Newbie Question!

[Mac6135]

Hello,
New here! From Minnesota. I currently own a 97 Grand Prix GTP but need something to tow the Jet skis, snowmobiles and boat. I have an opportunity to buy a 2002 Limited Edition 4Runner from a friend. It has 39,000 miles on it, everything except leather, stereo upgrades, brush guard with lights, and a supercharger. The lease buyout is 17K....good price? Also, any major problems with there cars? Ive never really owned a foreign made car and I know nothing about these so ANY comments would be greatly appreciated! One of my major concerns is power, and I own a GTP with 3.8 (supercharged), the 4runner is only a 3.4.....how does it do on towing? I know you cant compare the 2, but my stepdad owns a Jeep with a V8 and its got power to spare!
Thanks again!
Marc

 

[Mac6135]

Haha! Over 100 hits and no replys!:awais:

 

[Border411]

I think that is a really good price. That should tow 5000 lbs easily, especially with a supercharger. If all is good as in appearance and maintance, then I say go for it! I would.

 

[bulldog-yota]

You might want to post over at yotatech as well, as there are a lot more 3rd Gen 4R people. I have never owned a 3.4 so I honestly dont know, but it will probably come up short against the V8 Jeep in towing heavy loads.

 

[vandert]

175,000 miles

Thats what I had on my t100's 3.4ltr when I made a drive from Colorado to Florida pulling a 95 GTP with the DOHC no supercharger. Even in the hills of Colorado, I could leave the cruise on and go pulling the car. It has balls, the supercharger makes it just plain fast.

You will have no problems, I can almost guarantee it. I've had 5 Toyota's, 2 Jeeps, and several Fords and Cheby's. The Toyota build quality is amazing. My T100 with the 3.4 would out perform and out tow my 5.4ltr Triton Ford.

You make the call on what you buy,

I would probably go for it at that price.

 

[Northof49]

Price sounds good if the truck checks/drives out well. The 3.4L is a torquey thing, towing shouldn't be a problem. It's not a screamer, but should do you just fine. If anything, the old 3.4L V6 is a smoother unit than the 4.0L in the new ones. Take it for a spin, see if it'll work for you. I pulled an 18.5' Sea Ray that was an easy 4000lbs+ on the trailer. You wouldn't win any drag races pulling it, but it handled it just fine and went as fast as anyone pulling 4000lbs worth of whatever needs to hehe.

 

[peter78]

That is an EXCELLENT price. A friend just recently bought a 2002 SR5 2WD with 73,000 miles for 17,300. Even if you could get it for a couple grand more, it would be a steal.

As far as what could go wrong, by the time they started making the 2002 the model was in it's 7th year. By that time they have worked out all the bugs. Consumer Reports says that year is 78% better than average, making it one of the most reliable cars around.

Now as far as power, it will be much different. The gearing is such that it does not rev high at Interstate speeds. Also expect to feel the bumps when you hit a pot hole. You know come to think of it, you will probably hate the vehicle, why don't you give me the name of your friend instead.:biggrin2:

 

[mikes4runner]

Re: 175,000 miles

Thats what I had on my t100's 3.4ltr when I made a drive from Colorado to Florida pulling a 95 GTP with the DOHC no supercharger. Even in the hills of Colorado, I could leave the cruise on and go pulling the car. It has balls, the supercharger makes it just plain fast.

I agree 100% I had a T-100 also you will have no troublr towing.

 

[JoeV]

My only comment is that the Jeeps have known reliability issues whereas the Toyotas last over 200K on their engines.

 

[.o2 Lost Hiker]

I own a .02 with the 3.4 and it drives/handles/tows pretty well. I have Flowmaster 40 in the exhaust. I like it. Good pick-up from stop to 60. It's not a race car but it goes. The only thing I notice it will not shift to a higher gear unless the engine has warmed up a little. Specially on a cold day. Good choice if you do buy it.
If you wanna ask specific ? Ask me and I will answer. Thanks good luck.