4runner 5 speed or auto?

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Vally Boy209

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Im in the market for a 3g 4runner 3.4 and Ive done a lot of research but all my questions arnt answered. First Im pretty sure I want a 5 speed but all the ones in my area are over priced or high mileage. Which leads me to my second question, whats too many miles on a 4runner to start dumping money into?

Theres one for sale in my area, motor rebuild 70k ago and cluch 10k, its a little beat up which kind of worries me about how the suspension is. I can get it for 3700

1997 4Runner Sr5

So do you think I should wait around for a 5 speed with low miles, take a chance and get one with high, or settle for an auto?

Thanks for the help
 
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5 speed is the way to go. I swapped my auto out for a manual. 70K is just broke in. I'm rockin 345k miles son! Is it 4x4? 2.7L or 3.4L? I'd get that price under $3k but we're in completely different areas. I got mine for 1/2 that price.
 
That one looks beat up. How many miles on the body/frame? I picked up my 98 5speed for $5200 and had 168,000 miles on her. Only 5-speed I saw during my whole time searching so they are 'rarer'. The best thing I like about the 5 speed is the 19-22 mpg. Helps right now as I'm sure an auto would be 15-20.

I say hold out for a different 5speed or just find a good condition auto. It's not like the autos are bad at all in these 4runners.
 
220k on the body i know its pretty beat but i could get it for maybe 3500 if i talk him down. clean title 3.4 4x4. he said all the carpet and headliners out and painted white. I know a buddy that has a spray booth and would help me fix and paint it at cost but do you think the damage on the passenger side is too bad to bondo?
 
Thanks yea I saw those but Im only 18 and I have about 4500 saved up. Thats why I was wondering if you think itd be better to wait another month ill have about 5500 and get something with lower miles or spend that grand on the suspension?
 
The miles don't mean much if it's been maintained. Just like low miles don't mean anything if it hasn't been. I actually think you're better off buying one with higher miles that has had some of the bigger items done already like the Timing Belt/Water Pump, Clutch, Ball Joints, etc. The motor will run forever if maintained properly.

Both of mine have been automatics. I would prefer a 5 speed but the auto tranny in these is pretty damn good too. My BMW is a 6 speed, no way I would ever consider one of them with an automatic because it's a ticking time bomb. The automatic in these is actually pretty damn reliable, even with a lot of miles on them.

If you're not in a rush, save your money up a little more. I think you'll be much happier spening a little more now on a nicer rig. When I was 18 I thought I'd fix everything and all my cars would be show cars. Rarely happens and you spend a lot more in the long run then if you had just bought a nicer one to start.
 
PitbullRescuer said:
The miles don't mean much if it's been maintained. Just like low miles don't mean anything if it hasn't been. I actually think you're better off buying one with higher miles that has had some of the bigger items done already like the Timing Belt/Water Pump, Clutch, Ball Joints, etc. The motor will run forever if maintained properly.

Both of mine have been automatics. I would prefer a 5 speed but the auto tranny in these is pretty damn good too. My BMW is a 6 speed, no way I would ever consider one of them with an automatic because it's a ticking time bomb. The automatic in these is actually pretty damn reliable, even with a lot of miles on them.

If you're not in a rush, save your money up a little more. I think you'll be much happier spening a little more now on a nicer rig. When I was 18 I thought I'd fix everything and all my cars would be show cars. Rarely happens and you spend a lot more in the long run then if you had just bought a nicer one to start.
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:iagree: The most expensive cars I have owned have been the cheapest to buy up front.
 
Cheap cars don't need to expensive to own, if you go any know what to look for,if you find potential problems you ask for the price to be adjusted accordingly or you leave. There are plenty of higher priced 4Runners that appear to be in great shape for $6k can easily have $2k worth of work that needs to be done. And plenty of $3k truck with very minor work needed. All depends on what to look for and using some common sense.
 
Vally Boy209 said:
Thanks yea I saw those but Im only 18 and I have about 4500 saved up. Thats why I was wondering if you think itd be better to wait another month ill have about 5500 and get something with lower miles or spend that grand on the suspension?
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It really all depends on what you will use it for, how long you want to keep it and if you are willing to deal with some of the issues that may come up with a older, higher mileage vehicle. The one you posted doesn't look too bad and might be worth it. Just take it to a shop and have them look it over. Should be ~$50 and they can let you know what will need to be replaced. That will give you a good idea of what needs to be done.

Lower miles is nice if you plan on keeping it for a while (4+) years, but being 18 you never know what will come you way or your interests will change. Might be worth it spending less now. I chose to spend more for a low mileage 4runner that was exactly what I wanted. It's worked out great so far, but I've always wondered what would have happened if I bought cheap and spent the extra money on mods.
 
I like pittbull's advice. If I could go back now, I would have taken my time and been patient and found exactly what I wanted. But at the time I didnt know exactly what that was. For me it would be a limited 99+ for the added options, no vibration issues, rear diff, manual, with excellent maintainence records.
 
1985taylor1925 said:
I like pittbull's advice. If I could go back now, I would have taken my time and been patient and found exactly what I wanted. But at the time I didnt know exactly what that was. For me it would be a limited 99+ for the added options, no vibration issues, rear diff, manual, with excellent maintainence records.
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Umm, no 5speed in Limiteds unless you swap the auto out.
 
Thanks for the advice, i think Im going to keep looking for one in better condition I would like to keep it for a while and build it up.

I found this also she said they hit a deer though but its all fixed and the sunroof is stuck open just a bit.

96 Toyota 4Runner 4WD SK5
 
My BMW is a 6 speed, no way I would ever consider one of them with an automatic because it's a ticking time bomb. The automatic in these is actually pretty damn reliable, even with a lot of miles on them.
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Agreed!

I have a 97 4Runner V6 auto, owned it for 10 years now and @ 213k miles the auto trans has no slippage whatsoever (knock on wood)

I have no desire for a 5-speed 4Runner. I have been wheeling with a few guys who have 5-speeds and for beginner to intermediate 4-wheeling I ASSURE YOU that you would be better off with an automatic. Sure 5 speeds are great but more difficult at exactly the wrong time.

I also am a new owner of a 6-speed 2006 BWM 330i - LOVE IT!

:beer:
 
5 speed. With the transition from my automatic Camry to my 5 spd 4runner, I quickly found out how hard it was to text and drive, eat and drive, and even talk on the phone while I drive. All those things are a big no no when driving and the 5 spd ultimately prevents you from doing that if you do a lot of town miles. Plus the steering in mine is looser then a french whore, so you really gotta keep your hands on the wheel most of the time.

Plus, how many 5 speed SUVs are out there? Not very many. So you should jump on one before the zombie apocalypse.
 
Well my mom said she'd help me out a bit to get something nicer so Im going to try and see this thing, she sure looks clean.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/2927233030.html

I really want a 5 speed for the rpm's control and so you can rock out of the mud when you get stuck. Also its a good excuse from keeping people from driving it haha.

And talkin bmw's my dads got a sweet 04 m3... that thing pretty damn fast!

Thanks for all the feedback!
 
Well I picked up a clean 3g 4runner 5speed with 220k miles today for $3600, but very well maintained. Took it out mudding it did pretty damn good till i sorta burred the front end in a ditch. No damage except cracked the running boards, which Im pulling off anyways. but my buddy pulled me out with his powerstroke so all it good. My question is how hard can you beat on these things?
 
Congrats and welcome to the 5speed crew. I just joined 6 months ago. From what I read they can be beat up pretty good but like anything will need more maintenance if it is.

BTW, we want PICTURES!!!!!
 
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