4runner Newbie advice.

[LA-YOTA]

I'm new to this forum, I've been obsessing over 4runners for a while now, but not the most mechanically inclined. I prefer pre year 2000 vehicles, and have been looking at some 1999 4runners, but they seem pricey in Calgary.

Thus I was wondering what your advice would be on a 1994 4runner I have my eyes on for $1995 which I could probably negotiate at the used car dealership, based on the high mileage it has, ( 436,000 km) Is it worth getting or should I just spend the money on a more recent one, with less mileage. In my area, the 4 runners are expensive with high mileage or cheap with some sketchy details.

Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[A.Wilson013]

I would pass on it man... A few buddies have had those second gen 4Runners and have nothing but problems with them. I personally would either get a 1st gen or a 3rd gen...

What is your intent with the vehicle? Daily driver? Hardcore wheeler?

 

[LA-YOTA]

Thanks Wilson.

I was thinking the same thing, but my obsession was blinding me from reality. I was looking for it to replace it as my daily driver, replacing my honda which is going to my lady-friend. I also hope to use it as my weekend warrior as I plan to get into some off-roading.

Another thing I was contemplating was choosing between a manual or automatic transmission.

 

[nashville67]

most second gens are v6 which are good motors but have some comon problems like head gaskets if u do end up buying one stay away from the autos the rob power like crazy

 

[KidVermicious]

Like any older truck, it's going to require maintenance. If you're not "mechanically inclined", find a good mechanic you trust.

 

[Hyde802]

most second gens are v6 which are good motors but have some comon problems like head gaskets if u do end up buying one stay away from the autos the rob power like crazy

I agree with this.

However, autos came with 4.56 or 4.88 gears from the factory....

 

[hellsbells]

I picked up a 91 with 22re 5spd in good cond for $2900 with low km here in Vancouver BC and its by far the best truck ive ever owned good on gas and super reliable! keep and eye on craigslist and try to find one with a 22re and 5spd.

 

[LA-YOTA]

Thanks hells bells and all those who have voiced their opinion, I think I will stall on this decision, and apply patience, hopefully the right one will come along and I can use the abundance of build threads found on this site.

Thanks once again.

 

[LA-YOTA]

Runner I might buy in the next few hours

I eyed one 4runner, not too far from where I stay, a 99 4 runner limited edition , that was listed at 8000$, I talked it down a couple grand to around 6500$, test drove, it drove well( well in the sense of a mechanical novice) It had some funny throttle feed-back, I was assured it was not a problem, but as I am a novice, I found a mechanic to go with me in the next couple of hours, so looking forward to that, I'll attach the pics, let me know what yall think.

so excited, will be car poor for a while though, at least I have no monthly payments

 

[LA-YOTA]

Finally bought him/her

I finally got the beast home today, didn't drive it much though, I'm naming him TANK, In memory of my little Rottweiller. It seems to drive well, is quite comfy with the leather seats and all. Looking forward to taking pics on the weekend when I can, and clean her out, its kinda dirty. I know there a lots of articles pertaining to mods on this site. Are there any mods y'all think might look good on the beast.

Your opinions are welcome.

 

[hoe_nah]

Nice find...is it 4wd?
First mod comes to mind is a satoshi grill mod....I think that's what its called

Enjoy your new TOY

 

[wantahertzdonut]

I'm in the same spot as the OP.

I'm after a 90-00 truck and I see a handful of V6's for little money, and the few 4cyl trucks going for a lot more.

Is it really worth spending the extra cash for the 22RE? I'm talking nearly double the money, and usually 1/3 less miles. Case-in-point, there's a 91 V6 within 5 hours with 170k, and a 94 4cyl 7 hours away with 127k. Asking prices are $1900 and $3500 respectively.

I'm pretty bent on a 5sp. I'll be doing some light towing (open motorcycle trailer with 1-2 sportbikes bikes (usually 1), total weight of 1300lbs plus some trackday equipment). It'll also be my DD from November through April. I ride my motorcycle to work during the warmer months.

I know both engines are dogs. I'm not looking to win races pulling a trailer, and you don't need much to pull motorcycles. (currently I tow with an IS300) so is it worth coughing up the extra cash?

I'd really like to find a 2wd, 5sp, 22RE truck but I haven't seen one available anywhere.

 

[LA-YOTA]

Yes hoe_nah it is a 4wd, With the winter out here in Alberta, I'm looking to go test in on same mild trails in the Rockies of British Columbia. I just looked up the Satoshi grill mod, and it most definitely looks plausible, I think it might look better if I paint my rig black. As for wantahertzdonut, I hope you find a rig you like, and my personal opinion is, if you really like it, like most of the people who advice me on here, get it checked by a mechanic and drop the cash, it would be well worth it. I'm not mechanically inclined, so hopefully those who are can best advice, about what's best for towing.

 

[Bear_F_ucker]

The less you tow the less problems you will have in the future for your automatic trans. Should have bought a manual and if what you want to tow has any kind of decent weight a 4runner wasnt a very good choice even though u got a wicked good looking 4runner

Bear_F_ucker

 

[LA-YOTA]

E-brake light on.....

Most people dont use their e-brake, but as habit I use my e-brake every time I park my vehicle, On the 4runner I just got the e-brake light stays on most of the time, even though Ive released the e-brake, while driving, it goes on and off at will, I dont think it is something to worry about, but would anyone be able to suggest to me what the cause might be and how to go about fixing it?

Appreciate your help,
( I should probably move this Thread to the 3rd gen section soon )