good buy?

[Cattiva73]

Hi guys, newbie here:
Im going to look at a 1994 4Runner SR5 V6 134k miles
for my son's first car.
Tell me,
Is this a good 1st car and good year/engine as far as reliability?
The gasket issue/recall has already been fixed by the dealer.
..is it prone to fail again?

I love Yotas but my other choice would be a '98 Grand Cherokee v8.

Thanks for your input.
Cheers

 

[3rzrunner]

'98 Grand Cherokee v8.

:doh:

The 4runner is a much better truck than the jeep,
its got, looks, better reliability, better fuel economy, its MADE IN JAPAN, and are waaaayyy cooler than a grand Cherokee.
Its an AWESOME first car.

But seriously, the v6 engine in the second gen is prone to HG failure even after it has been replaced. many people have had them go 300k+ without a problem tho.

If you don't like the second gen 4runner (90-95) the 3rd gen (96-02) is a big step up. The engines have no problems, are more powerful, and the 3rd gen can be had anywhere between 3k-10k. also both gens can be had in 5speeds which is a major factor for me.

i would take a runner over a GC any day of the week. I would say a smarter second choice would be the 3rd gen.

good luck!

 

[T4R2014]

I'd get the Grand Cherokee since he's a new driver.

 

[grannyzpanniez]

I'm 18 and just bought a 2000 t4r 5spd as my first car... Couldn't be happier and couldn't ask for much more. I got mine for 6300 which is a little pricey for the age and miles (170k) but trust me, you won't regret buying a 3rd gen for him. Everything about the 4runners are perfect and 1000x better than the Cherokee. He will appreciate the style points as well. I, however, wouldn't buy an automatic though.. As they are lame to drive and more prone to issues. Hope I can help out since I'm in a very similar situation.. Let me know if i can in any way

 

[Chuckles89]

I agree with Grant and 3rzrunner for getting a 3rd gen. I'm 17 and it is probably the best thing a teenager could drive. Safe, reliable, comfortable, easy to work on, cheap, etc. I can haul all of my bass guitar stuff in the back or lay down the seats and sleep inside.

I would also try to find a 5 speed (even if he doesn't know how to drive one) because they are super fun and a 4Runner has the easiest clutch ever made! I can literally be standing outside of the truck, push the clutch in with my right foot, put it in first, and let the clutch out without stalling. Now that I think about it, I think I have even stalled it on the road (I've had it for 9 months). I have stalled it offroad though that's pretty normal.

Good luck on finding him one!

 

[Cattiva73]

3rd Gen. are awesome but little expensive for his 1st car...we like the 2nd Gen. The one I found has a 2" lift with wider tires and its really in good shape, 130k miles.HG already replaced once by Dealership.....just dont know enough about that Head Gasket recurring problems and V6 engine reliability...dont want to buy a $$ pit )

 

[Chuckles89]

How much is the 2nd gen?

 

[grannyzpanniez]

It depends on condition. If you could find a 95 w/ under 170 miles with no rust I'd probably buy it. I'd say roughly 3500-5000 is what you'll spend for a nice condition one. For third gens of the same quality maybe 55-8.. At least in the Denver area that's what they're going for

 

[3rzrunner]

3rd Gen. are awesome but little expensive for his 1st car...we like the 2nd Gen. The one I found has a 2" lift with wider tires and its really in good shape, 130k miles.HG already replaced once by Dealership.....just dont know enough about that Head Gasket recurring problems and V6 engine reliability...dont want to buy a $$ pit )

spend a little more to start with, save money down the road.

the 2nd gen is really good quality but it is an old truck and will require parts, as will the 3rd gen.