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[ReturnMyBullets]

I have a Bronco and am really starting to get hit by the gas costs. I am think of buying a 4runner this summer and would like some info. How's the mileage, power? I want offroad capability and I expect this to be a good choice, however what kind of cargo space should I expect. How about if I put 33's on it? Am I gonna feel like I'm in a baby truck compared to my bronco? I need some better efficiency. Your thoughts are appriciated, any good info would be helpful.
Thanks

 

[mikes4runner]

What year are you looking at getting?

1st or 2nd 3rd or 4th Gen.

Engine size?

 

[ReturnMyBullets]

I'm looking at a 2nd gen, 90-95 I think. I'd like to get a v6, I'm used to having a truck with some torque. Now if the 4 is reasonable it'll do. What some pros\cons vs a cherokee or blazer? What do you all think of your 4runners?

 

[peter78]

The 2nd gen. are tough and built to last. One of the concerns is power and gas mileage, I guess that is 2 concerns. 2nd gen. owners are aways trying to get a bit more power, but other than big changes you are stuck with the power.

As far as mileage, I would say expect about 14 MPG, which isn't the greatest. Here are a few threads about the mileage on 2nd generations:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=5556&highlight=mileage

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=851&highlight=mileage

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=759&highlight=mileage

 

[ReturnMyBullets]

Hm, I was hoping for a little better mileage. How's the mileage on the 3rd gen? Are the third gens as tough? Can they clear as large tires and be lifted in the same way? Which do you prefer 2nd vs 3rd?

 

[peter78]

Which do you prefer 2nd vs 3rd?

That opens up to a big debate. In my opinion, the 3rd generation is slightly bigger and a bit more plush and the 2nd gen think the 3rd gen is a touch soft. But, the 3rd gen. is still narrow for trails and has good clearance. One thing I think most of us agree on is that the 3rd gen gets better mileage, I say 17 would be a good guess and you will break 20 if you stay on the highway. It also has a good bit more power and most owners feel it is adequate unless you throw towing into the picture.

 

[mikes4runner]

I agree if you are looking for more HP and better gas miliage go with a 3rd Gen.

But......they are not as good looking as the 2nd Gen.

 

[ReturnMyBullets]

Thanks for the replies. Yeah, the 2nd gen looks better.
What the difference in suspension\axle setup? Anybody got an opinion of the 90-95 pathfinder in comparison? I looking to go with a 4'' and 33's this summer.

 

[Gryphon]

Pathfinders are good rigs, but they seem to be a bit smaller, lower and just not as cool. I looked at those, 4Runners, Ford Exploders and Isuzus...I chose my '90 4Runner.

I get nearly 30mpg on the highway (yeah, no kidding! NOT making this up!) and 15 to 20 in town with 235/15's, V6 and a 5 speed. (Mine came with 225's, so I get a gearing bump up on the highway).

My only beef is the seat does not slide back quite as far as I would like it to, and I want to re-work the shift lever to give me more room when driving in 2nd.

I have only one word of warning for a Gen2 4Runner: Don't let the wife drive it! In did and have to get another one as she won't give it back!

(And this is from a former 79 Bronco owner

 

[ReturnMyBullets]

that mileage sounds solid enough for me? What are guys gettin with 33's?

 

[Gryphon]

Please do note, that my mileage is rather exceptional from what I hear. The 4cyl rigs get better than standard v6 rigs.

Buddy of mine had a 22RE running 33's, he got 15ish when he kept his size 13 out of the skinny pedal (not often!)

Yes, the 4R is a lot smaller than your full-size. I am looking at roof racks after a couple of camping trips, there just is not really enough room inside. A rack will really help if you want to carry a canoe too. I am used to smaller rigs, just sold my VW Jetta, so I am comfy in it, but is IS small inside (as any of these kinds of rigs are). Cupholder sucks, but you can really rock it with a couple of 6x9 speaks in the back!

 

[mikes4runner]

I got BFG's 31's on my 93 V6 and I will get a average of 14-16 MPG maybe a little better on highway.

If you go 33's you will get worse MPG./ most who lift and go with bigger tires change the gear ratio.

Are you planning on doing allot of highway miles on 33's or "city"?

I would not go 33's if you plan on doing allot of highway driving.

 

[ReturnMyBullets]

My driving is mostly city time-wise, but the larger chunks of my mileage come from highway trips. Basically everything is close by here in Lynchburg, but every one or two months I make a 400-600 mile trip. I'm used to noisy MTR's and a fiberghalls top, so highway noise doesn't bug me much. The majority of the TIME I'm running errands around the city. Are you saying I'm gonna have a hard time doing 65 up hills? I don't do any towing. Anybody got a 4'' susp setup? Are these rigs complex to lift?