New Guy introduction-advice on purchase

[Beprepared]

Introduction

My name is Michael I live in Atlanta Ga. I'm a seasoned outdoorsman, and proud member of the Boy Scouts of America's "Order of the Arrow" honor society. Until now I have owned only one 4x4 of which did not last long and proptly was dismissed with.

I'm a mechanic, my primary car is a 1972 Karmann Ghia. I have been building these cars since the 80's so I have no issues with DIY work.

I decided on a first gen 4runner. I'm looking to purchase one in the next several months, currently I'm looking at a purchase price around 2,500 to perhaps 3,000

I'm not looking for a hard core rock climber but more of a trail, get to the middle of nowhere all around 4x4.

Please offer me any advice on special 4runner problem areas to look for.

Please offer me advice on automatic or stick if I have that choice.

And well, anything else you would tell a buddy to look for in his next purchase...

Kindest regards
M

 

[cometobanks]

only a few options and none of them are bad in the first gen pool. 4 cly 5 speed is the most popular combo followed by 4 cyl auto followed by the V6. They are all fairly gutless till you put them in 4 low then they come to life. Welcome!

 

[topdown4runner]

The most sought after is the '85.
It is the only year with the fuel injected engine and a solid front axle.
After that, if you were to get an '86 - '89, I'd try to find one with the 22RE & turbo. The non-turbo is slow, but very reliable.
Stay away from the 3.0 v6! or the 3.slow as it is referred to.
Worse gas milage and only slightly higher displacement. The 3.0 is a small v6, where the 2.4 is a large 4cyl.
The 3.0 is also mostly regarded as Toyota's worse engine.

Look for rust in the A pillars, and wheel wells. Especially if the truck has the chrome wheel mouldings.

If you like power windows and a sun roof, look for an SR5. That option should also come with the coveted altimiter pod on the dash.

The 5 speed is much better than the auto. Especially behind the 4cyl. engine.

That's all I can think of at the moment. I'm sure there will be others to chime in.

 

[Beprepared]

Thank you, I appreciate your time and assistance!

 

[cometobanks]

no prob! Dont be shy.

 

[fourwd1]

If you're looking for a 1st gen, for $2500-3000 it should be in super excellent shape.
Rust is the biggest problem, especially hidden frame rust.

As for auto or manual, if it's mainly for onroad go auto.

 

[Wazmo]

I am in Atlanta as well and it was not the easiest find to come across a first gen in the city. There are a few scattered up north of town, but they were not pretty by any stretch. I have to agree with everything said already about engine/tranny combos. If you run across something an want a second set of eyes I am always willing to help. Good luck!!