Looking for guidance

[Accipiter]

Hello,

This is my first post here, and I have to confess I've never owned a Forerunner or any Toyota for that matter, so I'm clueless. I'm from New Mexico and looking at a '92 Forerunner, 4wd, 6cyl, 176,000 miles. The asking price is $3250 but negotiable. I took it for a drive yesterday, nice vehicle, clean, all the accessories work, it idled a little rough, but smoothed out nicely. One thing, it seems to be pretty sluggish when I tried to accelerate at speed, is this typical of that year, or maybe it needs a tune up? Any ideas? Are there other points I should evaluate specific to this vehicle that might be an issue?

Thanks for your help.

Paul

 

[chanceb]

Hello,

This is my first post here, and I have to confess I've never owned a Forerunner or any Toyota for that matter, so I'm clueless. I'm from New Mexico and looking at a '92 Forerunner, 4wd, 6cyl, 176,000 miles. The asking price is $3250 but negotiable. I took it for a drive yesterday, nice vehicle, clean, all the accessories work, it idled a little rough, but smoothed out nicely. One thing, it seems to be pretty sluggish when I tried to accelerate at speed, is this typical of that year, or maybe it needs a tune up? Any ideas? Are there other points I should evaluate specific to this vehicle that might be an issue?

Thanks for your help.

Paul

they are not the fastest accelerated rigs. I have owned a 91 and 95 and both of them we not that good on acceleration. Things that I personally looked at is if the power steering box is leaking or if anything else is. These are minor, but check to see if the rear window works. I had problems with the regulators seizing up. Check the belts. The mileage on the one you are looking at is not bad for the year. anyway, that is my 2 cents

 

[BigRedAZ]

1990

Yea I had a 1990 4Runner V6 and it had 240,000 miles it had enough power for pretty much anything. In the mountains it didn't do as well but still not bad, Is it an auto or maunel? Mine was a manuel and i think that helped.

 

[fishrod]

They are slow, no two ways about it. Hence the engines nickname of 3.slow litre V6!

Going up over the Coquihalla highway (extremely long 8% grade) this baby drops to almost 70kmh and I have to kick back to 3rd (manual transmission).

I have had a 94 for about 9 months now and have only had to really replace the radiator and general maintenence (oil changes, fluids, etc). Its got an annoying surge/struggle issue when its cold but once the engine temp hits the middle of the gauge its fine.

Otherwise im totally happy with it. Reliable car, not too shabby on the gas, can get almost 400 miles per tank on the highway, around 280-300 in town.

Leaks about 1lt of oil per month or two but Im not paying 1000 bucks to get the rear main seal fixed!!!

To be expected really for a car thats 15 years old and 240k miles on it.

 

[jrs2]

2nd generation 4Runners are solid, reliable vehicles if maintained. 176K is just well broken in. :bouncy:

Not much on acceleration even when they were brand new.

BTW, it's 4Runner, not Forerunner. :headslap:

 

[jmc8387]

Regardless, if you were to buy it, I would do a complete tune-up. Secondly, check the VIN to be sure that the truck has had it's timing belt and head-gasket replaced. At this millage I would assume that they have been. The V6 is only rated at 150 hp. so it is sluggish even when operating at 100%. In the end, these are one of the best trucks in my opinion to have been offered by any manufacture. You wont be disappointed. Oh and they are called 4Runner, not Forerunner! Just FYI.

 

[Accipiter]

Thanks for all the tips! Sorry for the "Forerunner" faux paux - 4Runner, I'll get it someday!

 

[fourwd1]

The 2 biggest problems are frame rust and head gaskets.
Since you're in NM, rust shouldn't be a problem
You may want to see if the steering idler arm service campaign has been done. The dealer can run your VIN and tell you. If it wasn't they can do it.