Opinions on 4cyl 4runners

[knockerjoe]

Hello, first post here and this is one great forum. I have decided to part with my 96 Tacoma and I would like to get a get a used 4Runner. I also have owned a 84 Landcruiser wagon and a 92 4runner v6 4x4. Both were very slow. The Landcruiser was a big time gas hog getting only 13mpg on a straight six! Both trucks were bulletproof.
There are a ton of 4cyl 4runners in my area at great prices. I wanted opinions on power (or lack of) gas milage, etc etc.
Thanks in advance......Joe

 

[Northof49]

Get a 96+ 4cyl 4Runner with a 5spd manual, no problem with power there. Those newer 2.4L 4cyls are actually rated a few hp MORE than the 3.0L 6cyls in the 95 and older Runners! Not quite as much torque (it's close tho) on the low end, but a lot more revs. They drive just fine too, get better gas mileage than the 6 cyls and have slightly lower gears in the trans IIRC.

Only problem is finding one. They were quite rare with a 4cyl, and most who went with the 4cyl were base base models (only a problem if you want lots of gadgets). Also, the 5spd stick really gets a lot more from the 4 banger than the auto's do. Good luck on the search

 

[peter78]

I agree with Northof49 on getting a 3rd generation model 4 cyl. The 3rd gen 4 cyl is upped to 2.7 liter instead 2.4. They stopped making the 5 speed and the 4 cyl. in 2000. The last 2 years of the 3rd gen. (2001 to 2002) had just the automatic 3.4 V6.

Here is a really good thread on the 2.7 4 cyl along with the 5 speed & the automatic.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=2109

 

[knockerjoe]

Yes, I am looking at the 3rd generation 4runners with the 2.7. I suspect it should be comparable in power to my old 92 sr5 v6.
I have not seen anything negative yet on the 2.7 so I might be leaning this way.

 

[Northof49]

Oops, sorry for calling it a 2.4L.....it was late when I wrote that haha

 

[peter78]

Oops, sorry for calling it a 2.4L.....it was late when I wrote that haha

Actually the 2.7 is a BIG 4cyl. engine and it is still in production. I remeber Porsche once made a 3.0 Liter 4 cyl. I think the Camry, Highlander may be around 2.4 (+ -). I belive most 4 cyl over 2.0 have balance shafts to calm the vibrations down.

 

[Thodi]

hey there,
i just bought my 99 4cyl 5speed a week ago!

the 5speed is VERY torque-y, and enough power to pass when i want to. i get about 300mpt, and alittle over 350 when highway driving. its perfect, the best ever.
best wishes on your search.
TJ

 

[pat161]

The 3rd gen 4 cyl is a good choice, they make 150hp/ 177 torque. I have an 00 4wd with the 5 speed and would say it makes adequate power, certainly not fast at all, but plenty to get up hills and such. Try to find a model with the 16" rims if you are looking for 4wd as you should get the 4.56 gear ratio. This will be the same for 5 speed or auto and is the lowest ratio offered on a 3rd gen, also you'll get the larger brakes, 11" front rotors and abs on 99 and 00 models. The 2.7 is a great motor w/ very low maintenance costs and should run a long time if taken care of.

 

[LBC99]

I have a 99 4cyl. automatic and its great. I don't go offroading or tow anything, mainly just use it for commuting to work 20 miles each way Mon-Fri, so the smaller engine is fine for me. The gas mileage is pretty good (19-23 mpg) for a SUV too.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I guess I'll be the guy that says the 4s are slow but if it's gas mileage you want then you'll easily surpass the V6. I think the V6 is just adequate for highway use and steep grades can suck and couldn't imagine driving a 4 banger Runner up in the mountains but if you live in the flatlands it might be the wiser choice. I'm also used to driving cars with power so my view can be a little slanted.

 

[peter78]

By American standards, it is a bit slow. Also, if you get the automatic, it was extremely slow. In the states it was a bit of a loss leader. Papers would advertise '4Runners starting at 23,000' only to find it was a 4 cyclinder.

Still, it is considered a serious engine, I remember reading overseas the 4 cyl is in the older land crusiers. By the way the engine is still around, I read the new Tacoma will has a base 2.7 4 cycl., just like our V8, it now comes with VVT-i and it now has some 160 something horsepower.

 

[4BangerRunner]

Also a new 4Runner owner - a pristine 99 2.7L 2WD ....using it primarily for commuting - very pleased with the mpg ...least has been 21, best has been 23. That includes several miles @ 35-45, and several miles at 70+, very few stops in between. Not a racehorse, but comfortable and smooth riding.

 

[bflooks]

i have a 98 4x4 with 5spd and 3rz. i love it! i just got 22mpg on my last tank running at 80mph the whole tank, and that is with "winter gas" up here in new england. i have had no real issues with the truck, and it has plenty of power for my needs. with 122,000 miles on it, it doesn't use a drop of oil, and i have had no problems with it that weren't wear items (brakes, shocks, etc.). this truck has driven great, and shows no signs of it's actual age. i love it, and am sadden that in order to get the 2.7, i will have to get the taco. the runner is just so practical.
oh yeah, i recommend the 16" wheels as well. look better, and like pat said, the lower gearing. this puts you in the powerband at highway speeds. so powering past someone isn't that hard to do.