Common Problems

K

krob

New member
Obviously i am brand new...thus the first post. I am looking at purchasing a 99 4runner tomorrow, could you all list things that are common issues that i should check out.

I am going to go search now however it might be a good idea to sticky this thread or a similar thread to the top so that you all don't have to answer this every time a newbie comes on...this isn't the only car/truck forum i am on i know how obnoxious these questions can be. :violin:

Thanks
Rob
 
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The only real common issue is rear axle seals which tend to go around 100k miles and really has become more of a maintenance item as most 4runners need it done at one time sooner than later.

I've got 155k on mine and the only thing outside the axle seals are normal wear and tear items like TB/water pump/swaybar and steering rack bushings/shocks and coils,etc. was I had a coil pack short just a few months ago and I broke a sway bar connector off roading otherwise my truck has been very solid.
 
Also probably should have included it in to my original question. A v6 automatic what kind of fuel mileage would i be looking at?

Also is the 4wheel drive, all the time like AWD drive, or is it like a normal pick up 4x4 with a transfer case and lever on the floor board. Real dumb question on that one but i just read something that made me question that one.

Thanks
Rob
 
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krob said:
Also probably should have included it in to my original question. A v6 automatic what kind of fuel mileage would i be looking at.
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18MPG, 20 if if your lucky. Maintanence list: Rear Diff squealing, Timing belt replacement, The auto tranny has some issues, Rear axle seals, rusted rear bumper, head gasket issues, after that it is the run of the mill stuff.
 
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What kind of issues does the auto have?

This vehicle has about 160k on it.

I hate to say it but the more i look at it/research the more im not as interested. I like manuals better and i might as well drive a full size truck if it doesn't get 20mpg.

Hmm guess will see.

I am all ears though let me know what else you guys can. I know absolutely nothing about these vehicles so educate me please.

Thanks
Rob
 
krob said:
What kind of issues does the auto have?

This vehicle has about 160k on it.

I hate to say it but the more i look at it/research the more im not as interested. I like manuals better and i might as well drive a full size truck if it doesn't get 20mpg.

Hmm guess will see.

I am all ears though let me know what else you guys can. I know absolutely nothing about these vehicles so educate me please.

Thanks
Rob
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Sir if you don't want the 4runner than dont get one. Did you really expect a midsize SUV of 10+ years ago to get 20+mpg. My 5 speed manual gets 18 winter combined, and 21 summer combined. That vehicle your looking at will go past 250k miles with flying colors and should go past 300k too. Some people have issues with the autos, its no different than any other car with a bad tranny, most aren't bad though if that scared you. They are great cars and will go as long as you want them to go, you may not be able to say the same about that full size truck.
 
Johns,

I feel like you think i have committed a cardinal sin or are trying to offend you, which i am not. I am currently stationed in Germany and thus my choices of cars that i can drag back to America are very limited (us spec vs German spec). This 4Runner is one of the only options i have found that fit the bill of vehicles i would want to have in the states.

So the Autos dont have anymore problems then any other auto or what?

Anyway thanks for all your input and help, i really appreciate it.
Rob
 
krob said:
Johns,

I feel like you think i have committed a cardinal sin or are trying to offend you, which i am not. I am currently stationed in Germany and thus my choices of cars that i can drag back to America are very limited (us spec vs German spec). This 4Runner is one of the only options i have found that fit the bill of vehicles i would want to have in the states.

So the Autos dont have anymore problems then any other auto or what?

Anyway thanks for all your input and help, i really appreciate it.
Rob
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I used to work on transmissions for GM. I saw a lot of problems because I always saw the vehicles with problems. They were usually around 100k. I would say the T4R transmissions are bullet proof compared to that. They have spome problems, but some of those are from abuse (just like the GM's) and some are from just being worn. On a stick you and up replacing the clutch, an automatic is full of clutches as well. It is not a permanent thing they do wear.
 
I also want to add if mileage is a concern, do not lift or modify the truck. Just leav well enough alone. There will be people who ar getting 22 mpg with a lift and tires, but that is not the norm.
 
If I had an auto tranny, which I don't, I would definitely bypass the in-rad cooler and install an aftermarket external tranny cooler. Do a search for "strawberry" or "milkshake" on this or any other Toy 4x4 forum to see why. Otherwise, these are fantastic machines if maintained and not excessively abused.
 
GoFaSSter said:
I also want to add if mileage is a concern, do not lift or modify the truck. Just leav well enough alone. There will be people who ar getting 22 mpg with a lift and tires, but that is not the norm.
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I drive a 2000 4runner Sr5 4x4 160k miles with a lift and 285/75 r16 All-Terrains and I get about 22 mpg. Never had any major problems
 
JohnsD90 said:
Sir if you don't want the 4runner than dont get one. Did you really expect a midsize SUV of 10+ years ago to get 20+mpg. My 5 speed manual gets 18 winter combined, and 21 summer combined. That vehicle your looking at will go past 250k miles with flying colors and should go past 300k too. Some people have issues with the autos, its no different than any other car with a bad tranny, most aren't bad though if that scared you. They are great cars and will go as long as you want them to go, you may not be able to say the same about that full size truck.
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my 97 5 spd 4x4 has 389,600km on it. run like a top. the only problems i have are the electrical problems i create myself. but i cant stop TINKERING! :ybrick:
 
JohnsD90 said:
18MPG, 20 if if your lucky. Maintanence list: Rear Diff squealing, Timing belt replacement, The auto tranny has some issues, Rear axle seals, rusted rear bumper, head gasket issues, after that it is the run of the mill stuff.
Click to expand...

i average like 16.8ish

4runnergas.jpg
 
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I can't figure out how to post on here. I'm looking at an 2000 sr5 4runner and I'm trying to figure out what's wrong with it. If you can help please message me back or please tell me how to post on here. Thanks
 
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