Thinking about a 97+ 4Runner

[OrgasmicSvt]

How's it going guys? This is my first post and while i don't own a 4 runner yet I'm in the market for one. Here is my situation, I just graduated from college and I'm daily driving my 04 Lightning which makes around 400hp but gets 12mpg. So I've been thinking about getting a 4 Runner for a daily driver. I choose the Runner because I miss having something I can get dirty. Since this is a daily driver I've been thinking about getting the 4cly engine instead of the v6. However I'm wondering is the saving at the pump are worth going with the smaller engine. What size tires can I go with before I need a lift? Thanks in advance.

 

[p nut]

What is your spending limit? 97 4wd's with 100k are probably going for $9-11k, but depends on where you live.

For the engine size, personally, I'd get a V6. I just like having that extra power. Gas mileage between the two are comprable, as well. I'm getting around 21mpg on the highway, and I've got a supercharger. When I had a 4-cyl. car, I hated turning on the A/C, because it'd drain the power so much. With the V6, it's no problem.

As far as tires, you can go up one size without a lift. Meaning, the stock comes with 265/70/16's, but you can fit a 265/75/16's on there with no problem. Any bigger, though, you'll probably have to trim a bit.

Good luck on your search.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Here's some examples

Here's a '97

http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=94134


Here's a '99 w only 78k

http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=93201


http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=84621


Also get the V6,it's worth the extra power to pull around the 4000lbs a 4Runner weighs and with my lead foot and heavier tires I get 17mpg pretty consistently. I know it's still kinda crappy but I've driven a 4 cyl 3rd gen and the few more MPGs just doesn't make up for the lack of low end grunt off road and on. If you can find a manual with the V6 you can squeeze a few more MPGs out with a controlled gas pedal.

 

[pat161]

I am a big fan of the 2.7, I had it in my 00 w/ a 5 speed and 4.56 gearing, compared to my 02 w/ auto and 4.10 the power is not much different. If both had 5 speeds and the same gear ratio the difference would be substantial, 33 HP will make a difference. Since you are coming from a Lightning I fear you will be disappointed with either, but go for the V6, that way you can S/C it.