Hello I am new to the forum . I have an opportunity to purchase a 95 4 runner with 90k one owner truck . No rust and seems to run fine. Is there any particular weakness in this truck or common failure issues? I need a safe reliable truck for my daughter. Also there in not much documented service history. Thanks fir your advice
Looking to Buy a 95 4runner with 90K what to watch out for
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Clone of the Mean
New member
I have a 94. Replaced the valve cover gaskets over the summer, it was a *****. And just because your tranny doesn't shift right doesn't mean you have to spend $3500 to replace it. Learn about shift solenoids and the fun they cause. Easy fix, and fairly cheap compared to a rebuilt or reman'd tranny. Otherwise it's been trouble free....
BucknutBob
New member
Uh, I think you jumped threads somewhere along the line, Clone--no one here is asking about shifting problems, friend.
Would a 97 be similar to the 95 as far as the stated above issues go
4runnertank
New member
Mpg's
Clone of the Mean
New member
No Bucknut, he didn't ask about shifting problems, he asked about weaknesses. Shift solenoids are definitely a weakness. Trying to save him a few grand. $200 is better than $3 grand. I had 4 tranny guys try to convince me my tranny was shot...... (assuming his is an auto)
20034RunnerV84x2
New member
Not too sure on safety on the 2nd gens. I would go for a 3rd gen, plus the 3rd's feel more powerful.
Geolander
New member
I bought my '95 (V6, manual) with 224k miles and immediately took it 1600 miles to school with no problems. It's at 228k miles now. The only major repairs done on it before I purchased it (that I was aware of) were two head gasket replacements - one from the recall (not sure if it was blown) and one by the previous owner (not blown, just preventative before he sold it) - and regular timing belt/water pump replacements. Since I got it, I had the air intake valve split in half (no idea how this happened), which was an expensive fix, but doesn't seem to be all that common of an issue. I chalk it up to mileage. So yes, it's a reliable vehicle.
Is it manual or auto transmission? V6 or 4-banger? The V6 is a notoriously weak engine, especially paired with the auto transmission. Even with the manual it's not fantastic, but it will get you there. Gas mileage isn't too great for either, though the 4-cylinder is better. My V6 averages 10-13 in the city and 15-18 on the highway. I've heard of the 22re (4-cylinder) hitting mid-20's for gas mileage, but it depends on the tires and the gearing.
At 90k miles, you should be checking to see if it's had the head gasket done, and probably the timing belt and water pump as well. Those are the three major fixes that this car regularly has. Timing belt and water pump are a regular maintenance item, and the head gaskets have a tendency to fail, especially if the engine ever overheated.
If you can afford it though, get a 3rd gen. They have more power (the 4-cylinder has the same horsepower as the 2nd gen V6, and the 3rd gen V6 is more powerful still), and they don't have the same head gasket problem that the 2nd gens have. The automatic transmission works better. You'll also (depending on year) get a more updated interior - they added a real cup holder midway through the 1999 model year, among other things. The 3rd gens also have airbags, while the 2nd gens don't.
Is it manual or auto transmission? V6 or 4-banger? The V6 is a notoriously weak engine, especially paired with the auto transmission. Even with the manual it's not fantastic, but it will get you there. Gas mileage isn't too great for either, though the 4-cylinder is better. My V6 averages 10-13 in the city and 15-18 on the highway. I've heard of the 22re (4-cylinder) hitting mid-20's for gas mileage, but it depends on the tires and the gearing.
At 90k miles, you should be checking to see if it's had the head gasket done, and probably the timing belt and water pump as well. Those are the three major fixes that this car regularly has. Timing belt and water pump are a regular maintenance item, and the head gaskets have a tendency to fail, especially if the engine ever overheated.
If you can afford it though, get a 3rd gen. They have more power (the 4-cylinder has the same horsepower as the 2nd gen V6, and the 3rd gen V6 is more powerful still), and they don't have the same head gasket problem that the 2nd gens have. The automatic transmission works better. You'll also (depending on year) get a more updated interior - they added a real cup holder midway through the 1999 model year, among other things. The 3rd gens also have airbags, while the 2nd gens don't.
hellsbells
New member
Like levens said call in the vin. Im guessing its a v6 auto? Take the truck to someone who knows there **** and get it looked over making shure a compression test, leak down test is done.
good luck
good luck
