Issues with 1990 T4Rs

E

electriclady

New member
Hi all, first post. I have a question about a vehicle I'm interested in buying. I've been wanting a 4Runner, but haven't really researched them until recently. So please, bear with me:)
Details: '90 T4R, original owner, 119K miles, 5 speed, aftermarket CD player and amplifier, 4 cyl, dark green with tan interior, beautiful! The owner has recently bought a 2005 as a more comfortable ride for her aging mother. I spoke with her mechanic and he has recently done the following to the truck:
Reset the timing, put in new valves, replaced head gaskets (they hadn't blown, but she was being proactive), new tires, and it's been freshly detailed.
She's selling it for $3,500.
My question to y'all is: Are there any troubles that TR4s are prone to besides what's listed above? What else should I inquire about this vehicle? Do you think $3,500 is a fair price? KBB lists it ranging from good to excellent somewhere between $2,200-$2,500. Though I know she has put a lot of money into it recently, so I am taking that into consideration.

Thanks!!!!
 
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I've perused around a little bit, and have found some good tech info. But if anyone can give me some feedback about the condition of the vehicle relating to the price, that would be great.
We don't salt in MT, so there's no rust. Which is good, other than the fact that we drive on ice rinks.
Also, this would be my DD. I don't drive many miles day-to-day, but I do take the occasional distant road trip (to the west coast, Colorado and the Midwest). Do you think a 4R in this shape with the miles and upkeep would be able to handle a long road trip once or twice a year?

Some photos ...
electric_lady


electric_lady


<a href="http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a185/electric_lady/?action=view&current=P9232375JPG.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a185/electric_lady/P9232375JPG.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
 
At 119K I would hope that resetting the timing actually means new timing chain, guides and tensioner. If the head gasket was replaced recently it would be a shame if the timing kit was not replaced at that time. Other than that, you should have little to nothing to worry about with that 4runner. The major worries with the 22RE (4 cyl.) are head gaskets and timing chains, everything else is great on those.

A well maintained 4runner with that many miles...I would not hesitate to jump in one and drive cross country. All of my Toyotas are over 180K and I still would jump in any one of them and drive to the tip of South America with it.
 
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Yes, I just verified that a new timing kit was installed within the last year. Also valves have been adjusted, timing was set, and new headgasket.
THANK YOU!
 
Pros - only 119k mi
Cons - $3500 is high

The cost of normal maintence (like was recently done) should not be calculated into the value of the truck. It just makes it more sellable, not more valueable (except in the sellers mind).
 
It seems like geography has a lot to do with the price of certain used vehicles. $3500 for a 4Runner with low miles in really great condition is not a lot in Montana. They are extremely popular and in demand out here. They're being sold at used car lots and people's homes out here for $5,000 with more miles.
Will try to talk the owner down to $3K though. Whereas my 2002 cavalier in nice shape is not worth nearly as much out here as it would be in, say, the urban midwest.
Thanks everyone.
 
Yep, market value varies all over the place. In the west Toyotas might as well be dipped in gold, in the southeast they go for about half the price of what you pay in the west.
 
I'm from Cooke City but we moved to North Carolina long ago.My parents go out at least twice a year in their 95 4runner they bought new.Since 07 they drive a Sienna out home but the trusty 4runner is still a DD with 300k on it.That should be a great 4runner.I just thought has the clutch been replaced? Mine usually last around 100k.
 
Hey all,
Just got an e-mail response from a friend of mine who owns a 3rd gen 4Runner. Can any of you guys verify what he's saying here as negatives about 2nd gens?

"1990-1995 4runners had some engine issues and problems with the tailgate window. The anitlock brakes don't work in 4 wheel drive and it's the first year of a redesign which typically has bugs to work out. If you can; try for a 3rd generation 1996-2002. They have better engines, more reliable and with better power for the same if not better fuel economy. They're basically the same engine as the toyota tacoma. (I'm gonna throw one in when my engine goes), better 4 wheel drive systems (u can drive on hard pack w/o complicatons), more space, and cargo room The 2nd gen crash test ratings are bad as well and high, high rollover rates. Safety first..."
 
I also had a 95 v6 which is the engine your friend is talking about but the one you listed has a great engine in the 4 cylinder.My 95 had close to 300k on it and my parents 94 has over 300k neither had a rear window problem.My 87 rear window isn't as good.I think the rollover would be about the same but I remember the crash test rating wasn't that good.I got rear ended in mine by a chevy going about 40mph it bent my bumper and tore his truck all to pieces.good luck with your decision
 
THanks for all your replies, guys. I bought the 1990 4runner SR5. It was too good and clean of a vehicle to pass up. It's immaculate, so I'm very happy. It has been loved its whole life and I'm looking forward to putting a lot into it.
WIll post pics soon.
 
electriclady said:
Hey all,
Just got an e-mail response from a friend of mine who owns a 3rd gen 4Runner. Can any of you guys verify what he's saying here as negatives about 2nd gens?

"1990-1995 4runners had some engine issues and problems with the tailgate window. The anitlock brakes don't work in 4 wheel drive and it's the first year of a redesign which typically has bugs to work out. If you can; try for a 3rd generation 1996-2002. They have better engines, more reliable and with better power for the same if not better fuel economy. They're basically the same engine as the toyota tacoma. (I'm gonna throw one in when my engine goes), better 4 wheel drive systems (u can drive on hard pack w/o complicatons), more space, and cargo room The 2nd gen crash test ratings are bad as well and high, high rollover rates. Safety first..."
Click to expand...

I think the engine problems your friend is referring to pertain to the V6 rather than the 22R. I bought a '90 earlier this year knowing it had rear window problems since it had duct tape covering a 4" wide gap because it wouldn't go up all the way. I haven't done the research on the rollover rates but I've read the 3rd gen do have more interior room. What they don't have is a tailgate or the distinguished honor of spending enough time on this earth to be called classic. Congratulations on your purchase.
 
KimnearSacramento said:
How do you figure the value of a 1990?
Click to expand...

It is all market dependant. Compare prices on craigslist for different areas.
This search engine for craigslist is pretty good
SearchTempest: Search all of Craigslist nationwide & more

Plus a 2nd gen 4runner is a mixed bag. Some of immaculate and can be worth more, some are POS's.
I paid $400 for my 94


$12,000
https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/cto/5884516533.html
$2200
https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/cto/5870684567.html
$3200
https://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/5884402390.html


bearcat90 said:
I think the engine problems your friend is referring to pertain to the V6 rather than the 22R. I bought a '90 earlier this year knowing it had rear window problems since it had duct tape covering a 4" wide gap because it wouldn't go up all the way. I haven't done the research on the rollover rates but I've read the 3rd gen do have more interior room. What they don't have is a tailgate or the distinguished honor of spending enough time on this earth to be called classic. Congratulations on your purchase.
Click to expand...

OP hasn't been around for 7 years...
 
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