'97 info needed...

[Tilt]

I'm new to the forum, but would like to get some info if I can. I'm looking to get into a 4Runner soon, and I'm trying to educate myself the best I can prior to the purchase. I've mostly been browsing some 2nd and 3rd gens on the internet, and plan to go looking at some of them this coming weekend. I think I have a decent idea what to look for in the 2nd gens, but I need a bit more assistance with the 3rd gens. Are there any specifics to watch for in 3rd gens? One in particular I'm hoping to see is a '97 SR5. It's got 240,000 kms (about 149,000 miles) on it. It has a 4 cyl with a manual trans. I don't mind the smaller engine as I'm not planning to haul anything big.

I know to watch for frame rust, and such. But is there any concerns with the 3rd gen 4 cyl and manual tranny? Anything else I should be looking for?

Any info is much appreciated. I'm sure there's postings here and there that have this info.....but I'm a bit worn out on reading (spent the past few days absorbing as much as I can).

Thanks,
Lyle

 

[Tilt]

/bump

Is there another place to ask such questions? Or are people just kind of tired of these same questions?

 

[brian2sun]

Welcome to T4R.org!
All the 3rd gens are great reliable trucks. The only issues they have are the rear axle seals tend to blow out around every 100K and cost ~$300 each to repair (including replacing the back brakes because it covers them in grease). Other than that, it's a good idea to bypass the stock tranny cooler with an aftermarket one (~$70) because they tend to fail ~200K and can easily ruin the tranny (and the radiator too).

The 4 banger will be gutless, but a little better with the 5 spd. With 240K on the one you're thinking about, I wouldn't pay more than $2K for it personally, and that's if the body and interior look good. High miles + 4 banger = cheap. That said, I'm not sure how different the prices are up in Canada compared to California so it may be worth more up there, I don't know.

The 3rd gen totally kills the 2nd gen in EVERY aspect. I've had both and the ONLY thing that the 2nd gen has that's better IMO is the fold-down tailgate as opposed to the 3rd gen's hatch. I liked it when I could fold it down and use it as a table or seat. Other than that, the 3rd gen is more comfy, a little bigger, more ergonomical, more powerful (4 or 6 cyl), it drives smoother, and looks cooler.

If you do get a 2nd gen, I say stay away from the 3.0, mine was an absolute turd. It has the power of a 4 banger, the fuel economy of a V8, and it has widely known head gasket problems, all of which I experienced with mine. Then it blew a rod around 160K. On the other hand, my '97 will be turning 200K next week and runs great still and has never had any major problems, just the normal maintenance and a few little things that wear out on any car like shocks, O2 sensors, etc.

 

[Tilt]

Thanks for the info Brian. That's exactly what I was looking for. I figured the 4 cyl might be a bit of an issue, and I'll take that into account in my search. The axle seal and the tranny cooler will be areas I'll look for as well.

Unfortunately the prices for 4Runners in Alberta seem to be a lot higher than other areas of Canada (and of course the States). The '97 I may go look at is actually listed at $5200 right now. I've yet to see a 3rd gen for anything less than 4k Canadian yet (in this Province). To compare, I looked at places out East - and was surprised to see the same vehicles for 2 to 3k less. Almost worth a plane ticket out to buy it, and drive it home. Now if only I knew someone out that way that could make sure it was worth the trip.

I'm leaning more to the 3rd gen, so I'm glad to hear there are few issues with them. I'll just take my time, and hopefully I'll be rewarded with a good one.

 

[JohnsD90]

On a manual there is no need to buy a tranny cooler, and Brian he said there is 150k miles on it, not 240k miles. It is worth $4.5k IMO. So that is about 5 grand canadian

 

[drinknmolson]

On a manual there is no need to buy a tranny cooler, and Brian he said there is 150k miles on it, not 240k miles. It is worth $4.5k IMO. So that is about 5 grand canadian

what he said! that's actually decent mileage, I bought my '97 V6 4WD w/200k hwy for $4k well maintained and other than minor body/bumper dings she has been great! Now @ 242K I have replaced the coils (once the rears sag it's time for a lift!) I upgraded the brakes, intake and exhaust, and running bigger tires and I am not worried about hitting 300K (that's my goal at least).

I would look at the CV's and make sure they are not already torn, I put new half shaft on for 55/side re-manufactured, higher mileage your going to be looking at steering bushings upper and lower ball joints and tie-rod ends to make sure they are good. If you are going to mod it anyway make sure the basics are in good condition and go from there.

 

[brian2sun]

On a manual there is no need to buy a tranny cooler, and Brian he said there is 150k miles on it, not 240k miles. It is worth $4.5k IMO. So that is about 5 grand canadian

Sorry it was late, I didn't notice it was 240,000 KMs, not miles. That's not bad at all and I agree it makes the value go way up. I wasn't thinking about the manual when I mentioned the tranny cooler, I was just thinking of the common 3rd gen problems, but you're right, that won't be an issue if he gets a 5 spd.

I would agree that it would be worth more around $4K here and maybe $5K in Alberta. But I do still think he should hold out for a V6 if he can (as I'm sure most on here would agree).

 

[Tilt]

I appreciate the advice given here. This is really going to help in my search. You're right Brian, I may still look at the one '97 here....but I'll likely hold out for a V6. We'll see how much the guy is willing to deal I guess. Geography really seems to dictate the price of these units. I was looking online, and saw several nice looking 3rd gens down in Ontario for WAY less. But I suppose I'm not really just looking for cheap - I'm looking for a good price, on a good unit.

 

[Tilt]

Little update here. This weekend I'm heading out to look at a few different 4Runners. The two front runners are a '97 Ltd (auto, V6), and a '99 Ltd (auto, V6). The '97 has 181,000 km's (112,000 miles). The '99 has 228,000 km's (142,000 miles). The '97 is more or less untouched, has a bit of rust on the rear bumper, needs new tires, and they're asking $6500 Canadian. The '99 has had a lot of the standard items taken care of - timing chain - water pump - engine tune up. No rust, needs new tires, and they're asking $8200 Canadian.

I'll be looking them both over a fair bit (along with a couple others). Should be interesting.

 

[brian2sun]

Good luck, they both sound promising.

 

[ryanr623]

Other than that, it's a good idea to bypass the stock tranny cooler with an aftermarket one (~$70) because they tend to fail ~200K and can easily ruin the tranny (and the radiator too).

QUOTE]

I second this. My tranny cooler just blew and i had less then 100k miles on mine!!! Its looking like they can save the tranny, but if you dont notice it right away it can destroy your tranny.

 

[nighthawk]

Thanks for the info Brian. That's exactly what I was looking for. I figured the 4 cyl might be a bit of an issue, and I'll take that into account in my search. The axle seal and the tranny cooler will be areas I'll look for as well.

Unfortunately the prices for 4Runners in Alberta seem to be a lot higher than other areas of Canada (and of course the States). The '97 I may go look at is actually listed at $5200 right now. I've yet to see a 3rd gen for anything less than 4k Canadian yet (in this Province). To compare, I looked at places out East - and was surprised to see the same vehicles for 2 to 3k less. Almost worth a plane ticket out to buy it, and drive it home. Now if only I knew someone out that way that could make sure it was worth the trip.

I'm leaning more to the 3rd gen, so I'm glad to hear there are few issues with them. I'll just take my time, and hopefully I'll be rewarded with a good one.

You think your prices for 3rd gens in Alberta are high, you're lucky you don't live in BC! They average 8-12K for 3rd gens here and manual transmission ones are next to impossible to get. Good luck with your search. I know I'm still searching. If I can find a 3rd gen manual for about $5K, I'd be all over it. Unfortunately, can't find any here.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Tilt, the 4 banger isn't bad if you don't mind the diminished power (which it really isn't THAT much slower).

Also, the only 4cyl problem I know of is the exhaust manifold cracking. I replaced my cracked manifold with LC Engineering headers. LC Engineering makes anything you want for the 3RZ-FE 4 cylinder engine, ANYTHING.

See this thread about the exhaust manifold,
OEM mini header install for 2.7L*(Pics)* - YotaTech Forums

No timing belt to worry about, but timing chain... which lasts WAY longer.

Pics from my install:

 

[Tilt]

I feel your pain nighthawk. I'm seeing prices all over the map here. I'm just looking forward to seeing a few this weekend. Hopefully some of these people are willing to move downwards a bit.

CoB, thanks for the further info. I'll watch for that if I end up looking at a 4 cyl. So far the only one that I've come across with the 4 banger, was the one I started this thread about. I've since talked with the owner, and decided it wasn't the 4Runner for me. Pretty well all the T4R's I've got scoped out now have V6's. We'll see where I stand after this weekend.

 

[AnotherHat]

97 4 cyl 2wd

Ok, I'm sure everyone is wondering "Why would anyone have a gutless T4R without any of the fun stuff...?"
Personally, I own an '07 4WD V8 T4R Sport, but my daughter is about to inherit her grandparent's '97 2WD 4cyl w/automatic trans and about 110k. She'll be taking it to college in NY (near Albany). No indoor parking. It was a CA car originally. If I could send her with the 4WD I'd feel better, but I need to keep the V8 to haul my horse trailer and can't afford a new one at this point. Any safety suggestions to help her keep traction in the winter weather? It needs tires and has front bumper/grill damage (cosmetic) that we may or may not fix... Other than that, it runs great.
:thanks:

 

[AnotherHat]

I might not have posted this in the right place, so apologies in advance...

 

[brian2sun]

AnotherHat, I replied in your thread about the same thing. You can also delete your posts if you click on the edit button in the lower right of your post and then choose delete.