'97 4Runner Questions

[Inspired]

Hi all,

I am new to this forum and am looking to purchase a 4Runner.

There is for sale locally a '97 4Runner 6-cylinder, and it has a manual gearbox. I have heard that these 6-cylinders have some problems. I want to know if there is any shred of truth in that claim. Also, are there any known problems in this generation 4Runner? Thanks in advance.

 

[shootmymime]

Also, are there any known problems in this generation 4Runner? Thanks in advance.

get under the rear of the car and look at the rust starting on the back of the rear chrome bumper.... i know that rust may poke threw sometime... and i know thats where people dont look... but i know it will be there

 

[Inspired]

get under the rear of the car and look at the rust starting on the back of the rear chrome bumper.... i know that rust may poke threw sometime... and i know thats where people dont look... but i know it will be there

Ok, I'll be sure to check out for that. Thanks!

 

[Dremel]

Hey Inspired, Welcome to the forum. I have a 97 V6 I've had it for 2 years and not one problem with the motor or trans 120,000 miles. I do have a leaking rear inner seal on the axle. Fixing it this weekend and new brakes all around.

 

[shootmymime]

i have around 215,000... had a tick in the engine but seafoam cleand it right up...

the rear axle seals tend to blow out about 100,000 miles so that might be something to check... look on the inside of the wheel and see if there is gear oil spun aorund the rim

 

[hepcat87]

ive got 226,000 miles on the original motor and trans and i havent had a single problem and i know there werent any because my dad got it used with 30,000 and when i got it had 214,000 on it so i know there mechanically sound and im the only one that beats on it so yeah.

 

[Inspired]

Thanks for the welcome, Dremel!


Wow! I am now convinced that these 4Runner's are reliable. Over 200k, that is just unbelievable!

I'm not sure about seafoam. I heard that it can actually ruin the seals. I don't know if that's true, though.

 

[Dbiz]

Definitely check all the axle seals. That seems to be the biggest problem at least with 3rd generations. I'm just having to fix one of my now as well, but then again I made it to 150k so I guess I'm not doing that bad.

 

[p nut]

Few 96's had problems, but 97+ were good. Just make sure it has been maintained properly. But with an 11 year old vehicle, it's a crap shoot--even with a Toyota. But generally, you do get a better chance of a good aged vehicle with a Toyota over a Jeep/GMC/etc.