Newbie looking for opinion on best buy for a 4runner
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thunderpaw
New member
I just recently bought ours after a lot of research including talking to a friend who works for an auto testing facility.
Anyway, I chose a '97 4runner. I'd go for any of that generation ('96 - 2000?).
The previous had a couple issues - one the V6 is a smaller engine, and the ones I test drove seemed to lack the kind of power I needed and wanted.
Also the rear hatch is an old truck style drop down hatch - meaning the rear window needs to be rolled down to open the hatch. I like the '96+ flip up hatch, can be opened any time, plus provides a bit of rain protection, plus allows you to step right up to the rear cargo area (important for us short people!)
I love the one I got. $8000 including all taxes/tags/etc. I put off-road Yoko tires on and love it.
Got mud all over it last weekend tooling around the mud trails at the race track I was running my race car at. Climbed up some boulders, had a blast ;-)
Anyway, I chose a '97 4runner. I'd go for any of that generation ('96 - 2000?).
The previous had a couple issues - one the V6 is a smaller engine, and the ones I test drove seemed to lack the kind of power I needed and wanted.
Also the rear hatch is an old truck style drop down hatch - meaning the rear window needs to be rolled down to open the hatch. I like the '96+ flip up hatch, can be opened any time, plus provides a bit of rain protection, plus allows you to step right up to the rear cargo area (important for us short people!)
I love the one I got. $8000 including all taxes/tags/etc. I put off-road Yoko tires on and love it.
Got mud all over it last weekend tooling around the mud trails at the race track I was running my race car at. Climbed up some boulders, had a blast ;-)
i'll put an arguement in for the 2nd generation runners ('90-'95). they have a smaller v6 then the newer ones, but it'll run for ever. actulaly the 22r 4cyl is even more bullet proof, i have heard of them going over 300k miles with no issues at all. i have the 3vze v6 in my '90 with 120k (realy hard) miles and it's in great shape. if i'm not paying attention, i can still squeel the tires in first and second with no problems.
in contrast to thunderpaw's views on the rear hatch, i like the truck style tail gate. granted the window needs to come down everytime you want to get in the back, and then in the winter all the salt and crap that's on the window goes down into the tail gate, and you have to get the motor replaced every 6 years or so. but other than that, you have a tail gate to stand on to have easy access to the roof, which is great if you have a roof rack.
plus, i just like the 1st and 2nd generations better, they're more like trucks.
just some of my opinions.
mike
in contrast to thunderpaw's views on the rear hatch, i like the truck style tail gate. granted the window needs to come down everytime you want to get in the back, and then in the winter all the salt and crap that's on the window goes down into the tail gate, and you have to get the motor replaced every 6 years or so. but other than that, you have a tail gate to stand on to have easy access to the roof, which is great if you have a roof rack.
plus, i just like the 1st and 2nd generations better, they're more like trucks.
just some of my opinions.
mike
thunderpaw
New member
nathan said:
In short, a LOT. I wouldn't recommend anyone without mechanical knowledge buy a car with so many miles. But I got a hell of a deal. 200k miles. But all components in fantastic shape, 1 owner, a long distance "commuter" type vehicle.
But it's a truck, and a toyota at that. My street mr2 has over 320k miles on it - and no problems.
The actual sale price was $7300 but by the time you add taxes it gets up there.
Like the previous poster said, one of the beautiful things about these is that whatever your preferences theres a 4runner that'll work. My (Jeep) friend is a bit jealous of my off-roading ability with basically stock setup hehehe he actually admitted that to do it over again he'd have bought a 4runner.
I would suggest staying away from the 4 cylinder models though - if you plan on hauling anything.
Part of the reason I went with '96+ V6 was the bigger engine. Ocassionally I will be towing my race car and open trailer with the 4runner - so I need every ounce of power I can get.
Plus the 96+ comes with bigger side mirrors...
peter78
Super Moderator
It seems for 15K you will be looking at the 3rd generation 4Runner. The first year (1996) they had a head gasket re-call and there is a re-call for the rear suspension on the 96 to 98 4Runners. They made a manual transmission till the year 2000 and in 2001 the manual and also the 2.7 liter 4 were history. Each year they kept making improvements, but 99 was a big year for improvements on the third generation. I think most 4Runner people feel the 3rd generation 3.4 liter V6 is a really good engine. Decent power, decent mileage and good reliability. If you can swing it get a 99 like this member just did.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1145
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1145
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peter78
Super Moderator
I wasn't quite sure if you are buying or selling from your last post, but I am assuming your buying. Some concerns over the 2nd generation:
1.) Lack of power on the V6:
"What can I do to increase power of my 3.0 Liter V6 engine (1st and 2nd gens)
In short, nothing. To get any appreciable power gains from the 3.0 you must throw in lots of money. The most popular and cost effective change is to go with headers. Next is to change the differential gears because you probably switched to larger tires. All the other engine mods out there either do nothing or cost more than an engine swap. "
2.)Poor Mileage:
"The mileage of my 3.0L V6 really bad, is this normal?
Yes it is. I get around 17 mpg freeway and about 12mpg city (maybe less). My mileage is actually considered normal for a V6 auto transmission. During freeway driving I can get about 250 miles per tank while I've heard of people getting about 200 miles per tank. Both are normal, it all depends on your tranny type, your style of driving, and most importantly your gearing."
3.) Sagging Butt:
"The rear of the 4Runner seems to be sagging. What can I do?
The springs on all the generations of 4Runners are notorious for sagging. Usually people replace the stock springs with after market springs from Downey, Performance Products and Old Man Emu. Less popular methods are to add spacers on top of the coil springs, add spacers between the coils of the springs or add
air bags."
4.) Head gasket re-call:
"What is this headgasket recall I keep hearing about and how do I know if my 4Runner/Truck has been worked on?
Technically it's not a recall, it's a "Special Service Campaign." It affects most, but not all, 3.0L V6 engines. While the 3.0L is a reliable engine if maintained, they are notorious for the head gasket going out relatively early.
To find out whether your 4Runner/Truck has had the headgasket fixed, give your VIN number to your dealer, or call Toyota's helpline. If your head gasket has not been fixed, they should still honor the campaign and fix any damage free of charge, this includes a new engine if the block is damaged."
5.) Rust, make sure you have no rust or very little, with 45,000 miles hopefully you will not have much.
I got most of this info from THIS LINK:
http://www.yotatech.com/~corey/4runner_faq.htm
NOW THE GOOD POINTS: The 2nd generation has a reputation for holding up forever. Some are over 300,000 miles. They are really good in off road situations. I also like the looks of them. As fas as price, it sounds resonable and the ad sounds like the person may deal a little. With only 45,000 miles it sounds good to me.
1.) Lack of power on the V6:
"What can I do to increase power of my 3.0 Liter V6 engine (1st and 2nd gens)
In short, nothing. To get any appreciable power gains from the 3.0 you must throw in lots of money. The most popular and cost effective change is to go with headers. Next is to change the differential gears because you probably switched to larger tires. All the other engine mods out there either do nothing or cost more than an engine swap. "
2.)Poor Mileage:
"The mileage of my 3.0L V6 really bad, is this normal?
Yes it is. I get around 17 mpg freeway and about 12mpg city (maybe less). My mileage is actually considered normal for a V6 auto transmission. During freeway driving I can get about 250 miles per tank while I've heard of people getting about 200 miles per tank. Both are normal, it all depends on your tranny type, your style of driving, and most importantly your gearing."
3.) Sagging Butt:
"The rear of the 4Runner seems to be sagging. What can I do?
The springs on all the generations of 4Runners are notorious for sagging. Usually people replace the stock springs with after market springs from Downey, Performance Products and Old Man Emu. Less popular methods are to add spacers on top of the coil springs, add spacers between the coils of the springs or add
air bags."
4.) Head gasket re-call:
"What is this headgasket recall I keep hearing about and how do I know if my 4Runner/Truck has been worked on?
Technically it's not a recall, it's a "Special Service Campaign." It affects most, but not all, 3.0L V6 engines. While the 3.0L is a reliable engine if maintained, they are notorious for the head gasket going out relatively early.
To find out whether your 4Runner/Truck has had the headgasket fixed, give your VIN number to your dealer, or call Toyota's helpline. If your head gasket has not been fixed, they should still honor the campaign and fix any damage free of charge, this includes a new engine if the block is damaged."
5.) Rust, make sure you have no rust or very little, with 45,000 miles hopefully you will not have much.
I got most of this info from THIS LINK:
http://www.yotatech.com/~corey/4runner_faq.htm
NOW THE GOOD POINTS: The 2nd generation has a reputation for holding up forever. Some are over 300,000 miles. They are really good in off road situations. I also like the looks of them. As fas as price, it sounds resonable and the ad sounds like the person may deal a little. With only 45,000 miles it sounds good to me.
At $15k...
You've got enough money to get a good '99 or '00 - that's what I'd search out. They have the best engine (I can't speak for the manual tranny b/c I've not used one), the swing-up rear door, they lengthened body (which not only gives you A TON more rear-seat passenger space but more space with rear seats folded, the package was massaged, the sunroof is HUGE and with those years I think you still get the option of a rear locker and the safety nannies are beginning to appear I think (VSC, Traction, etc). PLUS, from what I've read you get much better mileage out of the same old regular-unleaded fuel, which in these times is nothing to sniff at.
Good years for the truck and I wouldn't hesitate to spend $15k on one with 50-70k miles (what I should have done instead of dropping $30k on a new one two years ago)...
I personally feel that anything older than a 1997 is starting to get old for a daily driver, Toyota's superb reliability record notwithstanding. Technology has become better - go use it.
You've got enough money to get a good '99 or '00 - that's what I'd search out. They have the best engine (I can't speak for the manual tranny b/c I've not used one), the swing-up rear door, they lengthened body (which not only gives you A TON more rear-seat passenger space but more space with rear seats folded, the package was massaged, the sunroof is HUGE and with those years I think you still get the option of a rear locker and the safety nannies are beginning to appear I think (VSC, Traction, etc). PLUS, from what I've read you get much better mileage out of the same old regular-unleaded fuel, which in these times is nothing to sniff at.
Good years for the truck and I wouldn't hesitate to spend $15k on one with 50-70k miles (what I should have done instead of dropping $30k on a new one two years ago)...
I personally feel that anything older than a 1997 is starting to get old for a daily driver, Toyota's superb reliability record notwithstanding. Technology has become better - go use it.
peter78
Super Moderator
I might also mention that the 3rd Generation models have more safety items like drivers and passenger air bags. I belive there are no air bags in the second generation models. I also know the crash test on the 3rd generations were quite good, I am not sure about the 90 through 95 models.
One thing though, I think the VSC and Traction control didn't come until 2001, the same year they dropped the manual transmission.
One thing though, I think the VSC and Traction control didn't come until 2001, the same year they dropped the manual transmission.
i went and looked at that 95 i left a post about..
it was clean, but had the marks you should expect from a 95
had a speck of rust on the rear hatch...
but over all looked decent for 11k... but with all the options on the newer models it might be worth lookin for a 97 or something... but a 95 with only 45k on it
seems like a great deal for 11k
it was clean, but had the marks you should expect from a 95
had a speck of rust on the rear hatch...
but over all looked decent for 11k... but with all the options on the newer models it might be worth lookin for a 97 or something... but a 95 with only 45k on it
seems like a great deal for 11k
Thai
Elite Member
Nathan, you may want to read this thread. It deals with the 3rd gen 4runners:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=787
Good hunting.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=787
Good hunting.
Thai
Elite Member
Nathan, for info on 2nd gen 4runners, you may want to ask the same questions on this forum (more older 4runner owners):
http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=UBB13
I hate to do direct people away from this forum...but i think you will find more info on 2nd gen 4runners there.
Good luck.
http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=UBB13
I hate to do direct people away from this forum...but i think you will find more info on 2nd gen 4runners there.
Good luck.
think i found a good one...
1999 Toyota 4Runner V6 4WD Automatic, One Owner, No accidents in excellent condition,
65k miles
"dessert sand" exterior, matching leather seats interior
New Tires
Moon Roof
Tilt Steering
Alpine removable face AM/FM CD Player - great sound
Alarm
Rear Heater
Cruise Control
Air Conditioning
all servicing records kept, tune-ups/oil changes
Price negotiable.
1999 Toyota 4Runner V6 4WD Automatic, One Owner, No accidents in excellent condition,
65k miles
"dessert sand" exterior, matching leather seats interior
New Tires
Moon Roof
Tilt Steering
Alpine removable face AM/FM CD Player - great sound
Alarm
Rear Heater
Cruise Control
Air Conditioning
all servicing records kept, tune-ups/oil changes
Price negotiable.
peter78
Super Moderator
It Do Look Nice
I really like the leather seats, good mileage too. Of course it could still be a turkey. I would recommend a mechanic check it out. If it checks out, I say go for it, even if you have to spend a little more. You spent a lot of time looking for it, good luck. :bigok: :boink: :bouncy:
I really like the leather seats, good mileage too. Of course it could still be a turkey. I would recommend a mechanic check it out. If it checks out, I say go for it, even if you have to spend a little more. You spent a lot of time looking for it, good luck. :bigok: :boink: :bouncy:
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