Looking for a 4runner as a DD

[TCU34]

Hello all, I've always been a big fan of 4runners and Toyota's in general but have always been more of "performance" oriented car owner. Going from an Acura RSX, to a Mazdaspeed3, to my most recent purchase, a 2006 Honda S2000. I love the car, but needless to say my Insurance is SKY HIGH and driving around the streets of Houston, Texas in a tight 2-seater is far from comfortable.

I've been looking for a good looking daily driver that can take a beating with basic maintenance. I've looked at Camry's, civic's, etc. but the thing that keeps getting my eye is the 4runner even though it doesn't get as good gas mileage. My budget is $2,500-$4,000 and the trucks that are coming up in that range are the 1994-1995 3.0L V6's and then a few 3.4L '96-97's. All around the 200K mile range.

I've done a little research and I've read that those 3.0's had some problems, but what is everyone here's opinion? Should I stay far away the second gen 4 runners? Or should I take a look?

Also, what should I look for in these guys with higher miles? Attached below are a few I have my eye on.

Third gen:
1996 Toyota 4Runner - ZEE AUTO SALE

1997 Toyota 4Runner 4dr SR5 3.4L Auto - Mainland Investment | Auto dealership in Houston, Texas | Inventory

1996 Toyota 4Runner - ASTRO MOTORS HOUSTON, TX

Second gen:
Cars for Sale: 1995 Toyota 4Runner 2WD SR5 in Pasadena, TX 77505: Sport Utility Details - 309969423 - AutoTrader.com

 

[TCU34]

I'm sorry, total noob move. I posted this in the wrong section. I thought general discussion was 4runner general discussion. Feel free to move.

 

[Benski]

I would stay away from dark color vehicles and leather interior anywhere it gets and stays hot. If you are going to highway drive a high milage vehicle may be fine. Drive it like a truck and be easy on it. I needed something with full metal bumpers, because I USE them! Some things to consider...

 

[TCU34]

I would stay away from dark color vehicles and leather interior anywhere it gets and stays hot. If you are going to highway drive a high milage vehicle may be fine. Drive it like a truck and be easy on it. I needed something with full metal bumpers, because I USE them! Some things to consider...

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm well aware of the downsides of owning a dark colored car in Texas, it sucks, but hey, I'm not going to let that keep me away from a good deal.

And yeah, this won't be an off roader, strictly a commuter.

 

[99NWA4R]

i'd stay away from the 2nd gens. less power than the 3rd gens and worse gas mileage. 3rd gens already have power issues but they run forever. there are quite a few guys with around 300k miles on them, give or take. 2nd gens also had head gasket issues. even if you don't have enough money yet to get a 96+ 4runner i'd save up. also 96+ get about 17ish everybody gets different numbers but i'd say thats a save estimate opposed to 13ish in the 2nd gens.

 

[BucknutBob]

TCU, either one of those Gens is a good choice, but the 3rd Gen (96-02) is going to have more power stock (with the V6), and that will be important on those crazy highways of yours (a friend used to live in Houston--I'm familiar with their "hammer down" philosophy!). The 2nd Gens are good trucks, but the 3.0 is woeful on highway power--they're fine around town and wheeling, but run out of steam higher up. Yes, there is also the head gasket issue with older ones, but they still have a long life expectancy, and if that repair comes up, you're usually good for a very long time after. Given your street-only intentions, plus living down south, a 2WD is also a solid consideration which could save you money on the purchase. Not sure where the other mileage claims above came from, but with a 2nd Gen V6 you can expect high teens on the highway--I regularly got/get around 18 all-highway with mine, with a fluke stretch that even saw 21 in the mountains (in-town only can drop around 12-15). The 3.4 should do the same or slightly better, since it's not straining as much to hold speed (like the 3.0 does). Best of luck in your search!

 

[TCU34]

thanks guys, I'm really thinking I will go with this one.

1997 Toyota 4Runner 4dr SR5 3.4L Auto - Mainland Investment | Auto dealership in Houston, Texas | Inventory

Trying to get him down to $3,000 OTD. Exterior was real clean, looks like it might not be original paint. Interior was a little worn, with obvious cigarate burns on the seats, etc. Also needs new front tires. I just want something that can take a beating on these awful Houston streets. She drove real strong