Looking for advice between these two vehicles

[RatInDaHat]

Hey all,

I'm new here and I am considering purchasing a '94 4Runner. i also have my eye on a '94 pathfinder.

Assuming everything runs well, running gear is in good shape, and both pass emissions, which would you pick? here is some info about each.

'94 4runner
5 spd, v6, 4x4, 222k miles, $2900

'94 pathfinder
5 spd, v6, 2 wheel drive, 125k miles, $2200


It looks like the 3.0L in the 4runners are prone to headgasket failure, but haven't found much in the way of specific failures for the pathfinder.


Do any of you have advice or anything i should be super concerned about? I am a little worried about the mileage on the 4runner.

I don't plan on offroading, i'm just in need of a vehicle that can transport children and random loads better than my miata. is 222k high on the 3.0L toyota motor?

Anything i'm missing here?

Thanks,
-Dustin-

 

[philsey]

Hey all,

I'm new here and I am considering purchasing a '94 4Runner. i also have my eye on a '94 pathfinder.

Assuming everything runs well, running gear is in good shape, and both pass emissions, which would you pick? here is some info about each.

'94 4runner
5 spd, v6, 4x4, 222k miles, $2900

'94 pathfinder
5 spd, v6, 2 wheel drive, 125k miles, $2200


It looks like the 3.0L in the 4runners are prone to headgasket failure, but haven't found much in the way of specific failures for the pathfinder.


Do any of you have advice or anything i should be super concerned about? I am a little worried about the mileage on the 4runner.

I don't plan on offroading, i'm just in need of a vehicle that can transport children and random loads better than my miata. is 222k high on the 3.0L toyota motor?

Anything i'm missing here?

Thanks,
-Dustin-

The PF.

I've owned two, one was a '94. All I can say is mine were bulletproof to 100k. I only sold because I wanted new. I have no experience with older 4Rs.

Nissan V6s are known excellent motors.

And, yes, that's too many miles on the 4R. (IMO)

 

[Glock_19]

Both have high mileage for my taste. The 4Runner has 4WD which I won't buy a car without, but in this situation the mileage difference would probably push me to the PathFinder.

 

[gptoy96]

Because it's a Toyota and the fact its' 4x4 I'd be on the T4R.

I had a 92 Hardbody 4x4 for a few years, it was a great truck, but always had something going on it. They didn't have one issue (like the headgasket) but a lot of smaller ones. They're very similar looking trucks and guessing they share alot of parts/mechanicals.

The headgasket on the Toyota should've been looked at/addressed by now. A quick VIN check at the dealer could tell you.

What can I say, since my first Toyota I can't think of going elsewhere. I can always find lower mileage/less pricey vehicles but the value you get out of a Toyota keeps me faithful.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Both could become money pits real quick so check the vehicles out from top to bottom.

 

[RatInDaHat]

Both have high mileage for my taste. The 4Runner has 4WD which I won't buy a car without, but in this situation the mileage difference would probably push me to the PathFinder.

The 4wd doesn't matter much to me. I like in abq, nm and have little need for it.

The mileage is a little high for my tastes as well, but my price range is 3k and below. My gut is telling me that, based on mileage alone, the pathfinder is a better choice.

i appreciate the comments and am open to more if anyone has them.

 

[RatInDaHat]

Thanks for the words. Just wanted to let you all know i actually ended up buying the pathfinder. so i guess i won't be around here much, but i do appreciate the input.

-Rat-

 

[The_Beasst]

being a guy that had a 92 pathfinder 4x4 in my family since it was new id go with the pathy. mine hit 230k before i got rear ended last june. those cars can drive to hell and back twice before they think about dying. Very reliable, very durable cars. all the parts on them are built to last never had a problem with mine in the 19 years we had it

 

[bluebullet]

The 3.0 w/o rack and pinion is not the same vehicle as a newer 3rd gen. Try to get a 3rd gen with a 5sp with less mileage than 220k. The 3.0 had head gasket issues cuz of bad head bolts.