New to the forum and just acquired my first 4runner- a 1991 V6 five speed. Seems that people don't like the V6. Lots of problems and bad gas mileage. Was this a bad idea or what?
Depends....
Gas Mileage is not to good... There aren't that many problems if it has been maintained properly, like anything else. The 3.0 is a great engine if again, maintained properly... Its isn't gonna win you any stoplight races:cheers:
not sure about the maintenance...we are replacing a head gasket right now! My brother has a 93 toyota truck with a v6 and he gets good gas mileage but the thing is GUTLESS
Head Gaskets are a know issue with them.... Most were done under recall back in the mid 90's, that doesn't guarantee it lasting forever... Some didn't get done though...
They are gutless!!!:dammit:
What kind of millage is your brother getting? He probably has a 3.73 or 4.11 gear in the rear which would help... Most 2nd gen Runners with V6's have 4.56 or 4.88's
I think he gets up around 18 mpg on average
expect about 14-15ish (180-250 miles to a tank) with the runnner...
IMO it's worth it to spend a little more and move up to a 3rd gen as some reasonable mileage '99s are going for under $6k.
I can live with that for a 4x4 rig. It replaced a 98 chevy 3500 5 speed 350. about 12 mpg with 2wd
My buddy has a 4.0 I6 93 cherokee and the Jeep will just barely crawl away from me at a stop light LOL.
What's wrong with your buddy's Cherokee? My Wrangler weighs about the same or possibly even a little more than a Cherokee (body on frame, verses the Cherokee's unibody) and is significantly faster than my '90 4Runner V6/5spd was.
The V6 isn't a bad motor aside from the head gasket issues and power. The economy isn't great, but how can it be when the engine is working so hard to move the portly 4Runner? The bottom end of the motor is stout and it is silky smooth, almost appliance-like in its operation.
If you like the 2nd gen and don't mind the power output and head gasket issues on the 3VZ-E then it will be a great motor.
I have 90 300zx twin turbo and a 92 honda accord. I just bought a 95 4runner as a winter car and also a daily driver/toy somtimes, and to tow and cargo space. I am not looking for power and it to be fast just dependable and decent on gas mileage. So far the gas mileage has been ok. I love the suv though it is nice and rides good and plus i got it for 2400 and it has 146000 on it so i think it is a good deal. I love the four wheel drive on it also its great. I was either going to get a 99 jeep grand cherokee with a trans that was blown for 1000. Or my other choice was the runner and it was running great and ready to go so i got the runner and don't regret it. Not yet.
What's wrong with your buddy's Cherokee? My Wrangler weighs about the same or possibly even a little more than a Cherokee (body on frame, verses the Cherokee's unibody) and is significantly faster than my '90 4Runner V6/5spd was.
I'm sorry, all I read was 300zx/TT then I started drooling and lost my train of thought. I always loved the Z32.
Oh, yeah. 4Runners...
Ok ok so I stretched the truth a little I got the jump at the light.
I love my 4runner!!
I loved my 4Runner too, just not its performance. :cheers: