Another 1st time buyer

[pjo33us]

Have read all the threads... I know that apples to apples I want a 3rd generation 4runner over a 2nd, I think. I know all the pros & cons of each and what to look for.

My question is more specific:

Would you rather buy a pretty clean, well maintained 2nd generation with LESS than 100k on it OR a pretty clean, needing a little maintenence 3rd gen with 150k on it? Both will go for around 5k give or take a little.

BTW, in Colorado Springs and looking for one of the above.

 

[Hepar]

Have read all the threads... I know that apples to apples I want a 3rd generation 4runner over a 2nd, I think. I know all the pros & cons of each and what to look for.

My question is more specific:

Would you rather buy a pretty clean, well maintained 2nd generation with LESS than 100k on it OR a pretty clean, needing a little maintenence 3rd gen with 150k on it? Both will go for around 5k give or take a little.

BTW, in Colorado Springs and looking for one of the above.

V6's in both? If so, the 3rd gen hands down. The 3.0l in the 2nd gen is pretty underpowered for being a 6 and is known to have a lot of head gasket issues.

 

[pjo33us]

Sorry, yes v6 on each... not finding any 4cyl in my search. Feeling a little under the gun as I sold my other car yesterday but still want ot make a good decision.

So even with the addtional mileage, you would still go with a 3rd generation?

Also, looking at a 99 with 155k, 5spd... needs an o2 sensor (looks fairly easy to do) and the gas gauge does not work... any input on that?

Thanks.

 

[Hepar]

Sorry, yes v6 on each... not finding any 4cyl in my search. Feeling a little under the gun as I sold my other car yesterday but still want ot make a good decision.

So even with the addtional mileage, you would still go with a 3rd generation?

Also, looking at a 99 with 155k, 5spd... needs an o2 sensor (looks fairly easy to do) and the gas gauge does not work... any input on that?

Thanks.

I wouldn't shy away from a 3rd gen with the 3.4l with high miles if I felt it was well maintained. I'd NEVER buy another 2nd gen with a 3.0l engine. I had a 1991 and did love it, but I blew my head gaskets twice and I had five different friends who had a 3.0l 2nd gen and all of them had head gasket issues too. Those aren't good numbers.

O2 sensor is easy to do and the gas gauge should be pretty simple. Probably the sender.

 

[jirehn]

Well I will also go for a 3rd gen. So that I don't have a lot of fixing works to be done.

 

[KidVermicious]

5 grand for a 2gen? That's way too high.