Need some help!

[Jordy22]

Hello everybody, my name is jordan and I could use some help. I am selling my dodge 1500 to get a smaller and more fuel efficient vehicle, I want to get an suv that I can obviously use as an everyday driver but also be able to take it out into the mountains when I go camping, hunting, fishing, ect. So my question is would a 4runner be the way to go? If so what year and all that? I am trying to stay withing 3000-9000.
thank you for any help!

Jordan

 

[priestsallore]

Depends on the type of 4runner you want. All 4runners are excellent and are always my preferred over a dodge truck.

But the 1st gen (84-89) with the 4cyl is a 100ish HP vehicle, that rocks hardcore with its square straight body, especially with its removable hard top on the back, that you can put a soft top on, & has a tailgate. In my opinion, looks absolutely sick.

The 2nd gen (90-95), my truck, doesnt have a removable top, but has a v6 (150HPish) and the tailgate. I love it, as even stock, i have a 5spd 4x4 that woops Jeeps in anything I've gone through with them.

Those are 2 pics of my truck. It moves a little slow, but it and the 1st gen are relatively easy to work on.

The 3rd gen (96-02) is a little more rounded body, has a liftgate, & is a little more roomy. Also has the 3.4l v6 (190HPish) that moves faster. The turbo version also kicks.

These are the 3 you can afford. Personally I'm a 1st & 2nd gen body style fan, but a fan of the 3rd gen motor.

Ask the gents here, they are all extremely helpful.

 

[Jordy22]

Thank you for all the info!

 

[priestsallore]

Yes sir. Is there anything specific you are wondering? Vehicle mods/armors, kits, etc.? Engine swaps? We are more than helpful to provide you with good, working knowledge so we can....persuade you, into ditching your dodge for a yota. Haha.

As a matter of fact, one if our awesome members here is lookin at sellin his 1st gen, ill find his link.

 

[priestsallore]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=126883

 

[Jordy22]

Well, I guess my biggest question is still would a 4Runner be the way to go? I was thinking 4Runner, Xterra, pathfinder, I honestly dont know haha.

 

[priestsallore]

If those are your choices, on a nonbiased opinion, the nissan xterra is a cool suv for looks, mind you I hate the little bump on the back for the med kit. Pathfinder I think defeats the 4x4 purpose. It's like putting the new expedition in 4wd & trying to make it rock crawl.. Just doesn't work.

Personal opinions, from myself and alot of guys here who have owned or do own those other vehicles, we will tell you to go with a 4runner.. If you are looking for capability, looks, ability to be modded and worked with, and fun, go with a 4runner.. You'll not only woop on a Jeep like I do, you'll look awesome doing so. If you are looking for casual use, its still a great, comfortable, durable, EXTREMELY reliable, easily and cheaply maintainable, and nice looking ride onroad too. Depends what you are looking for it to do for you. If you want MPG, get a little car & play with the 4runner.. But still , I say, get a 4runner!!!

 

[Cali4Runnea]

Well, I guess my biggest question is still would a 4Runner be the way to go? I was thinking 4Runner, Xterra, pathfinder, I honestly dont know haha.

Uhh..heck ya! Okay, I am a little biased, but since you would be looking for an older model with your price range, the 4Runner is the way to go with it's reliability, durability and great looks no matter what gen you look for. There is also an extenisive amount of off roading and street mods you can do with it, which the people on this forum have a great knowledge of.

I would suggest (again, only my opinion) looking at a 4th gen, only because they are newer and have bigger engines, and of course more upgraded feautures. I've seen plenty of people get some nice looking earlier 4th gens between 7k-9K, just with higher miles. As long as the truck has a good clean history report, and the previous owner(s) did the regular maintance for it, you pretty much can bet that Runner will go twice ++ what is on the odomentor.

Good luck hunting! And keep us posted if you decided to join the Yota side. =)

 

[Jordy22]

so they are safe in snow as well i take it?

 

[priestsallore]

Per what Cali said, 4th gen is a great idea. The reason I personally say to look at a 3rd or lower, nothing against Cali, but its cheaper on your wallet, & with the extra money you can COMPLETELY rebuild the engine & even repaint the truck, or buy a brand new engine, save money still, & be able to go MILES. My 92 3.0 v6 is sitting on 350k miles almost, original motor & 5spd tranny. My main maintainance is oil changes, spark plugs, & little misc. crap like a timing belt & valve cover gaskets on the 75-150k+ marks.Try that for size.

Also yes, you can literally drive a 4runner out of 4ft of snow in 4wd from a dead stop, ask the guys here.. Theyve done it.

 

[Jordy22]

Also would the later 3rd gen (99-02) be a good choice for me? daily commuter/off-road?

 

[priestsallore]

Depends what you like. Personally, i love the 2nd and 1st gen for the straight body & tailgate. I like the engine from the 3rd gen. Im going to get one to put in my 4runner.. The 3rd gen has a more rounded shape and a liftgate. Also has a little more room though i think. Ask skydivingdude about his 3rd gen, he can show you pics too.

 

[SV_Dude]

Thanks priest for helping a brother out. To the OP, yes I am selling my 4runner if you're interested in it. See my build thread in my sig for detailed info on it and shoot me a PM if you're interested.

The 4runners are great vehicles for daily driving and offroad use. Even though I'm selling my 1st gen, I'll most likely buy a 2nd or a 3rd gen for the wife. They are very solid vehicles that are good in the snow, slippery roads and trails.

 

[Jordy22]

awesome! thank you all for the info! it is really sounding like a 4Runner is going to be the best choice for me.

 

[Cali4Runnea]

Also would the later 3rd gen (99-02) be a good choice for me? daily commuter/off-road?

Of course! Any of the years are good for both, but I think the (99-02) would be more comfortable (plus more room) for a daily driver than a 1st or 2nd gen, nothing against Preist! =) But also would be a good off-roader too.

I actually went browsing for trucks on autotrader in Utah, and only found one 4th gen at the top of your price range =(, they must be worth more there. But I did see a lot of nice looking later 3rd gens, you'd have a good pick of them.