Should I fix up my 2nd Gen or cut my losses.

[Eacook1]

Hey guys. I have a dilemma and I thought if I shared maybe someone here could help me see the light. Maybe help me see the pros and cons of trading up to maybe a 3rd generation that has airbags. Safety has become forefront in my mind after my wife totaled our Mazda a few months back.

So the runner I have now is a 93 with 200k on the clock. I have about $4000 into it just as it sits. It needs about another $2500 to get it dependable and 100% functional. The real issue I am having internally is putty my wife and my 7 and 10 year old in the vehicle that doesn't have the the greatest safety rating.

I like this vehicle. I have always like the 2nd gens. I could like a 3rd gen though too. Not sure if I am stressing to much over the airbags but according the crash test ratings the 3rd gens are a safer vehicle.

What do you all think!

Just FYI I just put on new bilsteins in front and new axles, replaced the clutch, slave and master and fixed the AC. Still need to get the 4Wd working, fix three oil leaks, and put new tires on it.

 

[Eacook1]

Here is a pick of said vehicle.

 

[Wildcat]

What did we do before air bags?

If you like the 93, fix it. If you want a newer model get a 3rd gen. Id prolly go 3rd gen mainly cuz the 3.4L

 

[Eacook1]

What did we do before air bags?

If you like the 93, fix it. If you want a newer model get a 3rd gen. Id prolly go 3rd gen mainly cuz the 3.4L

Yeah I realize the 3.4 is a much better motor. One thing that I have found while looking at 3rd gens is that there aren't a lot of 5 speed manuals out there. I would like to stay with the manual if possible.

 

[crutchy]

What did we do before air bags?

Probably broke more ribs and what not bouncing off dash boards and steering wheels. Having the awesome opportunity to hit both and airbag and a steering wheel without one in some pretty violent wrecks...I'll take the airbag.

Any how just my .02, I wouldn't drop the extra 2500 into a second gen (unless you are really attached to it). I would go with a safer rig that meets all of your needs. You and your wife can make your own decisions about what you are doing in whatever vehicle you are driving, but with kids in the equation my requirements of a vehicle would be greatly changed. Figure out what you can afford and go from there as there are plenty of great mid sized utes that are trail worthy, brand loyalty be damned (sorry).

 

[SilentYoda3]

Hey i understand that OP, i had this same dilema after i rolled my truck. I bought another 2nd gen but it bugged me to drive it. So i sold it and bought a 1997 3rd gen. It's probably the best choice i ever made. The 3.4L is so much nicer, the safety ratings are better for my piece of mind. Having a girl i really care about a lot I want to keep her safe and later on when i have kids, i'll feel safe with them in the back. One thing i think i like over the 3rd gen is the tail gate feature, but there are pro's and con's on both 2nd and 3rd gens for me.

There are manuals out there, just fewer :/ Fortunately I got a manual and an e-locker too with it.

 

[Eacook1]

Thanks for the replies.

After talking to the wife more this weekend we are getting rid of the 93. I am looking at a preferably 3rd gen., but maybe even a 4th gen.


I really like this one.
http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dda/detail.jsp?ct=u&car_id=338798926&dealer_id=100012844&car_year=2000&doors=&model=4RUN&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&search_type=both&min_price=&dealership_view_name=miramarmotorsports&drive=&advanced=&fuel=&keywords_display=&end_year=2014&make2=&engine=&transmission=&default_sort=&max_mileage=&color=&sort_type=priceDESC&suppressStyle=null&resultCar=null&max_price=&make=TOYOTA&cardist=7781

I talked to the manager and he said they are firm on the price. I may go look at it tomorrow. Its a manual so thats nice.

edit: I linked the wrong vehicle.

 

[Eacook1]

Wow, according to KBB the price on the above 4runner is under 5k. Are people really spending that much on these things?

 

[SilentYoda3]

Wow, according to KBB the price on the above 4runner is under 5k. Are people really spending that much on these things?

on the west coast we pay a premium on them because everyone wants one. They are very reliable and relatively low maintenance. I figured out we usually pay about $2000 over the KBB listed value. No real reason why, we just do. They are sought after out here. That being said, I just bought mine for $5500 so they can come cheaper. Oh and it's a 5-speed and it has the factory E-locker as well. With clean interior and exterior.