New guy in the market

C

Cory 44

New member
Hey guys my names Cory and i've poked around the forum for a while checking out some of the cool trucks you all got here... and i've finally decided i like the body and the style of the 1st generation (if thats what its called) 4runners.
So i am new to toyotas completely..
First, I understand a lot of your cars have 200k+ miles which kind of screams reliable to me but i may be wrong.. What should i look for when buying a 4runner? What are some of the obvious things i need to watch for?

Secondly, how are these for towing? I will be towing boats that range from 16'-18 feet in length. I assume they can handle that...

Lastly, gas mileage? I'm 16 years old and make a whopping 8.50 an hour.. and don't want to deal with crappy gas mileage.. obviously i'm looking at the 4cyl.

Thanks for all the help in advance
 
Register to hide this ad
Cory 44 said:
even with 4 wheel? that is sad... what is the towing capacity? Because the boat will never be towed that far.. most of the time it will be down the street literally haha.
Click to expand...

You don't tow in 4 wheel drive. Not sure on the towing capacity, but the trailer wasn't that heavy.
 
you can tow decently if you dont plan on getting in any races i pulled with my stock springs a 92 truck on a car dolly and try to go for 88 and older 89s are different in some ways like carrier barrings and welcome to the form iam 17 and love my 4runner
 
Where are you from? These older trucks are prone for frame rust in winter climates. The rear spring are something to look at beefingup if you plan on towing. Most are old and saggy anyway, and these are only 1/4 ton trucks.

84-85 4runners have a solid front axle, good for off road, rough on the road
86-89 are Independent front suspension and are better for onroad ride, but less desirable off road.

If your going to tow, make sure it has EFI.

The 22re gets about 20-25 mpgs, and a good running V6 gets about 18-22. Get a 5 speed, the autos suck. But if you need more down low power, you can always re gear. If you find a Yota with a FACTORY tow package, it should have lower gears already in it.


My parents used to pull a 20' Bayliner in our old 88 with a 22re auto. It was slow, but it did a 200 mile trip round every summer.

Hope that helps. :cheers:
 
Last edited:
Cory 44 said:
Hey guys my names Cory and i've poked around the forum for a while checking out some of the cool trucks you all got here... and i've finally decided i like the body and the style of the 1st generation (if thats what its called) 4runners.
So i am new to toyotas completely..
First, I understand a lot of your cars have 200k+ miles which kind of screams reliable to me but i may be wrong.. What should i look for when buying a 4runner? What are some of the obvious things i need to watch for?

Secondly, how are these for towing? I will be towing boats that range from 16'-18 feet in length. I assume they can handle that...

Lastly, gas mileage? I'm 16 years old and make a whopping 8.50 an hour.. and don't want to deal with crappy gas mileage.. obviously i'm looking at the 4cyl.

Thanks for all the help in advance
Click to expand...

Cory I suggest that you get at laest a 2nd generation with a V6 if you are going to tow boats that big, but the gas milage will be very poor. Even with not towing with the V6 you might get 16 miles to the gal. if lucky. Even the V6 will work hard to pull if you have any hwy hills to climb.
The 4 cylinder does get much better milage as long as you are not pulling something, but I would not try a 3000 pound boat. I have a 14 foot boat and the whole outfit only weighs around 700 pounds, but i have a 2nd generation with a V6.
may I ask what are you planning on spending on a 4runner?
 
Saved said:
Cory I suggest that you get at laest a 2nd generation with a V6 if you are going to tow boats that big, but the gas milage will be very poor. Even with not towing with the V6 you might get 16 miles to the gal. if lucky. Even the V6 will work hard to pull if you have any hwy hills to climb.
The 4 cylinder does get much better milage as long as you are not pulling something, but I would not try a 3000 pound boat. I have a 14 foot boat and the whole outfit only weighs around 700 pounds, but i have a 2nd generation with a V6.
may I ask what are you planning on spending on a 4runner?
Click to expand...

ok i threw out a number i might of got that off a site where they were talking about newer boats... and well once i sell my car... i'll have 6k to spend haha which i am not looking to spend 6 on a 1st gen but to keep some of the money to fix/ start off and the rest goes toward the boat..
 
Cory 44 said:
ok i threw out a number i might of got that off a site where they were talking about newer boats... and well once i sell my car... i'll have 6k to spend haha which i am not looking to spend 6 on a 1st gen but to keep some of the money to fix/ start off and the rest goes toward the boat..
Click to expand...
Cory the average 1st gen. should not be more then 2000 unless there has been some serious mods or exceptional upkeep done to the vehicle. In the area I am in 2nd gen. go for around 2000 to 2500 and early third gens around 4000 to 5000. Certainly you can pay more, but there is no reason if you shop around. here is a link to one site.
houston cars & trucks - by owner classifieds "4runner" - craigslist
 
Last edited:
Saved said:
Cory the average 1st gen. should not be more then 2000 unless there has been some serious mods or exceptional upkeep done to the vehicle. In the area I am in 2nd gen. go for around 2000 to 2500 and early third gens around 4000 to 5000. Certainly you can pay more, but there is no reason if you shop around. here is a link to one site.
houston cars & trucks - by owner classifieds "4runner" - craigslist
Click to expand...

yeah i've checked craigslist around my area and saw that i for sure don't need to spend 6k. I have bought and sold a couple cars myself even though i am only 16. This will be my 4th car... (no i haven't crashed any) i just bounce around haha
had a lifted ford bronco with a 6 in. lift and 35s but my dad almost tipped it and made me sell it.. also the 351w with that serious exhaust leak got like 9mpg...
 
I had an 87 4runner with a 22re/w56 setup and loved it. When I upgraded to 265/75/16s I re-geared to 4.56s and had NO problems towing trailers around 3000lbs short distances. If you are literally just going down the road, have no seconds thoughts.

I also averaged 22mpg mixed city/highway


Also, where are you from? If you are in WA I could help you find a good one, and help you fix it up. Look in my photo album at my black 87. That is what you should look for. Even driving my 3rd gen, I still miss that thing every day.
 
A.Wilson013 said:
I had an 87 4runner with a 22re/w56 setup and loved it. When I upgraded to 265/75/16s I re-geared to 4.56s and had NO problems towing trailers around 3000lbs short distances. If you are literally just going down the road, have no seconds thoughts.

I also averaged 22mpg mixed city/highway


Also, where are you from? If you are in WA I could help you find a good one, and help you fix it up. Look in my photo album at my black 87. That is what you should look for. Even driving my 3rd gen, I still miss that thing every day.
Click to expand...


i'm actually in Portland, Oregon so not to far at all!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 252 (members: 2, guests: 250)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,312
Messages
3,554,083
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top