Any known problems with a 1990 4 Runner?

[dreamer1q]

Hey everyone, noob here. Normally I am running my own car based message board for performance cars in Michigan. So I know how valuable forum imformation can be.

I am looking at a 1990 4 Runner with a 5 speed and a 106k on a 22re motor. Truck overall looks good, and the pictures I have seen are decent. The only problem is I will have to fly 650 miles to drive this thing back to Michigan.

Now I know these trucks are known for longevity, basically they run forever if taken care of. My question is, are there any known issues I should look at before pulling the trigger and flying out to pick it up?

Also, while I am at it. What is the average mileage on a similar truck? NOT the 6 cylinder, but what do you 4 banger guys knock down for mileage? This truck will become my new commuter vehicle driving 75 miles a day round trip in Michigan winters.

Thanks in advance guys!

 

[jrs2]

I own a '90 4 cyl, 5-speed. Bought it new. Have 198K on it now. Other than normal things you expect to replace over 18 years (alternator, starter, water pump) it's been problem free. OK, I did have to replace the speedo cable and parking brake cable, but that's not too bad. I average 22 MPG mixed highway/city driving.

Great truck, one of the best purchases I ever made.

 

[dreamer1q]

Thank you for the info, that helps. Espically since I have no experiance with these trucks, other than knowing they seem to last forever.

 

[K_Labs]

Head Gasket and Steering Rod Linkage Recall

 

[jrs2]

The head gasket recall was for the 6 cyl, not the 4 cyl. And yes, Toyota replaced my steering relay rod a couple of years ago. Got a free alignment out of the deal, which I needed.

If he buys the truck and the PO didn't have the relay rod done Toyota will still replace it for free.

 

[driftertim]

DO IT, You wont regret it, I had a 90 V6 and the head gasket issue is 100% TRUE. It happened to the guy I sold my truck to a week after buying it. He didnt pay me much for it but go for the 22RE. Its a hard engine to kill, they go forever.

 

[K_Labs]

Another known problem is trying to offroad anywhere possible. I drive the T4R and run over islands and drive up curbs to make it to the left hand turn lane. Well maybe that's just me I used to do it in my civic hatchback too.

 

[dreamer1q]

No worries about the off roading, I currently take my 2500 Silverado with the 6 liter in the mud all the damn time. It has 33 inch BFG Mud Terrians on it already.

I did buy it so far. I have the cash in hand, and I am flying to Nebraska Tuesday morning to test drive the truck. As long as the test drive goes good, I will bring it back to Michigan. Otherwise, I have the return flight already paid for and I can hop back on the plane and come home. I had the free flight in flight miles, so it only cost me 50 bucks to do it.

I am excited to get my first Toyota. Now I need to find a brush guard/push bar for deer and mounting driving lights and I am all set.

Thanks for the input guys, it helped. And I am sure I will have many more questions in the near future.

 

[hickory]

I have 95 t4r. Alternator, speedo cable and rust! I get 100 km/10L in summer and 11.5L/100k in winter. This include bush roads which I drive almost everyday. Head gaskets do go in 22re's sometimes.

 

[dreamer1q]

My flight leaves at 6:30 am tomorrow from Michigan and I am in Omaha at 10:00am. Driving it back to Michigan tomorrow. So begins the 4Runner era in my home. Should be fun, the last time I bought something like this, it turned into my show winning Camaro that I still race on weekends.