new here, with questions

M

mainemoose

New member
Hi, I know you guys can help. I want to get a used SUV that I can use as a personal vehicle and also as a hunting vehicle in the logging country here in Maine. I'll be avoiding the real rough roads, but will certainly be confronted with my fair share of snow, ice, mud, water, and unplowed snow covered roads; all in areas w/ no cell coverage where breakdowns or being stuck can translate into at least a couple hours or more of walking. Probably going to make a purchase more based on vehicle condition than vehicle age.

1. Why should I get a 4Runner versus a jeep or nissan product?

2. Is there a general vehicle mileage figure (w/ a 4Runner) where I should be concerned even if the vehicle appears to be well maintained and running well? I drive about 12,000 miles a year, and would like to get another 5 or 6 years out of the vehicle. I realize there will be maintenance, expected and unexpected, while I own it.

3. Are there 4runner conditions, features, etc. that I should definitely avoid?

4. I prefer a standard transmission.

5. I just got rid of my '88 Bronco II. I hope the 4runner is more dependable than that old girl was. Thanks, Guy
 
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1. can't really help you, but im sure someone here can. ;]

2. if you find one with 200,000 miles thats well-maintained and running well, then you've got no worries. ive seen 4Runners with over 300,000 that are still goin strong. i've got a '96 Limited 4WD with 175,000 and my dad has a 2000 Limited 4WD with 193,000, and neither have had any troubles whatsoever, and show no signs of giving out any time soon. my dad is yearbook rep who pushes 30,000 miles a year, so...

3. not for sure, but havent really heard about any features or conditions that are bad.

4. most 4Runners are auto, but you can definitely find one with a manny.

5. trust me, and everyone else on this forum when i say, (and i think i speak for all/most of us?) a 4Runner will EASILY be more reliable than any Ford.
 
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mainemoose said:
Hi, I know you guys can help. I want to get a used SUV that I can use as a personal vehicle and also as a hunting vehicle in the logging country here in Maine. I'll be avoiding the real rough roads, but will certainly be confronted with my fair share of snow, ice, mud, water, and unplowed snow covered roads; all in areas w/ no cell coverage where breakdowns or being stuck can translate into at least a couple hours or more of walking. Probably going to make a purchase more based on vehicle condition than vehicle age.

1. Why should I get a 4Runner versus a jeep or nissan product?

2. Is there a general vehicle mileage figure (w/ a 4Runner) where I should be concerned even if the vehicle appears to be well maintained and running well? I drive about 12,000 miles a year, and would like to get another 5 or 6 years out of the vehicle. I realize there will be maintenance, expected and unexpected, while I own it.

3. Are there 4runner conditions, features, etc. that I should definitely avoid?

4. I prefer a standard transmission.

5. I just got rid of my '88 Bronco II. I hope the 4runner is more dependable than that old girl was. Thanks, Guy
Click to expand...

1. Use the search feature on this forum, you will find literally hundreds of threads on why people hate jeeps, and why 4runners surpass all other 4X4 vehicles. Not to mention most other SUVs have gone to car frames, 4runners are still built on a truck frame.

2. It depends what model 4runner you are looking at, 2nd gen, 3rd gen, 4th gen. Obviously if you see insanely high mileage on a somewhat new 4runner, then make sure everything works fine. Plenty of people take their Toyota's (4runners included) to 300k+ miles.

3.Not sure what you mean about this one, all of the features that 4runners offer make them better than their competitors. My only advice is if you are looking into a 4th gen, you will have to consider whether you want Xreas suspension which will give it a little bit of a stiffer ride.

4. Then get a standard transmission

5. Without a doubt.
 
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4Runner_mudder said:


5. trust me, and everyone else on this forum when i say, (and i think i speak for all/most of us?) a 4Runner will EASILY be more reliable than any Chevy.
Click to expand...

Bronco's are Ford, not Chevy. :bash:
 
I only have a response on the millage part, but my family bought a new 96 with 20 miles on it, proceeded to drive it 30-35k/year for the next 6 years its has been retired to trainer car for my sister and I, I'm 19 sis is 16, i hit 230k with it a few weeks ago. the thing runs like its new. as long as its taken care of you have nothing to worry about.
 
Thanks very much fellas. Your responses have been excellent and very helpful to me. I appreciate the time you've taken to help. Guy
 
For what you want to get out of it a 3rd gen will fit the bill and look for a rear diff locker which was avalable til '00.

Check this site for a year by year rundown of upgrades and changes. '99 was the mid gen upgrades which were quite significant from an ergonomic standpoint.

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist31996.html

I've got 135k on mine and outside of maintenance (timing belt,brakes,etc.) the only thing I've had to fix was rear axle seals at 100k which is actually common to the 3rd gens but at 100k it's more of a maintenance thing.

You can find 3rd gens with reasonable miles 80-130k for anywhere from $7000-12000 but with too many more miles don't pay too much more than that.
 
rxshu said:
Forget
Off
Road
Driving
Click to expand...

That's for sure.

Although, some of the very first bronco's were very solid, but you would have to have it fixed up and fitted for offroading for it to be any good now.
 
In answer to the mileage question. I just hit 247,000 miles on my 4runner. It still is running like a top and I see no signs of it stopping anytime soon. The mechanic told me it looked great and there were no worries. Granted it was meticulously cared for and most of the miles were on a 45 mile commute twice a day. Just shows that a toyota will last forever.
 
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