Im currently in the market for a 1st or 2nd gen runner. Im leaning more towards a 2nd gen because of price and availability, plus Im not going to be doing any hardcore crawling. Would I be better off with an auto or a stick/22RE or v6? I would think the 6 with a 5 speed would be great but I had an 81 hilux with a 22R and it was amazing. I have a lead on a 93 4x4 4runner with 22RE/5spd with recent clutch, head, and timing chain replacement. Price is right. Should I hold out for a V6? Thanks in advance.
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4runnerBrett
New member
If its a good deal get it. The v6 isnt anything special. Most like the 4 cylinders better.
I have my mind made up to stay away from the auto all together. They guy is asking $2700 for the truck and it looks real nice (pictures). I have to drive 4 hours to see it in person. Blue book is $2200 but its gonna need tires in the next 6 months. Any thoughts on what I shouldnt go over if all is solid on the truck?
4runnerBrett
New member
Post pics and info
Footofgod
New member
The 3.0 V6 is a good engine and does have more power than the 22re, but not much more. Definitely stay away from a V6 auto though. The 3.0 is famous for not having much high end power, it really is a reliable engine.
If you are going to look at a Toyota, get underneath and loo for frame rust. The engine and body can all be worked on. Rusty frame and you are screwed.
If you are going to look at a Toyota, get underneath and loo for frame rust. The engine and body can all be worked on. Rusty frame and you are screwed.
SilentYoda3
New member
I paid 3000 for my truck. You guys all make me feel like i overpaid haha, But i have a 1994 v6 3.0 5-spd and i get 18-19 mpg running around town. Though my running around in town is 45mph streets and such, if you live in a city like seattle probably the 14-15 would show up. But that's still not bad considering the fact that in a city you aren't really driving far/fast so your truck spends a lot of time idling or at lower rpms. But never the less i love my truck and i wouldn't give it up for the world. Plus if you get a v6 3.0 you can swap in the 3.4L v6 from the 3rd gen and supercharge it!! 
olice::lmao:
olice::lmao:
4runnertank
New member
If your looking for a first gen, try to get one with a solid axle. Believe me, I regret that more than anything. And check for leaks, especially around the engine, rusty frame rails, and pop the hood and make sure everything looks like it's where it should be, especially vacuume lines. Basic stuff
Stunner4Runner
Banned
The v6 auto is a piece of crap engine. I like 2nd gens but most have the 3.0 If I was you I would look for a 1st get with a solid front axle and a 22re in it or up the scale to a 3rd gen which has pretty much the same body style but has the 3.4 that is were the power and fuel efficiency is. This is just my opinion of course but stay away from the 3.slow.
combatmedic
Banned
Piece of crap, thats why Toyota used it for what 15 years or so? The 3.0 is a good engine. Its not a 5 litre v8. But it does the job just fine. I take mine on the highway, go 75+ no issues, no issues accelerating on the highway. Also reliable as hell as long as you keep the maintainence up. Theres people on here with 300k miles + on original block.
And the 4cyl has less power than the 3vze, you make no sense. "the 3.0 is slow slow slow", according to you, but GO GET THE 22re!" its so much better!"
It may be better as far as modding and reliabilty, but having more power is not the reason for choosing the 22re over the 3vze.
And I have a 3rd gen w/ the 3.4, and its not that much different than the 3.0. 4runners aren't meant to be street racers. They're UTILITY vehicles.
To each his own.
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markfagus
New member
+1 on Combatmedics post!
I drove 3 22RE first gens before buying my truck. And in each one of them I thought I could get out and run from a stop faster than any of them could accelerate. After these test drives I decided there was no way that little 4 banger would work for me.
I have 276k on my truck. it is a 3.0 and auto. It does EVERYTHING I need it to do.
While I have no speed demon in my truck like already said, I can cruise at 75-80 without any issue at all.
To each his own.... but I do get a little tired of so many on this forum bashing a motor that has served me and thousands of others so well over the years!
Mark
I drove 3 22RE first gens before buying my truck. And in each one of them I thought I could get out and run from a stop faster than any of them could accelerate. After these test drives I decided there was no way that little 4 banger would work for me.
I have 276k on my truck. it is a 3.0 and auto. It does EVERYTHING I need it to do.
While I have no speed demon in my truck like already said, I can cruise at 75-80 without any issue at all.
To each his own.... but I do get a little tired of so many on this forum bashing a motor that has served me and thousands of others so well over the years!
Mark
Like with any car or truck, make sure it has a serious maintenance history. Hopefully, the truck has not been beaten on or abused. We have had a great history with our 1990 4wd V6 auto 4runner(95k). Just make sure the fluids have been regularly changed. People like to slam the auto, but frankly it's a pretty good trans. The problem is, most have been abused and never serviced properly.
These trucks are getting old, so, go over all of the systems(fuel, coolant, engine, etc...). Our truck does not have many miles, but I've needed to do a significant amount of repairs in the past few years. Check the fuel system out especially, ethanol is really doing a number on these.
regards
These trucks are getting old, so, go over all of the systems(fuel, coolant, engine, etc...). Our truck does not have many miles, but I've needed to do a significant amount of repairs in the past few years. Check the fuel system out especially, ethanol is really doing a number on these.
regards
SOOOO I bought the 93 4runner with 22re and 5 spd. 301993 on the clock with a fresh head, timing chain, brake booster and clutch assy. Interior just needed steam cleaned and it looks pretty good. Had to bleed the slave cylinder, flush the cooling system and change the oil. It needs a rear pinion seal and the TPS needs adjusted or replaced as well as the timing adjusted. Runs pretty good for what I need it for (3 miles to work and weekend desert running). It does clatter more than I remember my 81 doing but I figure it might be because of the timing being off with a bad/improperly adjusted TPS. Guy was asking $2700, I gave $2100, blue book is right at $2200. Rust free Arizona truck.
combatmedic
Banned
Take some pics 
