2nd gen vrs 3rd
For 5 grand you should be able to locate a nice 4x4 3rd Generation and what you get is more horsepower, more reliability, obd 2 diagnostics, less headaches and air bags for safety.
Don't get me wrong, I have a 91 sr5 that is in my opinion MINT condition, I love this truck but I wish I had invested in a 3rd gen instead.
I think they call the engine in the 2nd gen a 3.slow instead of a 3.0
Or they call the second gen a SLOWrunner in stead of a 4runner. LOL
My TR4 Runs perfectly but it lacks power on the highway, it sucks the fuel like crazy, it's not an ideal vehicle for daily driving. I have never had the opportunity to drive a 3 gen on the hwy but I have done state inspections on them and just driving them to do the required brake safety check I can tell they have a lot more get up and go then the older ones do. Now as far as off roading is concerned my 2nd gen has been nothing but a blast to drive, it will go through the mud, it will climb steep embankments, it will go anywhere you point it and it comes out like a champ. Talking about it makes me want to go out and have some fun now. LOL
Look, all I'm saying is five grand for a 2nd gen is what I would ask for mine and would expect to get it in the MINT condition it's in, so if the seller of the one your looking at is asking that price then it must be in MINT condition with no mechanical issues what so ever, no body damage at all, no paint flaws, nothing! it must be mint.
The reason I say this is yes, they have been known to have their engine issues with head gasket failure, high oil consumption, low oil pressure readings, and much more.
So make sure it is a well maintained vehicle that hasn't been abused because you can find one for 1500 and put 3500 into it and have a nice ride if you like wrenching on vehicles.
