New member, still looking for my 4 Runner. =)

[VR-4ever]

Hi!

I am looking to upgrade my daily from a '87 S-10 to a Toyota 4 Runner.

Before I buy, I would like to get some knowledge from the owners.

A few questions:

My price range will keep me in the mid 90's years.

It will not be modified, I want reliability.

Is there a prefered engine? I do want a 6 cyl with automatic trans, but the I-6 stops in 95? Is it prefered to have the older I-6 over a '96 with the V-6? I prefer the exterior styling of the '96.

Can a 4WD V-6 or I-6 tow an open car trailer with a car?

Thanks in advance... I am looking forward to learning, and finding my 4 runner.

- Jay

 

[sharp4runr]

I'm not too familiar with the older generations as the 4th Gen is my 1st 4runner, but I don't believe there was an inline-6 offered on the 4runner. I thought the biggest engine offered on the 1st-3rd was a 3.4 v6. then in 2003-present is when they offered the 4.0 V6 and the 4.7 V8.

I'm sure there are other members who are more knowledgeable and can offer their expertise.

 

[VR-4ever]

Hmm... maybe I was thinking of the tacoma. haha... well, I am here to learn.

 

[VR-4ever]

So in my search to buy my 4 Runner, are there any signs of premature wear that I should look for before buying? Anything vehicle specific? Any recalls? I believe that I am going to go for a '96-'97, V-6 auto.

 

[peter78]

I do want a 6 cyl with automatic trans, but the I-6 stops in 95? Is it prefered to have the older I-6 over a '96 with the V-6? I prefer the exterior styling of the '96.- Jay

The I-6 is great, unforutately it was for the Landcruiser and they stopped making it in 97. You may want to look at some of those, since your looking.

The 95 4Runner has a 3.0 V6 and it is a little underpowered and a bit thirsty. I would say the weak spot of the second generation (90 to 95) is possibly the V6 engine, but they are a great rig.

In 96 they came out with the third generation. There was a recall in 96 and early 97 for the head gasket. Unlike the second generation this head gasket problem showed up early. There were a lot of changes in 99, so you may want to look at some of those. The 4Runner is known for it's reliability, but be sure your potential new rig is checked out.

 

[VR-4ever]

An odd listing I have found....

check it out.

1990 Toyota 4Runner
`red
`2door
`automatic
`3 inch body lift
`4 inch trailmaster suspension lift
`35x12.50 BFGoodrich All-Terrains

ENGINE

1991 Chevy Caprice Classic 5.0 305 V8
`top end rebuilt at 85k miles
`all new gaskets used
`Painless Wiring Harness
`1991 ECM (ECU)
`Downey Off-Road Motor mounts
`Downey Off-Road 2.5" Headers to 2.5 custom exhaust all the way back
`Downey Off-Road 4 core Copper Radiator
`Flexlite 3000 CFM fan
`Acell Spark Plug Wires
`High torque Starter

`Turbo 350 Transmission
`B&M automatic shifter
`Downey transfer case adapter
`toyota transfer case
`4.10 gears front and back

What would this rig be worth? Yeah... I'm a noob to trucks.... haha.

 

[VR-4ever]

Re: Re: New member, still looking for my 4 Runner. =)

The I-6 is great, unforutately it was for the Landcruiser and they stopped making it in 97. You may want to look at some of those, since your looking.

The 95 4Runner has a 3.0 V6 and it is a little underpowered and a bit thirsty. I would say the weak spot of the second generation (90 to 95) is possibly the V6 engine, but they are a great rig.

In 96 they came out with the third generation. There was a recall in 96 and early 97 for the head gasket. Unlike the second generation this head gasket problem showed up early. There were a lot of changes in 99, so you may want to look at some of those. The 4Runner is known for it's reliability, but be sure your potential new rig is checked out.

Hey Peter, thanks for the info. Would you say that the 3.4 V-6 is more reliable than the 4.5L I-6? I will definately have any potential purchase evaluated....

 

[cruzmissile]

What???

All I can say is....If you want reliability, stay away from a Runner with a CHEVY engine........That can't be good.

I've seen those junk yard specials before and unless your a dedicated motor head with lots of spare time, you might want to hold out for the Runner that some tame urbanite owned.

 

[peter78]

Hey Peter, thanks for the info. Would you say that the 3.4 V-6 is more reliable than the 4.5L I-6? I will definately have any potential purchase evaluated....

The 3.4 is a good well balanced engine. It has decent power and is fairly good on gas. It does have a timing belt that should be replaced every 90,000 miles. It has a cast iron block and is known to be reliable.

The 4.5 I-6, well heck it is a Landcruiser. I belive it has a timing chain. It is quite thirsty, but it is known to be super reliable. I would have to give the 4.5 I-6 superior marks, probably one of the best engines ever made.