Newbie needs help--In general how reliable would a 94 4runner with 113k be?

[geigerz2001]

I know the question is very vague and depends on many variables but suppose the owner took care of normal maintenace.
What kind of problems can I expect in the next few years. I dont plan on using the car as a daily drive but I would like to start going on trails. I am a total newbie so I thought i'd start of with a more inexpensive truck. I am just worried that this may turn into a maintenance money pit.

The 4runner owned by one person for the last 13yrs. He bought it 1yr used. I havent had a chance to test drive it because he lives pretty far but i will this coming weekend


Thanks for all comments.

 

[n8buddy]

4 cylinder or v6?

 

[geigerz2001]

Its a 6 cylinder

4x4

 

[fourwd1]

The 3.0 V6 is known for Head Gasket problems, and is rather under powered and thirsty. There was a campaign ("recall" of sorts) for the HG issue a few years back, any dealer should be able to tell you if it was done if you know the VIN.

There is also currently a campaign for the steering relay rod.

There was also a problem with axle seals on the rear axle with the 96's +/- a few years, but I can't remember if that included 94's.

Other than that, if it was taken care of, they're great trucks.

 

[geigerz2001]

Thanks for the feedback

BTW, how much does it typically cost to fix the headgasket problem if i take it to a competent independent mechanic? Do i have to worry about the auto transmission? I noticed people dont mention rebuilt transmission as often as they do head gasket issues.

Thanks!

 

[Zinarac]

Any Toyota Service Center will do the headgasket and relay rod recalls free of charge.

I bought a 1993 4Runner V6 4X4 Manual Transmission with 108K miles on it last December. I bought it from the original owner who had not really taken care of regular maintenance from what it sounded like. I ended up having to fix a few different items, but all in all I was happy with the purchase. I am still amazed at what my stock 4Runner can do off-road.

I would go test drive it if you are interested.

 

[geigerz2001]

Well i found out the headgasket recall was done on the truck in 2004.

Any Toyota Service Center will do the headgasket and relay rod recalls free of charge.

I bought a 1993 4Runner V6 4X4 Manual Transmission with 108K miles on it last December. I bought it from the original owner who had not really taken care of regular maintenance from what it sounded like. I ended up having to fix a few different items, but all in all I was happy with the purchase. I am still amazed at what my stock 4Runner can do off-road.

I would go test drive it if you are interested.

How long will the fix last? I just read that some people had problems a year after they had the recall fix done.

Thanks

 

[Zinarac]

Mine hasn't had an issue, and it was done back when the recall was first issued. I'm not sure how long they last on average. My 4Runner only has 115K. People that have issues tend to have a lot more miles on their rig.

 

[missy_woo]

when was the recall issued?

 

[77'911]

a couple comments....

There are a numbers of variables with a "94" vehicle and especially one with 113k. Having said that, a good service history would help. We had been gifted a 1990 V6 4runner with 60k on it a couple of years ago and it had some needs even with low mileage. The head gaskets were already done under the recall and have been perfect since. The rubber components(read: eng/trans mounts) and suspension bushings were tired though. Parts for these vehicles are not terrible pricey and they are fairly easy to work on(except V6 motor mounts). These 4runners really are bullit proof with a bit of care and maintenance. Now that I've tuned it up and repacked the front wheel bearings, we're getting 17-18mpg for the majority of the time.
It seems that if you can avoid finding one that's been abused, they will run for a long time without a problem or issue.

 

[crawyota]

If this helps at all ,I bought a 95 runner last Sept. it had 133k mi. on it very slight rust. It was in great running shape. i now have about 140k on it . still no problems , but like someone else posted if it has the v6 in it , they do tend to be a bit thirsty. if you get lucky like i did , it will have come stock with 4.88 gears . I have taken it to 2 different off road parks in PA. with no problems. running blue trail. and it is all stock.

 

[TenEchs]

I have a 93 with 150k. It has been very reliable. The HG went out at 58k so it was replaced under warrenty. I also had them replace the timing belt while they were replacing the HG -- only had to pay the part's cost for the timing belt -- they picked up the labor under the warrenty repair.