Looking to buy a "95

[Chipper78]

Okay I've been bit buy the 4-Runner bug pretty hard. We just purchased a 2015 TE for the family vehicle and now I want one for my own. I have two prospects, both are 1995 SR-5 V-6 4WD auto trans. One has 205,000 and the other has 183,000. What should I be on the look out for specific to these Toyotas? I've bought and sold several domestic SUV's in the past but I am new to toyotas. They both appear in the pics to have good interiors and they both seem to have good bodies and paint. They are both in the 2500-3000 price range as well. The higher mileage vehicle has had the timing belt done and a tune up, maintenance details on the lower mileage vehicle aren't as clear. Sorry for the long winded post and I appreciate any help.

Btw, the T4R would be used as a hunting/camping/light off roading rig. Thanks again.

 

[KidVermicious]

Those motors are known to blow head gaskets, so watch for that. And I'd pass on both of those and look for a manual, the A340 series transmissions are power-robbing dogs.

 

[ralatkins]

Those motors are known to blow head gaskets, so watch for that. And I'd pass on both of those and look for a manual, the A340 series transmissions are power-robbing dogs.

I own a 1994 3.0 auto and I don't hate on the power so much. it's not a rocket, but it moves along as fast as I want to drive. guess it's just perspective, although a 3.0 manual would be fun.

head gaskets and the usual rust is the main issues I believe. I've owned a 2.7 manual 3rd gen and my current 94 and I much prefer my current truck. I bought mine with around 180,000 on it and it was abused by the PO's. But it's been my favorite vehicle out of the 30 or so I've owned.

 

[flyinhawaiian01]

Personally, I'd go for a 96+ just because of that 3vze in the 95's! I've had to replace a head on one years ago, this was after the dealership replaced the head gasket 3 TIMES! Obviously, the two separate dealerships didn't bother to check the head for cracks, and after several months later, it would pop another gasket.

As for replacement of the gaskets, its a royal pain in the butt. Those bolts on the driver's side exhaust and crossover pipe still anger me!

It really wasn't much more powerful than the 22RE, and as much as I liked the interior and looks of the 2nd gen 4r, it was too fragile for me to own one again.

Now, swap that engine out for one of the newer v6 engines, that would be a fun 4r to own!

 

[Chipper78]

I'm not seeing any 5 speeds anywhere, looked at a decent 95 today but it didn't speak to me so I passed on it, hope to look at a 92 tomorrow that has low mile for as old as it is. I am seeing a whole lot of over priced junk though. I've got until May to wait for the right one to come along.

 

[bump530]

I'm not seeing any 5 speeds anywhere, looked at a decent 95 today but it didn't speak to me so I passed on it, hope to look at a 92 tomorrow that has low mile for as old as it is. I am seeing a whole lot of over priced junk though. I've got until May to wait for the right one to come along.

If you are getting one with the auto, check to see if it has 4.88 gears. IMO that would a must, unless you already plan to regear

 

[gtgt_bangbang]

4.88 gears are the G144 option code

 

[Chipper78]

Thanks for all the replies. The two 95's I mentioned in my OP aren't going to work out. I'm still looking for a second gen T4R, and I have a few prospects I'll be checking out this weekend. Prices are all over the place but I guess thats to be expected on Craigslist.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Personally, I'd go for a 96+ just because of that 3vze in the 95's!

I agree 100%. Having owned both, I would buy a 96+ any time. The looks between a 2nd and 3rd Gen are pretty similar but the engines in the 3rd Gens are just way better. More power and way less maintenance. I was under the hood in my 3VZ-E every month having to fix something, and I never blew a head gasket.

They are more expensive because they are more reliable though, so not sure if cost is a factor or not. I can buy a 2nd Gen for $3-$4K around here but 3rd Gens in decent shape start at $5-6K.

 

[Sizeofthesewalls]

Those motors are known to blow head gaskets, so watch for that.

Are there any signs to look out for in regards to this? I'm a new 2nd gen owner.

 

[KidVermicious]

Are there any signs to look out for in regards to this? I'm a new 2nd gen owner.

All the normal ones. Overheating, oil in the coolant, coolant in the oil, coolant disappearing, low compression, stumbling idle, hard start, etc. Google "signs of a blown head gasket".

 

[voiddweller]

I just bought my first 4 runner, 95 v6, so far it's great the only issue so far besides little things is the clutch needing replaced hopefully it's not too expensive