4R Virgin seeks advice

[fagundes79]

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.

 

[Jeff Kleb]

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'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?

Don't worry about the "n00bness" at all. I have been here nearly a year and find my self being a huge "n00b" every time I ask a question. Lots of good people here are more than happy to help you. Try clicking on the "2nd generation" icon if you want to learn about some of those mid-'90s 4Runners. Lots of people have them and love to own and drive them!

As you mention, the '95 was very slow and underpowered - in comparison to later models. My ex-wife's cousin had a '95 SR5 that he bought new and had for several years. It was a very nice truck, never got stuck and his only complaint was that it was underpowered when he towed his boat. Supposedly, the '96 SR5 had a much better engine. I remember him saying that he should have waited for the '96 when he bought his '95 new.

I don't know about "clearance" issues, though. You came to the right place for information. You are going to find a plethora of facts from myriads of people here at T4R.org, sir. There will be someone here who can tell you the exact number of inches in the fuel line if that is what you seek.
:awais:

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?

Have you ever seen a duck on ice? That is how a 2wd truck will be in the snow. I have an '05 SR5 4x4 and it is basically worthless if you are in deep snow or try to drive up a hill in two-wheel-drive without first getting a running start.

I live in VA, and we certainly do not get the snow that you might see in Wisconsin. What we see in inches, you will see in feet!


Good luck to you in your quest for a nice 4Runner. There are plenty of them out there to be had.

2005 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 (photo taken in April, 2005)

 

[pat161]

Well, a few things. They do get a decent amount of snow in WI but you will find they also know how to deal with it well. So unless you feel the need to be driving around on the back roads while it's snowing I think your Audi will do just fine. Other than that the plows will do a good job of keeping roads navigable. If you want good traction then avoid 2wd, it will be worse than your Quatro. The early 90's Runners are great, both motors are very reliable, and a bit underpowered. You have the choice of the 3.0l V6 and the 2.4l I4, either way you get a reliable motor. Some of the 3.0's had head gasket issues, but once they are fixed they are fine, make sure anyone you buy has alraedy had the hg done. The 4 cylinder, while lower on power, is widely considered one of toyotas most reliable motors, and w/ a 5 speed and proper gearing they do just fine. I would say go with a 3rd gen 96-02 if you can, they are a bit larger, have better front suspension and stronger motors, but grabbing a clean 2nd gen would be good too.

 

[mikes4runner]

Yes don't be afraid of the 2nd gen. mine has 136K and has never left me on the side of the road...but I could start listing the 2000 and up cars I have seen sitting on the side of the road:

I would go for the 2nd gen 4wd.

Yes the 3.4 in the 96 up are nice but good luck finding a 4wd one for 5K.



Mike

 

[Junior]

I have a 95 4-runner and its been great. It is a 2WD and handles great in inclimate weather. I would recommend a 4wd or 2wd, either are good, but 4wd may get you out of some tricky spots easier. I think you are best to stick with a 94 or later model as far s I know, but it is more talk than reality on performance issues. It really depends on the owner and how well they take care of there vehicle. If you go see one and they do not have ANY maintenance records, that is a bad sign. If they have all there maintenance records they are probably looney, and if they have the major ones, oil changes is first priorty, next is transmission services, next is timing belt/belts and finally check for any cvjoint noises which are common in older vehicles. Anything older than a 95 probably needs to have some replacements of cvboots and shocks so if they have done this, even better. In my experiened Toyotaness I would say that its best to buy one from someone who drove it off the lot and is selling it NOT a resale upon a resale because the more people that own it the less you really know what happened. Also make sure you get a good factory made key, because I just had an issue with my key and found out that it was resolved with a new factory made key and the previous owner had the locks changed at some point and never told me. There will always be weird things that come up if you have multiple owners, best to stick with someone who has not been doing atn 4wd or especially important towing. The u-joints can go out and that will be detected by a lunging effect when the truck comes to a stop, kind of like if you stopped and then the truck lunged a bit or seemed sloppy in the tranny. This is a sign of heavy towing and dont buy something that appears this way. Oaky I blabbed enough.

Good luck

Toyotas RULE!