In the market for a 2nd Gen - Need advice

fjcruiserpd

fjcruiserpd

New member
So I recently sold my 2007 FJ Cruiser. I'd had it for seven years and was ready to move on. At first I was just going to buy an older accord as a DD until my next dream car came along. But as I was trolling Craigslist I somehow found myself looking at 2nd Gen 4runners and was very intrigued. I really like the classic styling of the vehicle and it's no-frills (compared to today's standards) interior.

Most of them are right around my price range. But I have to confess that I'm not all that familiar with them and their performance. There are a few with over 200k miles and some well under 150k. So my question is, say I find one for $3000 but with 200k+ miles, is it worth it? What sort of maintenance should I look to see if they've been done?

What would all consider the sweet spot when it comes to price and mileage? Are these vehicles still durable enough as a light daily driver?

:help:
 
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2nd gens are awesome but I's stay away from high mile 3.0s. Find one with a 22re, they are more rare but out there.
 
92-SR5 said:
2nd gens are awesome but I's stay away from high mile 3.0s. Find one with a 22re, they are more rare but out there.
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What are the performance/durability differences between the two versions? Like I said, I'm not familiar with this particular machine.

What if I find a low mile 3.0?
 
From a 2nd gen owner:
If you can swing the cash -- Get a 3rd gen. Limited '99 to '01. The 3.4L engine and rear e-locker diff are worth it.

If not, on the 3.0L engine:
- Check for recent timing belt and water pump replacements.
- Head gaskets are a problem on this engine, the exhaust crossover cooks the #6 cylinder head area. So check/ask about any recent head work.

Good Luck with your search!
 
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I bought my 95 4runner a few months ago. Make you ask about the head gasket replacement on the 3.0 also the timing belt replacement. The guy I bought It from had a stack of maintenance receipts and I love my truck. I have the auto transmission with the factory 4.88 gears and it's pretty quick but I have heard the 5 spd stick shift makes a world of difference for the better. Check the front axles and look for the cv boots make sure they are not torn. Don't be afraid to ask questions to the seller. No question Is a stupid one.
 
Scalded_Dawg said:
From a 2nd gen owner:
If you can swing the cash -- Get a 3rd gen. Limited '99 to '01. The 3.4L engine and rear e-locker diff are worth it.

If not, on the 3.0L engine:
- Check for recent timing chain and water pump replacements.
- Head gaskets are a problem on this engine, the exhaust crossover cooks the #6 cylinder head area. So check/ask about any recent head work.

Good Luck with your search!
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My wife already has a 2000 SR5 and she loves it. We did have to get the tranny rebuilt earlier this year.

Thanks for the advice. It seems most of the rigs I'm seeing on Craigslist make mention of timing belt and water pump replacements, so that's reassuring. I'll be sure to check for records if possible.
 
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Coming from someone who's owned the first second and third GEN 4runner I highly suggest you either look for a nice clean third GEN or find a second GEN with the four-cylinder 22 RE motor
 
I noticed you mentioned getting one as as a DD, the 3.0 isnt the most gas friendly engine. Most people get 16-18 mpgs at best. The 22re is a tad bit better in that sense,but more underpowered than the 3.0 already is. So in comparison to a accord, mpgs suck....but you won't care cuz you'll be the coolest guy on the road:cool:
 
85straight said:
I noticed you mentioned getting one as as a DD, the 3.0 isnt the most gas friendly engine. Most people get 16-18 mpgs at best. The 22re is a tad bit better in that sense,but more underpowered than the 3.0 already is. So in comparison to a accord, mpgs suck....but you won't care cuz you'll be the coolest guy on the road:cool:
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I know jumping from wanting an Accord to a T4R is crazy, but gas mileage isn't really a huge deal to me. Heck, I just finished owning an FJ. Not exactly a gas sipper.
 
Swimmerboy2112 said:
Coming from someone who's owned the first second and third GEN 4runner I highly suggest you either look for a nice clean third GEN or find a second GEN with the four-cylinder 22 RE motor
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I'm afraid I may not have the time to hunt down the seemingly rare 22 RE. Not in a huge rush, but I'd like to be rolling in the next week or so.

Maybe I'll get luck!
 
What general area of Ca are you in? Most of us on this site have no lives so we like to look at and find trucks for sale, even if we're not in the market hahaha
 
85straight said:
What general area of Ca are you in? Most of us on this site have no lives so we like to look at and find trucks for sale, even if we're not in the market hahaha
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I'm in Oakland. If you find anything that looks acceptable, please, by all means PM me or post it up!
 
fjcruiserpd said:
I'm afraid I may not have the time to hunt down the seemingly rare 22 RE. Not in a huge rush, but I'd like to be rolling in the next week or so.

Maybe I'll get luck!
Click to expand...

I'd really hold out for a nice 2nd gen with a 22RE if I were you. I know you're in a somewhat rush but it'd be worth your wait.
 
I love my 3.slow its slow likes gas and sounds like sh*t 99% of the time. But I got a great deal on it the engine has 70k on it 2sets of tires and the rear window works.
Things to look for
Rear window goes up and down and back up
All the other windows go down and up
Rear window wiper works
Starts nicely and there aren't any knocks or squeals
4x4 works
 
What exactly would you all consider high mileage? I'm seeing some as low as 116K and as high as 225K. With a few in between at around 175K.
 
Well the one in the ad above has been sold. So I'm still on the hunt.

There are a couple of '92s in my area for sell at a decent price. Around $2500-3000. Thing is, they all have over 200k in miles. If I can get any of them to lower the price to around $2,000 would it be worth it. They all look great. Of course I'll have to test drive them. Just wondering if it's even worth the trouble to go and check them out.

Here is one on CL right now:

1992 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4X4 AUTOMATIC (PRISTINE CONDITION)
 
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I am on my 3rd second gen with the 3.0 but currently have a 3.4 in mine (after I swapped). The 3.0 engine is a total hit and a miss. I have heard of many people say they have gotten over 150k or more on their stock head gasket. The 3.0 engine is decent for dd and isn't all so bad. Sure the 22re is proven more reliable but also very difficult to find in a 2nd gen with 4wd. If I were you I would look for a second gen and try to pay no more then 2k. Down where I live you can find clean one with already blown head gaskets for around 15. Now that also may not be a bad idea to find one with a blown head gasket already get it done and out of the way so you know the reliability for at least 15k miles. But do know those things can blow any second with those stock headers. Hope I was a help. Good luck with the search!


Ps:You can always buy one wait for it to blow then throw a 3.4 in there!
 
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