Buying a 2nd gen... What to look out for?

[B_CRUZ]

Hi, I have been on the hunt for the perfect second gen.

What should I look out for? What are common problems of 2nd gen? Is there a CHECK LIST that someone put together in a previous thread? I am looking for a 4 cyl 5 speed model.

thanks!

B

 

[94Beast4Runner]

Body rot and frame rot. other then that the normal mechanical stuff only.

 

[CILO]

Based on my experience, i would suggest a compression test if possible. check to see if the engine runs hot (clogged egr), rust around the wheel wells. functioning tailgate window. normal smooth idle. info on the last time the headgasket was done (v6). thats about it

 

[G.I.G.]

As others have mentioned, check for rust, especially around the wheel wells. Toyota trucks and 4Runners from the 80's to early 90's seemed to be particularly prone to rust problems. If that particular 4R was ever owned or driven regularly through the rust belt, I would look that much more closely for rust.

Also, if you are buying a 4x4 model (not sure if they made a 2wd only model during the 2nd gen) be sure to throw it in 4wd somewhere it is safe to do so.

 

[B_CRUZ]

Thanks for the replies! I didn't realize that finding a 4cyl. version would be next to impossible(I haven't even stumbled across any 4cyl 5 speed ones yet!).

All I see are the v6 models. Are the v6 models that bad?

 

[turboSR5]

I'm not a fan of them myself. They are Toyotas after all so they are good motors. My only beef is that it is such a weak 6 cylinder and pure PITA to work on compared to the bombproof 22r 4 cylinder engines. I like to work on my own stuff and I like bombproof.

 

[94Beast4Runner]

[QUOTE If that particular 4R was ever owned or driven regularly through the rust belt, I would look that much more closely for rust.QOUTE]

What do you consider the rust belt?
I know for sure the province of ontario should be included in that.

 

[cellar]

Check at a Toyota dealership with the VIN to see if the head gaskets have been done. Make sure the back tailgate is in good shape. Those are the only 4runner specifics to look for. (looking for rust at the wheel wells should be standard for any truck)

 

[ruskymx]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum. I've had a FJ Cruiser for the last 3.5 years but just recently had to get rid of it cuz of this crappy economy. (I work at a Toyota dealership for the last 7.5 years selling cars)

I just purchased a '93 4Runner 22RE 5 speed w/ 162k and got lucky on Craig's List & it was a few blocks from where I grew up. It took about three weeks of looking for one everywhere, local papers, online, eBay, Craiglist, Auto Locator (NE US thing, PA,DE, MD, WV, VA, NY, & NJ).

A master tech here at my dealership talked me out of the 3.0 V6 because of the head gasket issues & ease of working on.

You don't have to be too concerned about getting a speeding ticket in one of these bad boys....lol :cheers:

 

[Thai]

Wow...a big change from FJ to your new 4runner! Welcome!

 

[ruskymx]

Oh yeah! Definitely! lol It really sucked to get rid of the FJ. Here's a pic of it:

:dammit:

But, it's going to be nice not making that payment every month & it will allow me to pay some crap off and save some $$. I can build this '93 up to make it a lot of fun for not a whole lot of money it seems like. Plus, I really like the Army Green in the '10 FJ's but need to see it in person to be sure. That will be a goal to save $ towards so I don't have to finance the whole amount like I did with the '07. So until then, this 4Runner's my new toy!

 

[Savage]

Umm imo, no car payment says it all! Woot on that one. That's how I live. I think the 2nd Gen are classy. Just have to work around the few issues mentioned above. You can find good bumpers and tailgates if you keep an eye out for them. Be patient. Also, strike up a good relationship with a junkyard nearby. Tell em to let you know when they pick up some wrecks that fit the bill. If you sell cars it should be easy to find someone maybe back in the shop who can do an intro for you. Good luck and enjoy the project.

 

[Getsum]

As a previous owner of two LCs (FJ60 4 liter turbo deisel & a V-8 FJ 80) I'd say you made a wise choice...and will save money as well. The new LCs look horrid in my opinion... they really strayed away from the LC tradition and made this alien looking space bubble of a truck.