namewatname
New member
Hey all,
First, I'm 5 minutes new to the forum! So...hello.
Second, I'm wanting to get into 4runners. Specifically, I'm interested in building a camping/expedition rig that can go wherever. Not super interested in rockcrawling/extreme wheeling, but I'd like to be able to hold my own when the terrain changes. I've been researching 4runners for a while and know the general differences between generations, what general problems/advantages each gen holds, etc.
In addition to getting into the T4R, I'm also looking to get down and dirty with the mechanical side of the rig. This means being able to fix all (or most) aspects of the car, should the need arise. I don't have a ton of mechanical knowledge (mostly just know how to maintain my car, oil changes, fuel pump, etc.) but I'm handy with the internet and have a desire to learn about this stuff. I have a daily driver already, and would want to pick something up for fairly cheap (sub $3k). I live in Southern CA, for reference.
My question is, how feasible would it be to pick up a T4R and spend some time and energy fixing it up, for someone who doesn't have a ton of mechanical experience. I know that 1st gens are supposed to be the simplest to work on (obvi), but does that mean I should forgo the other gens if I come across one that has mechanical problems but is super cheap? Or am I better off just paying $12k for a 4th gen with 125k miles and not learning at all...
TLDR-I'm inexperienced with mechanics but would like to learn. I also want a T4R. Would it be better to purchase a vehicle that already runs fairly well, or buy something that needs a lot of fixing and dive in?
Sorry for the long post. Thanks for the help!
First, I'm 5 minutes new to the forum! So...hello.
Second, I'm wanting to get into 4runners. Specifically, I'm interested in building a camping/expedition rig that can go wherever. Not super interested in rockcrawling/extreme wheeling, but I'd like to be able to hold my own when the terrain changes. I've been researching 4runners for a while and know the general differences between generations, what general problems/advantages each gen holds, etc.
In addition to getting into the T4R, I'm also looking to get down and dirty with the mechanical side of the rig. This means being able to fix all (or most) aspects of the car, should the need arise. I don't have a ton of mechanical knowledge (mostly just know how to maintain my car, oil changes, fuel pump, etc.) but I'm handy with the internet and have a desire to learn about this stuff. I have a daily driver already, and would want to pick something up for fairly cheap (sub $3k). I live in Southern CA, for reference.
My question is, how feasible would it be to pick up a T4R and spend some time and energy fixing it up, for someone who doesn't have a ton of mechanical experience. I know that 1st gens are supposed to be the simplest to work on (obvi), but does that mean I should forgo the other gens if I come across one that has mechanical problems but is super cheap? Or am I better off just paying $12k for a 4th gen with 125k miles and not learning at all...
TLDR-I'm inexperienced with mechanics but would like to learn. I also want a T4R. Would it be better to purchase a vehicle that already runs fairly well, or buy something that needs a lot of fixing and dive in?
Sorry for the long post. Thanks for the help!
