Buying 89 - 93

[gizmopt2002]

As very seldom of you know I am an under 18 driver. I curently share my moms 04 as you can tell in my sig. I am on a VERY limited budget so I am shooting for 89 - 93. I've found a few in my area (Chicago) from $975 - $1,500. I was wondering if there are any problem with these years. I'm not that concerned with miles because we've had Toyotas last over 300,000 miles . The one I found for $975 seems perfect for me its an '89. I did happen to find a '93 BUT it has a bad cylinder, But its $1,000. So im wondering how much it would be to replace it. I also found a '91 (i think) thats also in god shape but, it has trans problems. So im looking for your opinions. Below is the ad's for them:

http://cars.com/go/search/detail.js...CE+ascending|Q-ascending|Z-60021&aff=national
http://cars.com/go/search/detail.js...CE+ascending|Q-ascending|Z-60021&aff=national

http://cars.com/go/search/detail.js...CE+ascending|Q-ascending|Z-60021&aff=national

http://cars.com/go/search/detail.js...CE+ascending|Q-ascending|Z-60021&aff=national

http://cars.com/go/search/detail.js...CE+ascending|Q-ascending|Z-60021&aff=national

 

[All4runnin]

I own an 89' 4runner V6 and have had it for just over 2 years. It has over 300,000k on it and still runs great. If its in good shape with little rust and a clean engine it will be a great vehicle. Rust is a big issue on older toyota's if your looking to keep the vehicle for a while. Check for rust and cracks on the frame as well in the fenders, thats a bad spot. Im more partial to 89's cause they are 2 door with the removable top and come in a V6 version with a strong frame. The IFS is good for the street but if your planning on doing any wheeling I wouldn't go too crazy. Ive sunk mine in a "Pond" got it pulled out, dried it off and drove it home.

 

[gizmopt2002]

Thhanks for your info. The '89 im looking at lookes like an early '90 because its the 4 door hard top.

EDIT: Also any problems at all?

 

[All4runnin]

if it has a hard top then its not an 89.

I haven't any major issues with the V6 besides the lack of power when you put big tires on the truck. As long as you are religious about oil changes and keep the truck clean they last a long time. Ive only had my truck for 2 years and no major issues have come up that have put me off the road, my starter went on me as with the cluth cylinder but those were cheap to fix, and im going to need a tune-up soon. All of my suspension is after market so I don't know much about how good the stock set-up is other than the rear end sags on older vehicles. The previous owner of the vehicle replaced all the panels after he rolled it and beeswax coated the inside of them.

Im sure other people have had issues so I'd wait to here a few opinions.

 

[ThatsBlasphemy]

yeah, definatly check for rust underneath the car, and on the frame. Chicago i would imagin gets some snow, so it'd rust easily, and then jsut eat and eat away. if you can, i don't know how far your willing to go, but maybe check ebay for a car a little further south? that'd be in a little better shape.

 

[gizmopt2002]

yeah, definatly check for rust underneath the car, and on the frame. Chicago i would imagin gets some snow, so it'd rust easily, and then jsut eat and eat away. if you can, i don't know how far your willing to go, but maybe check ebay for a car a little further south? that'd be in a little better shape.

Yea I was def. thinking about that. How much would a throw cylinder cost to be fixed?

 

[eightnine]

if it has a hard top then its not an 89.

lol i have an 89 and it has a hardtop. The non-box 4runners started in 1989.5

 

[All4runnin]

LOL!!!!!

I meant a removable top, and if its an 89.5 then its not an 89 is it, it's an 89.5.

 

[gizmopt2002]

lol. I don't think i've ever seen a car ad saying "1989.5 Car for Sale". How much does a thrown cylider cost? or a head gasket? (I'm thinking about 400 - 2000 for head gasket)

 

[All4runnin]

Alright Alright Im an idiot I should learn to keep my mouth shut.

1990 :
The all-new, second-generation 4Runner premieres in mid-1989, as a 1990 model, based on the 1989 Pickup. For the first time, 2-door and 4-door 2WD and 4WD models are available. Rear ABS is standard, but works only in 2WD. Removable rear roof section disappears and an integrated steel body replaces the fiberglass rear shell, making the vehicle quieter and more weather tight. Shift-on-the-fly 4WD is now optional. Ride comfort improves with the addition of a 4-link, coil-spring rear suspension. The Hi-Trac independent torsion bar front suspension is shared with the 4WD Toyota Truck.

 

[eightnine]

lol. I don't think i've ever seen a car ad saying "1989.5 Car for Sale".

its just an easier way of classifying the 4runners from 89 since they are two different body styles

 

[All4runnin]

Hey EightNine, Where did you get those altezza lights from? ive looked for lights like that but have never found any beside obvious crap ones off E-bay.

 

[eightnine]

Hey EightNine, Where did you get those altezza lights from? ive looked for lights like that but have never found any beside obvious crap ones off E-bay.

you just said it... ebay lol. I got my corners, turn signals and altezza lights all of ebay from auto quare.. a store in california. They only sell them at that store so its really hard to find them anywhere else. As for the quality of the taillights.. they look really good in person but one of mine is letting condensation in fogging the lights.. Basically quality is shit but its the only ones i could find. :beer: