Buyer Info-2ndGen-22Re. Any info greatly appreciated

[Joel]

Buyer Info?-2nd Gen T4R - 22RE. Any info greatly appreciated...

I'm looking at a 94 4WD 4Runner with 135,000 miles, a 22RE, a 5-speed and an asking price is $5900.00. I like this truck, alot.
I've ran a carfax, it looks good. Also, the VIN stickers are matching and in place on the vehicle and the glass is original. The engine compartment is clean with the factory decals in place. (BTW, anyone know where to look on the block for the block # to match with the VIN?)
The installed options are power windows and a cruise control. It has a straight body and cold AC.
Does anyone have any advice on trouble spots or things to look for before purchase? Seem like a resonable asking price...or a bit pricey?
Thanks for any info...extremely cool forum here.
Joel

 

[spyderdoc]

The 22R engine is a bullet proof engine. I've had several of them in my various toyotas (86 4x4 Pickups) and they were very reliable. All I did was oil changes and other regular maint. If it was well cared for, it should last a long time...
The only real drawback is that it is a pretty anemic engine, so don't expect too much get up and go from it...Mileage is so so, about 18-20mpg (about what my current engine gets!).
Good luck. Seems kinds pricey for a '94?
Mark

 

[vandert]

With Spiderdoc

Had a few 22re's they are the reason I buy more and more toyotas.

As for anemic, it will be at first but there are tons of aftermarket for the 22re's, although 5900 is kinda steep for that old and with a 4 banger. If its any help though I would buy the one your looking at over the 3.0 which was offered at that time.

T

 

[Joel]

I'm feeling the price a little optimistic as well...maybe $4600 is great and $5200 is tops.
Thanks (very much) for your time and info...
Joel

 

[94yotarunner]

The 4 banger is a good engine, but if you're going with a 94 I'd get the 3.0. Lots of people complain about the engine, being as they compare it to newer cars. I like it, I don't need a speed demon, but I have the 3.0 version.

If you get the 4 cylinder don't expect too much towing or excellent acceleration, because it worked well with the first 4runners but they were lighter, and they still weren't AMAZING, but the reliability is through the roof.

As for the price, depending on where you're from, I still think its high.

This last march I got mine, a 125k no problems 3.0 5 speed V6 4WD, excellent previous owners and maintenance, for 4900. It was in the NE which usually charges more for cars. They were asking 5.5k and I offered 4.9k, they told me to go to hell. Then two weeks later I get a call, "Hey, we'll do it."

I looked on autotrader.com, if you look for cars there you might have to drive an hour or two to see it, but you can see better prices and maybe choose your features. I got power everything, sunroof, grill guard, running boards, tow package, roof rack.... every option except leather on mine, and it had a stock casette player, but besides that everything was top notch, and it was still cheaper. I'd say if you REALLY want that one, haggle them down a whole lot. I don't know if you'll like the feel of the engine just because it doesn't have much pick up and go at all, like the people have said. Its not that I don't like the engine, it workes great with the lighter 1st generation 4runner, but on the 2nd Gen it'll feel like a Kia I think.

On the 3.0:
Things to watch out for is the headgasket recall, rust obviously, and the timing belt. Timing belt is every 60k, so make sure they did the second timing belt change as that'll cost you a good 500-1k I figure.

thats just my .02

 

[spyderdoc]

Things to watch out for in ours is the headgasket recall, rust obviously, and the timing belt. Timing belt is every 60k, so make sure they did the second timing belt change as that'll cost you a good 500-1k I figure, and I'm not too sure but on the 4 cyl. it might be the type of belt that causes damage if it breaks. I know the 3.0 isn't, but they had just changed it I think, so I don't know if the 4 cyl. got that as well.
Others will chime in and correct me if I'm wrong, but still none the less, make sure at 130k they've recently replaced the timing belt.

thats just my .02 [/B]

I'm pretty sure the 22RE has a timing chain, which never really needs replacement. However, it may need the tensioners replaced in time....I had 167k miles and never replaced tensioners.....

 

[94yotarunner]

I'm pretty sure the 22RE has a timing chain, which never really needs replacement. However, it may need the tensioners replaced in time....I had 167k miles and never replaced tensioners.....

Yea, I just looked it up... you're right sorry. Why is that?

Well anyways, if you look at the 3.0 then look for the timing belt replacement every 60k.

 

[Joel]

Thanks again fellows...great forum here.
Joel

 

[vandert]

Get it ?

Did you go for it or did you hold off?

Let us know what your thinking now.

T

Oh and you should replace the timing chain every 100000 miles as well as the guides, it a safety thing but it is a simple straight forward job on the 22re, as with the 3.slow, it is a very complex job, well not that complex, I could complete both in under 3 hours and have you running again.

In my opinion the 22re is the best motor that Toyota has made to date, they have some good ones out now, but they don't have the "life" that the 22r has had, its been around since the 70's. Thats tough.

The 3.slow has brought alot of peoples veiws of Toyotas down just simply due to the headgasket problem and alot of Unexplainable oil loss in the "a few" of there engines. Its still a really good engine, but its not the 22re

T