Some questions, Looking to buy a 1st gen

[jmill050]

Hey everyone, some quick questions.

I've been looking at trucks for a long time now, reading reviews on consumer reports, edmunds, looking around at different trucks, and have determined that a 4runner would be the best buy seeing as they are way more reliable and have much more utility then anything else I can get. In particular I'm looking at the 1st gen for three main reasons:
1. I love the way they look
2. I love the convertible top
3. They're generally pretty inexpensive

So I'm pretty well set on one of these bad boys. Now I realize I am posting on a 4runner forum and am expecting a bit of Bias, but who can honestly tell me what the main issues with these trucks are? Particularly questions about the V6. Why does everyone hate it? I don't intend on racing or something stupid, but I like to have some power to get around when I need it or pull some loads? I've heard people say that you can push up the 22re to the same HP with some after market bolt on mods. If that's true, what would those be?

 

[jam864runner]

hi man im new to this forum but have had experience with the 22r,22re,3vze and my opinion is that the 4 cylinder motors are torque monsters but still get good gas milage none the less they are legendary, the v6 is is not a bad motor but has some issues that need to be addressed> for one the v6 has headgasket problems, its harder to work on less room in engine bay, it only has stock 145hp stock, bolt on parts are far and few between and $$$$, my 22r would pull just as hard as the v6 the 3vze that is and i only have a few extra ponies than stock

 

[fourwd1]

The 3.slo just doesn't have that much of a power advantage over the 4 cyl. The 4 cyl has better mpg. There's more aftermarket performance parts available for the 4 cyl. The V6 has a rep for Head Gasket problems, but the 4 cyl has HG problems also.

 

[topdown4runner]

You could always get a turbo'd 22re.
Here is one for sale in Orlando Fl. for $2,500

TOYOTA 4 RUNNER 1987 TURBO