Looking to purchase a 2nd Gen.

[HBADGE]

Ive come across a few T4Rs in my area and Im real interested in purchasing one. Ive been wanting to change over from my Civic to a bold SUV and my final picks were a Pathfinder or 4Runner. Well you know what I decided to go for..

Anyway, as a novice 4runner buyer, what are some key things to look for? I dont plan to do any heavy off-roading right away. Im leaning more towards a limited for luxury. What are some key things to look for when taking a look at a used truck. Any advice would be great!

 

[seaweed]

i used to own a civic too, then i sold my three series bmw for an suv

i bought my 4runner and had to put a tranny in it the next week!...now, it is in the shop getting a head gasket replaced. The whole thing about toyota and the myth they will run forever is bull. Of course i am speaking only of my personal experience and a few others who own 4runners and have constant probs. (some on this site)
MY ADVICE:
take it to a mechanic for a FULL inspection of everything before you buy one of these, no matter how sound it feels.

 

[HBADGE]

I'll take your advice on a full inspection.

What is the engine code for a 3.0? Also, are there any occuring problems with the 2nd gens?

 

[HBADGE]

bump.

 

[Some1esle]

my 95 limited 4x4 has a few minor things that I'm working out. But as far as toyotas not running for it's true they will die eventually. However, My 95 has 203000 miles and is 12 years old. I used to have a 1980 corolla that I bought for $100. It had 225000 when I bought it. it had 425000 when it died. It probably would have been a hand me down for my kids had I changed the oil regularly (like more than once every 20k miles or so).. My 4runner gets all the maintanence it is supposed to. I've been wanting one since about 96, and it is my restoration project. It nearly complete. I'm sure this one will get handed down to my son wihen he turns 16 in 4 years. Then I will get to do a 3rd gen say 99-ish limited for me.

 

[rustyrazor]

Check out consumer guide.

http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2110/act/usedcarreviewhighlights/

You can get other reviews by googling the year, make, model and "review".

 

[HBADGE]

I came across a 3rd gen with 3rd row seating.. is this rare?

 

[mikes4runner]

The engine code for the 3.0L is 3VZ-E

With any older car/truck you will encounter problems overall Toy's have the best record I am sure but, depending on how it was taken care of has alot to do with it.

My 93 has been almost problem free but then I am the original owner.

I would have any used car/truck looked at before I bought it no matter what make it is.


Mike

Recall on head gasket check Toyota with VIN to see if it has been done.

relay rod recall.

do a search on these lot's of info on here about it.


thats it......not bad in my opinion:

 

[Spinnbait]

Love my runner

I had a Civic prior to the purchase/ trade of my 4Runner. I could not be happier with my 4Runner. It is a '95 w/ 3.0 auto. I do wish that I had a manual from time to time and factory 4.88's, but it is definately my second favorite out of my vehicle history (1st being the '73 Bronco that I restored as my first vehicle). Anyways, congrats on the decision. You will fall in love the first time that you hit a rough/dirt road that you would have slowed down on in the Civic.