I am new to this forum and thinking about buying a 1990 or newer 4runners (4x4) for my son. We looked at 2 1990's yesterday. One was at a dealer and looked like it had some overheating issues in the past with only 87k miles, (supposedly). The other was private party, with 240 K miles, and said the engine was rebuilt 55k ago. He added that he was a mechanic and that the older 4 runners has issues with the headgaskets. He used Felpro headgaskets during the rebuild. He is only asking about 3k for that one. Question is, if I buy one of these older 4 runners, am I looking at a lot of repair and maintenance issues? Should I look at another year series? I believe these two were 6 cylinder engines.
Buying a 4runner
- Thread starter efstewart
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My opinion: There really are no bad vehicles, just bad owners. If you maintain your vehicle then it will take care of you. With that being said, find the 4runner of whatever era that you like. Make sure you're starting with a good platform that hasn't been abused then just maintain it as normal. I would look more into the private party sale because dealerships like to hide stuff. With the private party sale you can talk directly to the person who maintained it and built the motor.
Post pics and prices of both and we can help you more.
Good luck!
Post pics and prices of both and we can help you more.
Good luck!
Welcome to the forum. I would only use factory gaskets, or Ishino/Sanwa units. We have a 1990 4runner with a V6 at 94k, and has been a great vehicle. There are areas to watch out for though. Make sure the vehicle has had the Toyota recalls done(head gaskets, steering rod, etc.) and has loads of service records.
I would prefer a documented one owner/low mile unit first, and they are out there. The maintenance issues will greatly depend on how the previous owner has taken care of the vehicle. Look for lots of documentation. You might consider posting pics, which would help others with assessments of the vehicles your looking at.
regards
I would prefer a documented one owner/low mile unit first, and they are out there. The maintenance issues will greatly depend on how the previous owner has taken care of the vehicle. Look for lots of documentation. You might consider posting pics, which would help others with assessments of the vehicles your looking at.
regards
Deathcricket
New member
I recently purchased a 1990 4x4 V6 as well. I paid $2300 for one with 178k miles but that was in Las Vegas, so perhaps regionally prices are different. I would also recommend going with a private seller and would prefer a car with miles that add up correctly. There is something very suspicious about a car that has that few of miles on it. I think you said 87k? So either they are lying about the miles or it sat around for years and years doing nothing except clogging up. Either way it's not good, hehe. That is less than 4,000 miles a year. I think the average is like 13k-15k per year.
But I think if you drive enough of them you will get a feel for what is the right one for you. I also could tell which "type" of people I wanted to purchase from and who was giving me a line of BS just when talking to them over the phone. Smooth professional talkers types, steer clear from. but yeah any car you buy is going to have a couple issues, like was mentioned before, just make sure you have a nice solid base to work off of. Watch out for rust and what I call "the smell of death" inside the car. For some reason just getting inside and a whiff of the interior I could tell what other problems I would find. Mildew, oil, exhaust, and gasoline smells are all ones you want to avoid.
But I think if you drive enough of them you will get a feel for what is the right one for you. I also could tell which "type" of people I wanted to purchase from and who was giving me a line of BS just when talking to them over the phone. Smooth professional talkers types, steer clear from. but yeah any car you buy is going to have a couple issues, like was mentioned before, just make sure you have a nice solid base to work off of. Watch out for rust and what I call "the smell of death" inside the car. For some reason just getting inside and a whiff of the interior I could tell what other problems I would find. Mildew, oil, exhaust, and gasoline smells are all ones you want to avoid.
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thatoneguy
New member
87k miles either means the odometer was rolled back or swapped, it sat for years untouched, or rarely got used, and only for city driving. None of those are good.
The 3VZE V6 engine had head gasket issues. This engine was available up to '95. 22re's had their fair share of problems too. You should be fine if you maintain what you buy, and don't rally it all the time. In my area 2nd gens go for $1500-$2500 depending on condition.
If you've got a little more cash, you could try to pick up an early third generation 4runner. They came equipped with the 3RZ-FE 2.7L I4, and the 5VZ-FE 3.4 V6. Both are exceptionally reliable powerplants. Where i am those go for ~ $4000 with high miles.
But generally i wouldn't stray away from a 2nd gen just because of the 3.0, however knowing the head-gasket was done correctly and with quality parts is a good idea.
The 3VZE V6 engine had head gasket issues. This engine was available up to '95. 22re's had their fair share of problems too. You should be fine if you maintain what you buy, and don't rally it all the time. In my area 2nd gens go for $1500-$2500 depending on condition.
If you've got a little more cash, you could try to pick up an early third generation 4runner. They came equipped with the 3RZ-FE 2.7L I4, and the 5VZ-FE 3.4 V6. Both are exceptionally reliable powerplants. Where i am those go for ~ $4000 with high miles.
But generally i wouldn't stray away from a 2nd gen just because of the 3.0, however knowing the head-gasket was done correctly and with quality parts is a good idea.
