I am looking at buying a 1995 V6, a really nice looking truck from what I have seen. I owned a previous RAV4 which was very dependable. My question is do you guys have to do a lot of maintenance on these trucks? I mean I know the oil has to be changed and there are standard things to take care of, what I am asking is do you have to devote a lot of time to keeping them running? I saw a thread about tough cold starts and it is spooking me a bit. I love the trucks but I am using 401K money to get this thing and I will be looking for work here and going on interviews, I wont have time to fiddle with it. I also don't own a lot of tools and mechanical know how (but I want to learn) and am a bit concerned if I have what it takes to keep her running. Truly I am seeing my shortcomings here and just want to know if this may be something a bit over my head...does that make sense? :fishing:
General question for a longtime wannabe
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BucknutBob
New member
They've been good to me
I believe I may have replied to a similar enquiry of yours on another thread, so I hope this isn't redundant. I have had three Gen 2 'Runners, and they have been quite dependable. There is a possibility of head gasket problems, as I have read about a few with them, and one of mine did, too. Otherwise, I've put a lot of miles on mine (and two of them already had around 200k on them!), went wheeling many times, drove them across the country, etc.. In general, a Toyota at 100k is just broken in. All you can do is check it over well, remove emotion from the decision, be your own "devil's advocate" (or find a good mechanic to do so), and act on what you see. Best of luck!
I believe I may have replied to a similar enquiry of yours on another thread, so I hope this isn't redundant. I have had three Gen 2 'Runners, and they have been quite dependable. There is a possibility of head gasket problems, as I have read about a few with them, and one of mine did, too. Otherwise, I've put a lot of miles on mine (and two of them already had around 200k on them!), went wheeling many times, drove them across the country, etc.. In general, a Toyota at 100k is just broken in. All you can do is check it over well, remove emotion from the decision, be your own "devil's advocate" (or find a good mechanic to do so), and act on what you see. Best of luck!
GonOvr
New member
What you have to realize is that there are a lot more of these on the road than there are problems with them. People don't usually come to a forum to bs. They come to find answers to problems. So on the grand scheme yes they are very reliable. The number one problem for the 3.0 is head gasket failure. Other than that, they are outstanding vehicles. I own a vw, dodge, Pontiac, and Toyota so I'm not bias.
It's not a new vehicle, expect it to throw fits once in a while. Keep up with general tune-ups and maintenance and it will last a long time.
It's not a new vehicle, expect it to throw fits once in a while. Keep up with general tune-ups and maintenance and it will last a long time.
Footofgod
New member
I'd say that if you are noy beating the crap out of it, it is good durable truck. Mine (1991 T4R) has 230k miles on it and I DO beat on it a little. I have driven it to and from Kansas City to Colorado Springs and back with no issues. You will of course run in to regular issues of an older car. I had to replace the clutch last year and I am sure that this is not the first clutch replaced on this truck. I think if you have a little money in the bank for "just in case", you will probably love this truck. Have a mechanic check it over BEFORE you buy.
Thanks for the replies...I realize it is an older truck..this one is a real beauty and it looks really well maintained..I mean clean. The other one I looked at had so much rust the mechanic said the bumper could fall off at any minute. I thank you folks for the input. I will be paying for an inspection also...so that should help. The fella selling it is a mechanic and I think it can't get much better than that. I guess it is just a first time long distance nervous nellie kinda thing...big decision ya know? And the gas prices keep one on their toes also...that's what the 250 is for in the summer though...this is a V6 3.0. I drove a nice 2003 today and the used dealer wanted 12,900 for a 2003 w/ 130K miles on it. I mean it was an SR5, beautiful truck, but that sounds a bit steep to me. There was a Toyota dealer here in Detroit that sold a 2002 or 2003 w/ that kind of mileage for 6900 and I thought that was steep but maybe I should have jumped on it. Oh well, live and learn. Thanks again...
BucknutBob
New member
Once you get more into it, you'll find those prices aren't too surprising--4Runners hold tremendous resale value. Granted, many will still try to rob you, but when you see a clean example, expect to pay...regardless of miles. Glad you passed on that first one--RUST SUCKS! Few things more frustrating than trying to do a simple replacement, and having to fight years of crust, holes, broken bolts, etc.. Besides, if you can see a lot without digging, there's a lot more hiding that will screw things up later. Smart move!
fourwd1
Moderator
Not necessarily, it's also easier for an unscrupulous one to rip you off.
Personally, I would not be using 401K money to buy a 2nd gen with a 3.0 V6.
Consider moving up at least to a 96 with a 3.4 V6 or a 2.7 4 cyl.
Bear_F_ucker
New member
itgogitrev
New member
Agreed. Jump up to a 3rd gen if you can. It all comes down to priorities and what you want out of the vehicle. I found a near rust free 2nd gen for $1900. She's not pretty, but it's meant to be a functional truck. Regardless of reputation, a 20 year old vehicle will have problems.
However, you're in a good place for buying. Almost no one spends money after the holidays and a lot of people are hard up for cash. You'll probably see a few more clean 4Rs pop up within the next week or two at reasonable prices.
