Need advice for a new prospective 1995 owner...

[Aktifspeed]

Hello all,

I'm looking to buy a 1995 4Runner. What are some of the pros and cons of these vehicles? I've always loved the look and the legendary Toyota quality has me drawn in even further. I know everyone out there will tell me how great they are, and I do want to find out why owners love them so. I would expect nothing less from a site such as this one.

What I would like to hear are some of downsides to ownership. Yes, I understand the newest ones are about 15 years old, and regardless of original build quality time may not be so kind to mechanicals regardless of origin.
But what have owners learned to watch out for or simply have learned to live with on these trucks?

The vehicle I'm looking at has got the 3.0L engine, it's automatic, (I've got a daily traffic intense commute) and has 112K miles on it. It's a one-owner vehicle that's been serviced mainly at a Toyota dealer. The owner is asking $5,000.

Any insight into the up and especially downsides of this 2nd Gen would be greatly appreciated. I can't wait to share my my ownership stories and pics with you guys.

Thanks,

 

[markfagus]

do some research on the Head Gasket issue all these 3.0 motors have. Find out from the owner if it was done. There was/is a factory recall and from what I read on the forum there is no expiration date on it. If it has not been done, Toyota will do now for free. Get the VIN and call the dealer yourself to find out.
I also understand that there might be a power steering recall on 2nd gen but can't be sure since I have a 1st Gen
Good luck!

Mark

 

[don's 4runner]

Just know that these trucks get bad gas mileage.....14-15 mpg is about it.

I have a 91 with 360k on it....still runs great!!

I think 5k for that truck, is on the high side.

Good luck

 

[rumme]

5 grand for a 95- 4runner...with 112,000 miles ?

way to hi, IMHO....thats even higher then kelly blue book value...

If the truck is super clean , inside and out, and has no mechanical problems at all....the most I would offer is $4000.....

I just bought one, about 3 weeks ago...same as yours..but mine had 155,000 miles..and I got it for $2200...

negatives:

weak engine, poor gas mileage , droopy rear end , difficult to work on , common head gasket leaks , etc....

I would never pay $5000 for a 1995- 4runner....even if it only had 80,000 miles on it ! Keep in mind that it is almost a 17 year old vehicle .

 

[glideraz]

agreed with everyone else 5 grand to much i picked up a 90 same enginge trans with a fresh rebuilt motor for 1750.00.

 

[OCMike]

I average about 15-16 mpg in the city and have almost hit 19 on mountain freeways in my '95. I'm sure with a few tweaks and driving adjustments, I could hit 20 mpg on the freeway. They are a bit of a challenge to work on, but if you have a little patience. The people on this forum are also very helpful if you have a question. The head gasket should have been taken care of already with that many miles on it. I thought I read somewhere that if it was done by Toyota, then you may not have to worry about it again. I could be wrong though. The saggy rear end can be fixed with new springs. It's a 17 yr old truck, the springs are probably ready to be replaces anyways. The lack of power is one of the worst things about this engine. You can probably do a few mods that will give you a few more horses. ISR mod, deckplate mod, new exhaust. the price really depends on what part of the country your in. Here in California, when I was shopping for mine, I saw prices for '95s anywhere from $3000 - $6000. Of course, when I needed one, I was looking during the wrong time of the year. Just before winter here is a terrible time to buy.