Soon to be 4runner owner

[White Rabbit]

I am currently in the market for a vehicle and I have taken a shine to these machines and am eagerly awaiting the right one to come along. However, I have never messed around with off-road vehicles and would like some advice from the veterans. I don't plan on making a crawler out of it but would like to be able to have fun with it. Now for some questions -
1) What is a good year for a beginner to start with?
2) Is there only one engine that comes with each generation?

..... Thats all I have for now. And I am willing to listen to any advice anyone wants to give. Thank you.

- Mike

 

[combatmedic]

I guess the biggest question I have for you is whats your budget like?

If your trying to stay in the 2-3k range definitely a 1st gen, but if you have some money to spend, the 5vzfe v6 in the 3rd gens is one of toyotas best engines. Its all in how much $$$$ you wanna spend


For the 3rd gen, it came in a v6 and 4cylinder. For the 4th and 5th, it comes with a v6 or a v8

 

[White Rabbit]

Lol.... I knew I forgotto add something. My purchase price is 3k and I have found a few that are 92-95 for about that if not less. I did find one on craigslist that is a 96 with a few upgrades for 3500 but I'm worried there maybe something wrong with it.

-Mike

 

[Footofgod]

You might be in the range to join the 2nd gen family. 1st gens are a bit cooler though. the tops come off.

 

[White Rabbit]

This is the '96 I found for $3500, Good deal from the looks of it. But I don't have very much knowledge with them.
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/2858975082.html
Honestly I want something I can beat up alittle.

 

[Suprareal]

I did find one on craigslist that is a 96 with a few upgrades for 3500 but I'm worried there maybe something wrong with it.

i got my 3rd gen 4 cylinder with full suspension in great over all condition and perfect running order for $3500. my mom got her 96 v6 for $3500 also and never had a problem. just have to find the deals.
if you want something your not afraid to beat up i would personally go with a older one, i like the 1st gens body style :fro:

 

[White Rabbit]

Thank you suprareal, if I buy something lifted already what are something's I should check visually and feel for while test driving (I have never driven a truck that has been lifted).

- Mike

 

[Suprareal]

Thank you suprareal, if I buy something lifted already what are something's I should check visually and feel for while test driving (I have never driven a truck that has been lifted).

- Mike

im quite new to lifts this is my first one so im no expert but i would first see what type of lift is on it ( there are all kinds) do research and see if it was done right. See if it sags in the back, that can be fixed by bigger springs though. ultimatly feel how it drives. hit a couple dips of something that causes you to bounce for you can feel how it goes and hear for squeeking and knocks it the suspension. Alot of the time they need to be maintained by greasing to keep them at their potential.
Members with more experience probobly have better advice :shrug: