forward to being a 4R owner.
 
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You may want to try asking these questions over at the "Yotatech" forum, and check their vehicles for sale section.

Good Luck.
 
Pardon my nOObness, but I'm currently looking for any possible advice on older model 4R's, anything from late 80's to mid 90's. I currently drive an Audi A6 2.7T Quattro 6MT and have never owned a truck before. I'm moving to Northern Wisconsin (Door County) in late Summer and the winter up there is not navigable (new word) w/o big tires and enough clearance.

I've done a tiny bit of research and see that alot of early 90's models had "significant" engine issues. I guess the 96 was a good year? The '96 may be out of my price range of 5K. On another note, how do the 2 wheel-drive rear vehicles handle in nasty stuff? I found a '96 with 106K miles for $5K, 2 wheel drive though. I would think they'd be pretty bad in that stuff, but what do I know.

I'm looking to spend no more than 5K, what year/mileage would you guys recommend? Also, what repair receipts should I look for when I show up to see these cars? Luxury is not important to me at all with this purchase, leather, etc...


Thanks very much in advance, I look forward to being a 4R owner.
 
The V6 in 4Runners 89 to 95 are not that bad if they were treated and are treated right. Most people don't like it just because it is a 3.0 Liter, which puts out 150HP. Simply, not enough motor for the weight of the truck. "3.Slow" is its nickname. Probably the biggest issue of this engine is the head gasket. Because of the crossover header design, heat from the exhaust heats the block in the back that exceeds the head gasket ratings. Toyota issued a recall on the headgasket, and any toyota dealership will replace it with one of higher quality. Another issue is valve cover leaks, but thats not as common. Also, a steering rod relay recall is in effect and will be free of charge, also. Rust. Check the truck for rust, specifically in the wheel wells. Other than that the Generation 2 4Runners (90-95.5) are good trucks.

To address your next question, if there is snow, youll want 4WD. The 4Runner has open differentials in the rear and front, if 4WD equipped. Basically 2WD is 1WD, spinning the tire with less traction. Locker's are made for the 4Runner, but almost pointless without 4WD.

Generation 3 4Runners (95.5 to 02) have a bigger motor (3.4L) and are "reliable." Some Gen3's have factory lockers available, also. Chances are though, you wont find one with 4WD for less than $5k, unless its wrecked.

As for price, I got my 1993 with 221K miles for $4K. Fully loaded with 4WD. I've seen other 4WD models of Gen2's in the 120K - 150K miles range for around $5K.

I hope this helps you out.
 
As of now I own 2 runners. One a 4wd 95' 3.0 and a 96' 4wd 3.4

The main issues I know of with the 3.0's are head gaskets as well as horrible efficiency.

The 96's 3.4 gets around 18 mpg in the city and has good power. and it has gotten me in and out of just about anything.
 
None taken,
I'll be heading to law school in Fall of 2007. Moving to Wisc in late summer to attain in-state tuition status (11k/yr vs. 28k/yr o/s). In Chicago we can deal w/ one car, up there we'll need two. Oh and I've had the Audi for a year, bought an 01 in Jan. of '05, had 28k miles, for aprox. $25k. So just cause I have an Audi doesn't mean anything. Alot of you guys here have tons more $$$ in your trucks than I've got in the car!
 
If you're buying it to use in the snow, don't even bother with a 2 wheel drive model. You want, and need, a 4x4.

Personally, I'd perfer a truck like I have over an early 90's 4runner. Not only does it have a beefy suspension, it also has a longer wheelbase.

KBB is telling me my truck is only worth about $5k too, but I promist you if I were selling it I wouldn't let it go for that. It's worth more than I can sell it for to me...
 

As I stated in your post (on the other forum), stay away from the 4x2. It will be like a duck on ice, sir! I drive a 2005 SR5 4x4 and I love it; but you need the 4x4 option if you have to drive in deep snow or climb a hill without a running start.
:bash:

Anyway, welcome to the best Toyota forum in the free world!!
:awais:

cbcb700e.jpg~original

2005 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 (taken in May, 2005)
 
Living in Wisconsin all my life and traveling around alot in winter , Door County is not that bad at all in winter. A reind is up there right now and there is not enough snow to go snow shoeing , or x country skiing.

Granted we all get storm's from time to time just like you do in Chi-town , but any 4x4 will do you fine.
 
Re: This look good to you?

fagundes79 said:
I'd try and get if for $5K cash, nothing more. Sorry for all the questions, but the knowledge of a vehicle-specific forum (or any product specific forum for that matter) is PRICELESS and not found anywhere else. Much appreciated guys.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...ar=1997&start_year=1990&isp=y&lang=&cardist=3
Click to expand...

The VIN is on that page. Call up a local Toyota dealer and give em the VIN. See if the HeadGasket and / or the Steering Rod Replacement recalls have been done. Might give you some leverage on price.

Mike in AR
 
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