Looking to get a 4runner

[quique]

Hey all,

Im brand new to the site. I joined because I am looking at getting a 4runner and have found that forums are the best place to get good information. Anyway what I am looking for is probably a 3rd gen from what it looks like. I don't need it to be 4wd and would actually prefer a 2wd. What should I look out for as far as common problems either manual or auto. Also what is a reasonable mileage for these trucks, I was hoping for something around 150k or less. Would really like to get one of these since It would be real useful to take my girls camping in the summers. Im looking to spend a max of 4800 or so, obviously the less I can spend the better. I can work on the car if necessary just not looking at having to do major repairs right away. Any suggestions/comments are more than welcome! Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[downpour11]

Just an FYI, most who buy a 2wd 4runner end up regretting not buying a 4wd. If you can find a manual, you'll love it but you won't find a manual 2wd. If you end up buying an automatic, you'll want to install an external tranny cooler to prevent strawberry milkshake. TB/WP is due every ~90k miles. Find a rust free 4runner. Other than that, the 3.4 is a great engine and mine is still running great at 412k miles.

You could find a good one for around $4k. Most of the maintenance on these is really easy. If you find one in the ballpark of 160-200k miles, check the timing belt/water pump replacement date on the timing belt cover to see when it's last been done. Check for rust, frame rot, check condition of ball joints, leaky valve cover gaskets, etc. Good luck :cheers:

 

[quique]

why do people end up regretting not going with the 4wd? so it sounds like these could go pretty high mileage, which is what im looking for. As far as maintenance goes, I can definitely do the timing belt myself so not too concerned. My main concerns would be engine and/or transmission. I read about the strawberry milkshake on one of the stickies and that is definitely something that I would be concerned about having happened. Im in socal so im assuming rust shouldn't be a big issue for cars I find out here. Ill keep on looking. Thanks for the info

 

[JayRolla]

Hey all,

Im brand new to the site. I joined because I am looking at getting a 4runner and have found that forums are the best place to get good information. Anyway what I am looking for is probably a 3rd gen from what it looks like. I don't need it to be 4wd and would actually prefer a 2wd. What should I look out for as far as common problems either manual or auto. Also what is a reasonable mileage for these trucks, I was hoping for something around 150k or less. Would really like to get one of these since It would be real useful to take my girls camping in the summers. Im looking to spend a max of 4800 or so, obviously the less I can spend the better. I can work on the car if necessary just not looking at having to do major repairs right away. Any suggestions/comments are more than welcome! Thanks in advance for any help.

You say you want 2wd, but want to use if for camping? If you ever plan on going in any mud or climbing a hill, i would really look at a 4wd. But if its just to drive on a dirt road than you will be fine with 2wd since where you live weather is nice.

 

[snivilous]

why do people end up regretting not going with the 4wd?

Because no normal person would ever drive a 2WD

But really, I think it'd be hard to find a 2WD and 4WD will just be more abundant so may as well go that route, not to mention IF you ever need 4WD then you will have it. Why do you prefer 2WD anyways? I doubt a 2WD Runner gets hardly better mileage than a 4WD one even if the 4WD was engaged.

 

[quique]

Yea my camping with my girls is just on established campsites . Worst I've been in is snow that I could drive with chains on a dropped maxima. I just figured a 2wd would be more reliable I guess. But I'm finding they are much harder to come across. 4wd it is!!! Anyway just gotta find one for the right price now, they don't seem too uncommon or out of my budget...

 

[Ol'Blue]

Well being that I'm in the So-Cal area I will say there are plenty to choose from. Most are pretty clean but need some work. If you can do most of it your self then there are deals to be found. Best part is that there is little to no rust on car in So-Cal! My 99 almost has none at all.

If you are willing to do a little work there is a nice one for sale that is not far from you from a member here. Needs a motor swap and ready to roll. Would make a great camping truck. That could be done in an afternoon for sure.

Blue

 

[Dezert4Runner]

Yup, 2wd around here are a dime a dozen. Many of the 4 cyl 2wd's I see on Craigslist are in fact 5 speeds as well. 5 speed V6 are few & far between.

 

[quique]

I could definitely do an engine swap no problem. Only thing is how much is an engine. I have no problem doing work as long as it is cost effective. Thing is that my current car isn't worth fixing anymore in my opinion, too many little issues that are pricey to fix. It sounds like these are really reliable so that's a great thing!! I think id definitely prefer a v6, and it looks like the auto transmission isn't too bad, so that wouldn't be bad. Just always had a stick so kinda got to liking it.

 

[brosama]

If you're looking to do a swap you may want to consider a 2nd gen (90-95) with a blown head gasket. There's a ton of them out there, swaps have been done many times, 5 speeds are very common, and they're dirt cheap -- no 3rd gen tax. You can easily come well under your 4800 budget.

Also, IMHO if you only want 2 wheels spinnin' (one in low traction) get a Highlander. :evil: