Millerad1651
New member
The same with the gas mileage. I had a 5.9 Dodge Ram that I sold to get the 4Runner. I was getting maybe 11 mpg...17-20 is like heaven to me. And the runner can go everywhere the Ram could, plus it's more comfortable.
Reasons NOT to purchase 3rd Gen
- Thread starter 1beastnstl
- Start date
Mileage
fueleconomy.gov has shared MPG values. The 4th gen, which I believe is bigger, seems to get somewhat better (19 vs 17) overall mileage, including the V8 models.
The mileage is a bit less for the 3rd Gen, but I think you get the advantage of longevity since the engine is designed for exceptional durability even according to Toyota's standards.
I don't remember which thread I saw it in, but someone recently moved to a Sequoia for more space and the V8 and their mileage with that (remember, same driver, same conditions) was better than with the 3rd gen.
fueleconomy.gov has shared MPG values. The 4th gen, which I believe is bigger, seems to get somewhat better (19 vs 17) overall mileage, including the V8 models.
The mileage is a bit less for the 3rd Gen, but I think you get the advantage of longevity since the engine is designed for exceptional durability even according to Toyota's standards.
I don't remember which thread I saw it in, but someone recently moved to a Sequoia for more space and the V8 and their mileage with that (remember, same driver, same conditions) was better than with the 3rd gen.
BrianSD_42
New member
cracked heads are becoming more common around 200k. I replaced both heads at 199k but I am not alone. the rest of the truck is running strong though.
buying plan: $6,000 to purchase, $3,000 set aside to fix major issues.
buying plan: $6,000 to purchase, $3,000 set aside to fix major issues.
sportscarfan
New member
gas mileage seems to be marginally better with 5-speed. YMMV.
I haven't really found any reasons not to like the 4runner after 1 year.
I haven't really found any reasons not to like the 4runner after 1 year.
Stick Figure
New member
For the era and type of vehicle the MPG is pretty spot on. It just isn't the best selling point for the vehicle with today's fuel prices. Which is pretty much in the category of what the original poster asked for.
TFJ-4runner
New member
Strawberry milk shake
Crappy front brakes with rotors that love to warp
Underpowered engine compared to similar class vehicles *IMO*
That's it though, can't think of another single thing. On my third 4runner and second 3rd Generation.
Crappy front brakes with rotors that love to warp
Underpowered engine compared to similar class vehicles *IMO*
That's it though, can't think of another single thing. On my third 4runner and second 3rd Generation.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
If you find one and it's on the original radiator just replace it no matter how many miles since age is more of the factor when it's wearing out.
I know front rotors warping is common but my rotors have bene fine for over 30k miles which I'm sure is due to solid aftermarket rotors but I can't remember which ones I went with. I do run Akebono ceramic pads with them.
The main reason to buy one is they kickass off road and look good doing it.
Seriously,one great truck if you can find one that was well taken care of,simply the most reliable vehicle I've owned and I'm just about hitting 170k miles and owned it for just over 7 years.
I know front rotors warping is common but my rotors have bene fine for over 30k miles which I'm sure is due to solid aftermarket rotors but I can't remember which ones I went with. I do run Akebono ceramic pads with them.
The main reason to buy one is they kickass off road and look good doing it.
Seriously,one great truck if you can find one that was well taken care of,simply the most reliable vehicle I've owned and I'm just about hitting 170k miles and owned it for just over 7 years.
SCRunner12
New member
Yeah not too many negatives if you look at other SUV's in the same category. The only issues I will run into is lack of space and not enough power. The size of the 4runner is perfect for trails and small families, but once you have 2-3 kids it's too small. Gas mileage is ok, but it is an SUV. The power will be solved with a S/C in the next 2 years. Other than that I can't complain about much. Plus as Ron mentioned it is amazing off road.
PitbullRescuer
New member
Just for the record, I wasn't b*tching about gas mileage, it is what it is. I'm just impressed with the mileage some other people claim to get.
maxspeed96ct
New member
I know what you mean , makes me sad when others brag about getting 23+ mpg and im averageing 16.
Fuel mileage isnt the best on the 4runner , but I have no real complaints about it.
PitbullRescuer
New member
I thought about an 80 also but I love the 3rd Gens.
1beastnstl
New member
Would have NEVER thought about a 80's series..........
Last edited:
1beastnstl
New member
I have found a couple of options in and around my area. Not sure if I want to purchase from a dealer or do a private purchase.........stay tuned!!!
sooner02r1
New member
Coming from an '08 Tacoma and several full-size trucks I would say the negatives are:
Underpowered, slow
Small interior
Road noise (needs sound deadening)
And just the usual things of driving a 10-14 year old truck
That being said I needed a cheap, realiable 4x4 that will haul 4 people and some gear comfortably, all while being fairly capable offroad. Mission accomplished. I'll upgrade once my salary upgrades, but this is a great truck.
Underpowered, slow
Small interior
Road noise (needs sound deadening)
And just the usual things of driving a 10-14 year old truck
That being said I needed a cheap, realiable 4x4 that will haul 4 people and some gear comfortably, all while being fairly capable offroad. Mission accomplished. I'll upgrade once my salary upgrades, but this is a great truck.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
Yeah,another 40hp would really move the 3rd gen nicely and it would be nice if the 3rd gen had had similar numbers of the 4th gen V6,even pushing about 220 from the 3.4 would'a been a nice power bump considering it weighs in around 4100lbs which is a few hundred lass than 4th gens.
That said I've just gotten used to the 190 we have and the only time the lack of power is a bit noticeabble is when going up into the mountains which sometimes it feels like it takes alot to maintain 65-70mph but down around metro Denver and the front range it's fine. Plus we have the burden of a little less oxygen which makes the 3.4 put out a tad less ponies but the 2nd gen still makes the 3rd gens feel quite quick.
That said I've just gotten used to the 190 we have and the only time the lack of power is a bit noticeabble is when going up into the mountains which sometimes it feels like it takes alot to maintain 65-70mph but down around metro Denver and the front range it's fine. Plus we have the burden of a little less oxygen which makes the 3.4 put out a tad less ponies but the 2nd gen still makes the 3rd gens feel quite quick.
1beastnstl
New member
Excuse my ignorance, but what is a "80"? :hiding:
theizzardking
New member
land cruiser from the 90's.....
reasons not to buy a 4runner:
you prefer replacing vehicles every 80k or 3 years
you only buy american and love the smell of burning oil...freedom baby, america f' yeah
resale value means nothing to you
you call being broken down on the side of the road "an adventure" and try to convince your kids it's exciting
you'd rather be driving a mini-van regardless of what your friends think
your done procreating and picking up women no longer means anything to you
you want to go fast......
you don't mind your life being consumed by this forum and the endless list of mods from free to $$$$$
your scared.......
I have 260K miles on mine now. Here is the list of complaints I have:
1. Gas milage sucks around 18 mpg.
2. The front brakes warp all the time. I have to change rotors at 50K intervals.
3. I can not fit a full sheet of plywood / sheetrock in the back. I put two heavy buckets in the back to prop them up and leave the back open when I transport them.
The only thing to break so far are:
1. Rotors warping.
2. Antenna broke.
3. Rear axel seal.
4. Starter
The only maintanence I do is the following:
1. Change oil every 10K with mobil one and filter.
2. Change transmission fluid every 10K with plug drain only.
3. Timing belt at 90K intervals.
4. Airfilter / windshield wipers when it needs it.
I have factory steering, break, transfer case, axel fluid in my vehicle. Never changed those.
1. Gas milage sucks around 18 mpg.
2. The front brakes warp all the time. I have to change rotors at 50K intervals.
3. I can not fit a full sheet of plywood / sheetrock in the back. I put two heavy buckets in the back to prop them up and leave the back open when I transport them.
The only thing to break so far are:
1. Rotors warping.
2. Antenna broke.
3. Rear axel seal.
4. Starter
The only maintanence I do is the following:
1. Change oil every 10K with mobil one and filter.
2. Change transmission fluid every 10K with plug drain only.
3. Timing belt at 90K intervals.
4. Airfilter / windshield wipers when it needs it.
I have factory steering, break, transfer case, axel fluid in my vehicle. Never changed those.
