Help in purchasing a 4runner

[fashionistamac]

Hi everyone I am looking to buy a 4runner this will be my first and im not sure which is a better by for me. Im purchasing a 4runner for a daily driver but also to tow my stuff when I move from sacramento to Austin texas, roughly 1400 miles.
I dont know which is a better buy and Im hoping you can help.

A 95 123k 2x4 v-6 this is a second owner vehicle asking $4250 firm. Says there is nothing wrong mechanically just paint oxidation.

The other is a 97 147k 2x4 v-6 not sure how many owners, very clean, beautiful with no mechanic problems but not sure how well it has been taken care of asking $5500.

Finally a 95 212K with either a new or rebuilt engine V-6 4x4 says its sounds with nothing wrong. asking $4600.

Any advice would be greatly apprciated! thank you all

Btw I need this 4 runner to last me the next 5 years at least to get my through college!

 

[JohnsD90]

Safest Bet is the 97 4x2 with the original motor, i'd just stay away from the 95 as the V6 in that year has problems, and the rebuilt motor runner if you know it was rebuilt properly (i.e. a trusted shop or dealer did it) and you have the ability to work on your car on most jobs, then yeah get that as 4x4 is always a good feature, Otherwise just get the 97 4x2!

 

[IanB]

The '95 trucks are 2nd gens, the '97 is a 3rd gen ('96-'02), so there is a big difference right there. Nothing wrong with the 2nd gens really, so long as they aren't rusted away. As John pointed out, the 2nd gen 3.0L V6 is weaker and more problem prone than the 3.4L in the 3rd gen. 3rd gens are bigger, have a lift up hatch instead of a fold down tailgate (that you need to roll the window down to open, PITA IMO), and are IFS which should provide a smoother on-road ride.

I'd take a look at the 3rd gen, but then I'm biased. It should tow easier due to the bigger engine, since you mentioned it.

 

[DC runner]

Stay with the 3rd Gen. The 1997. The 3rd Gen 3.4 V6 is a much better engine. More power and more reliable. If you look around, you will see just how troublesome the 2nd gen 3.0 V6 was.

In particular if you need a trust engine and are towing... pay the extra money. Save you in the long term.

Edit: I owned a 2nd gen and I preferred the roll down window/truck fold down style hatch aesthetically. Made a nice seat. That said, the fold up is much simpler and longer lasting. I owned 3 of those style and the window motor in the back always died. When it died, it made opening the back darn near impossible.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I agree with the above, I'd do the 97.

 

[SUBTEGRAL]

3rd Gen 1997 if it's in good condition, but find it with 4x4.

 

[fourwd1]

The other is a 97 147k 2x4 v-6 not sure how many owners, very clean, beautiful with no mechanic problems but not sure how well it has been taken care of asking $5500.

H'mm, newer and low mileage. A no brainer.

 

[Rix]

97. No contest.
2wd 4runner though......yuck.

 

[Hyde802]

As much as I love the 3.0, I say get the 97 also.