Tell me about your overall experience!

[skyeman]

I am looking at a 4runner in the '95-99 range for my next vehicle. I am trying to decide between 4-cyl vs. 6cyl, manual vs. automatic and 4x4 vs. 2wd. I buy and sell boats so I tow 2-3k often however, we have a conversion van for the really heavy towing. Gas mileage is important as well. I drive slow, and am hoping to get at least 18mpg in the city. I don't mud, but offroad capabilties would be a plus. Given this, what should I be looking for in a 4runner? I imagine a 4cyl 4x4 would do the job just fine?? Also, when I go out to look at one, what are some common issues that I should keep an eye out for and look closely at before buying? Tell me about your experiences!
Thanks, Jake.

 

[Slow_T4R]

A lot of good info here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

Good luck with your search. I love my 4Runner.

 

[Hepar]

I am looking at a 4runner in the '95-99 range for my next vehicle. I am trying to decide between 4-cyl vs. 6cyl, manual vs. automatic and 4x4 vs. 2wd. I buy and sell boats so I tow 2-3k often however, we have a conversion van for the really heavy towing. Gas mileage is important as well. I drive slow, and am hoping to get at least 18mpg in the city. I don't mud, but offroad capabilties would be a plus. Given this, what should I be looking for in a 4runner? I imagine a 4cyl 4x4 would do the job just fine?? Also, when I go out to look at one, what are some common issues that I should keep an eye out for and look closely at before buying? Tell me about your experiences!
Thanks, Jake.

Welcome to the forum!. First I'd say keep your search to the 3rd gens which are '96-02. '95 is still in the 2nd gen range and they're kinda buggy. The '95's with a 4cyl wouldn't be a bad option though. They're a pretty bulletproof engine, but are pretty underpowered. The 2.7l in the 3rd gens has a little more power. My stock 2001 V6 hit 18 city no problem, but I'm FAR from that now.

Where are you located? 4wd is nice to have depending on your area. Plus if you buy a lot of boats then you might be launching a lot of boats. Every now and then I see someone spinning their tires in a RWD car when they're launching their boats.

How much would you be towing? I would get a 6cyl if you are going to be towing quite a bit. Especially if you're around hills. Check out this thread. It's a great resource for people looking at buying a 3rd gen.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

 

[BucknutBob]

I second most of Hepar's recommendations. As much as I like my 2nd Gen's, for your purposes I'd go with the 3rd Gen with the V6--that should give you plenty of power for moderate towing (the previous 3.0 V6 doesn't have the guts for pulling much more than itself). If you think you might like the capabilities of 4WD, then get it now, otherwise you'll just regret not having it down the road. And it would definitely be a plus on those boat ramps, having the dry tires pulling. Check the 3rd Gen section for specifics on any problems--I haven't heard of much, but then I don't dig around over there. Look your prospect over well, and if possible take it to a mechanic before buying. Have fun with your search!

 

[skyeman]

Thanks all for replies. So what I found is a '99 4runner V6 automatic 2wd with 150k. It's pretty clean inside and outside. Very clean under the bonnet, runs good-as far as I know anyways; this is the first I've driven. I know they say not to buy the first one you drive, but I got him down to $3500. It has the rolling back window, sunroof, and aftermarket alarm system. On the downside, it needs an alignment, probably tires soon, and it looks like it might have been tagged in the back end- bumper looks a little bent. Let me know what you think. I need to make a decision tomorrow-ish. Thanks!

 

[BucknutBob]

Just do your due diligence on it--run it through Carfax, have a mechanic check it out, take it for another good drive on different types of roads, etc.. Also, really think over whether you're fine not having the capabilities of 4WD. The price sounds reasonable, although I've never priced 2WD's. In the end, it's all up to you. Best of luck!

 

[skyeman]

uh oh...

I drove out again and took a closer look, and it really is super clean. However, the carfax revealed that it has a rebuilt title and was most likely totaled at some point. I did notice some uneven wear on the front tires. I guess it could simply need an alignment, or the frame could be toast. I'm going to see if I can get it to a mechanic. If it's an uncorrectable problem, I'd obviously walk on it regardless of the good price and low mileage.

 

[Hepar]

I drove out again and took a closer look, and it really is super clean. However, the carfax revealed that it has a rebuilt title and was most likely totaled at some point. I did notice some uneven wear on the front tires. I guess it could simply need an alignment, or the frame could be toast. I'm going to see if I can get it to a mechanic. If it's an uncorrectable problem, I'd obviously walk on it regardless of the good price and low mileage.

I was just going to say that the price seemed a little low. I would avoid it.