Help me choose

[bobthebuilder]

Between buying a 22RE first gen or a 2nd gen? I had a 3.0 94 5 spd t4r about 5 years ago that I loved but the hgs blew and I didn't have time or $$ to fix it. So, here I am looking for another 4rnr and am undecided between the 1st or 2nd gen trucks. Does anybody have input to help sway me? Pros/cons?

Thanks guys!

 

[crutchy]

I would say that it will most likely depend on your funds, baring you finding a sweet deal. My experience has been that you will pay more for a nice looking 1st gen compared to an equal 2nd. Besides that IMO the 1st looks better, has the removable top and has that "not at every stoplight" thing about it. If you are going to put people in the back a lot, ie kids then you might want a 2nd.

For me I personally do not like the look of the 2nd gen at all, but underneath they are basically the same truck. Just get what works best for you and your budget.

 

[bobthebuilder]

I don't have kids @ this point and I don't have any in the future for @ least 2 years (gotta finish grad school etc) so that's not an issue. I have a wife and 2 dogs. The dogs usually ride in the back seat so I'd have them belted in w/ their harnesses and I think they'd love it.

I'd like to find a truck before the fall or find one that needs a little TLC that I can do over the summer. I have an 87 325is that I can drive throughout summer/fall. The truck wouldn't be used for any long trips (more than 5 hours), mainly used for commuting/some offroading. My wife has an 05 Outback XT that we use for long trips.

 

[Quatre Coureur]

Only one of them is a classic... 1st Gens rule!!!:first:

 

[supkar]

Only one of them is a classic... 1st Gens rule!!!:first:

I'll second that!!!And yes, way better looking than 2nd gen. 22RE is the way to go on 1st or 2nd gen. 22RE is surpassed only by the 3.4, year 97 and up.

 

[77'911]

I'd find the cleanest, and most well serviced 4runner you can find, 1st or 2nd gen. Finding clean and unabused units is getting harder these days. Restoration, mechanical or otherwise is pricey. Nice going on the 87 325is, great car. Does it still have it's original front spoiler? If I'm not correct, they also came with an Escort radar detector when new(handed to you by dealer), for good reason. ; )
regards

 

[Quatre Coureur]

3.4 came out in '96.

 

[bobthebuilder]

I've had my 325is for almost 11 years. I had a bad run-in w/ a roll of tar paper on the highway which relieved me of my og front spoiler.... So, the car now wears full European bumpers, airdam, headlights, tailights (w/ rear fog lights) etc etc.

It sounds like the 1st gen will be more fun. Lets hope I can find one thats not a huge pile!

 

[supkar]

3.4 came out in '96.

Duly noted. I was wondering if I was off by a year.