Transmission reliability?

[connorb850]

New member here currently researching and in the market for a V6 4WD 3rd gen T4R. As this will be a third vehicle for me and it won't be driven daily, I'm limiting my budget to around $5k. Ultimately I'd love to find one with a manual transmission, but I may settle for an automatic given the right deal and right truck. Now I have no problem with high mileage vehicles in general, but high mileage automatic transmissions make me nervous. My last four vehicles have all been manuals, so even considering an automatic is a big deal for me.

Do these automatics typically hold up well over time? Is there anything transmission related I should be looking out for during a test drive? Should I walk away if the fluid has never been changed?

 

[fourwd1]

Do these automatics typically hold up well over time? Is there anything transmission related I should be looking out for during a test drive? Should I walk away if the fluid has never been changed?

Yes, they hold up pretty well, how many miles on it?

 

[JEL]

Aside from the milkshake (look it up in the FAQ. A new radiator and/or external cooler may be in order given mileage) these seem to be very bulletproof given a stockish rig. I just installed a new Koyo and will probably do a big external cooler this spring for a little piece of mind, but with regular 15k transmission drain and refills with standard Dex III atf I expect it to hold up very well and am not worried about it.

 

[connorb850]

Yes, they hold up pretty well, how many miles on it?

I was just asking in general. I haven't found one I'm serious enough about to go test drive yet.

Since my $5k budget will realistically buy me a 4Runner with 150-200k+ miles, I'm trying to decide if I'm better off holding out for a manual or possibly going with an automatic.

 

[Bradky32]

Manual Trans

I'm not sure what your uses will include for your 4Runner but I was in your exact situation about a year ago. I was looking for an all purpose weekend wheeler/utility/bad weather vehicle. I used the 3rd(extra) vehicle angle to muster the needed patience as I was REALLY hoping for a manual transmission as well. I ended up splurging on a well cared for 99 4Runner 4x4 with a manual transmission and only 92k original miles(cost me nearly $10K). I am very glad I did as the R150F Manual transmission is geared much lower than the automatic(1st gear = 3.83:1 for the shift it yourself gearbox vs 2.83:1 for the Auto). As a result, the out of the box crawl ratio for the Manual Transmission models is much better for wheelin'. All of that said, I know that the 3rd gen Autos are tried and true units and I would not worry too much about reliability. I would make my choice based on the uses for the vehicle. Even the autos make great wheelers but when you figure in a lift and larger tires, the lower gearing makes the manual the obvious all around vehicle of choice. Unfortunately they are quite rare.

 

[zgensler31]

Actually I'd almost venture to say the automatic requires less and easier maintenance then the manual in these. From what I've seen it seems like youd want a clutch at about 130-150, whereas with the auto they run over 200 easy. Both require fluid changes, but I'd take adding a tranny cooler or new radiator over a clutch any day.

But I'd still want a manual, there just so much more fun to daily drive.

 

[connorb850]

Thanks guys for the responses so far, any other feedback is much appreciated. If I do end up with an automatic, a quick search shows plenty of low-mileage used transmissions available for not much money. That is somewhat comforting :biggrin2:

I was looking for an all purpose weekend wheeler/utility/bad weather vehicle. I used the 3rd(extra) vehicle angle to muster the needed patience as I was REALLY hoping for a manual transmission as well.

I'm less concerned about serious off-roading, but this is basically my situation at this point. I need something that can haul stuff and serve as an all-weather beater, since my two sport sedans just don't cut it anymore for my lifestyle. I figure I'll probably only drive the 4Runner 5-7k miles/year, so I can't justify spending a ton. I do have some patience, but I'd like to find something within a couple months to assist with my move. How long did it take to find yours with a manual?

 

[Lavender Steel]

As this will be a third vehicle for me and it won't be driven daily, I'm limiting my budget to around $5k

You might consider looking into a 4 cylinder. I picked up my (very clean) '97 with 180k miles for around 5k and I absolutely love it. Plus I think you'll be hard pressed to find one without a manual transmission.

 

[LittleCaesar]

These autos (A340E and A340F) are pretty stout. No major flaws in their design; just like any transmission they like clean fluid. The transmission even has a drain plug.

The one problem is when the radiator can leak coolant into the transmission, which then kills the clutches. This is a design flaw. Either bypass the radiator using an external transmission cooler or replace the OEM one with a new one.

 

[connorb850]

I think I found "the one"... Sending a bank check tomorrow for what seems to be a VERY clean one-owner 99 SR5 V6 4x4 with manual transmission