What 4Runner should I buy??

D

Draayer

New member
Hi, brand new to the forum. I'm looking at buying a 4Runner and am wondering from the experts what year, and model I should look for? Do I want a manual or auto? 4 cyl or 6? Things to look out for? etc etc.
The 4Runner will be for playing in the hills, not crazy rock climbing, and a few short highway road trips to get to the mountains.
Thanks for any input.
 
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What gen are you looking at? If it's the 4th (which it's obviously not since you mentioned the 4cyl), go with a V8! you won't regret it. I've driven a number of 3rd and 4th gens, and the V8 was the one for me.

Of course, it's all up to what you need it for. I'm sure there are plenty of threads on here that ask/answer the same question you have. Search bar baby!!!:wink2:
 
Thanks for the reply

Thanks,
I did do a search but I either worded it wrong or something because I thought I would find something but didn't
I'm starting at ground zero so I don't even know what generation I should be looking for. I found one that was a 1992 that looked very clean, in the price I want to go etc, but when I called it was already sold.
I'm not apposed to the V8 idea but really probably don't need the power. My dad had about a 1985 toyota pickup with a 4 cyl and it's still going strong today.
If there is a thread out there on this topic maybe someone could point it out to me.
Thanks again.
 
I think you'll need to round it down with the most obvious first. What's your budget, what's the max on mileage, do you want 2x4 or 4x4, etc..

This might help you get started as far as the difference in each generation.
Toyota 4Runner History 2006

Oh, and Welcome! :)
 
The must haves

The must haves on the 4 runner would be:
4X4, price $3-$5K, this will be a weekend fishing vehicle so if it has some miles on it I'm fine with that. I'm thinking I would like a manual unless you tell me that's not what I want. I don't want rust but can fix if needed. If it has some dents not a big issue, I can weld. I don't need a speed racer so a 4 cyl is fine. I really just want something dependable, easy to work on, good in the hill and able to drive on the freeway.
Thanks again.
 
pick up a 1985 2door 4runner its got the 22re 4cyl and the factory front solid axle,there fun to drive and they have the removable top, and if you like you dads 85 truck there practically the same thing and you can get the 5speed if you want.
 
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first generations

I'm afraid that most 1st generation 4 runners would be mostly rust. If I can find something like that in decent shape, maybe. I'm thinking more of the 2nd generation because of the solid roof making it quieter. How are manuals vs automatics? Is one motor more dependable than an other? Is there a difference in ride height in different years?
 
the top on my 85 doesnt make any noises its a hard fiberglass top, I would only get the 5speed in the 85 cause the 5speed helps get it up to speed . with the rust issue there are from time to time some rust free 85's but may take some time finding one.. or you can find a 86 thru 89 1st gen ,just as nice as the 85 . they have IFS which I have heard rides nicer
 
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the 2nd gens are nice. the 3.0's tend to have head gasket problems, are under powered and have bad fuel mileage. They come in manual and auto's but with how heavy it is i prefer the manual over the auto. You can also find them with the 22RE engine in them if you look hard enough. i believe they're all about the same height unless they have the saggy ass. Also check around the rear wheel wells for rust as thats a common place on those trucks. hope some of that helped
 
Up to and including the year 2000, was when the manual transmission was offered. I personally wouldn't buy a non manual 4runner. If you are ok driving a 4runner with an automatic, then you can buy any year.
 
Which motor?

From feedback on this site and my preference too, I'm getting a manual 4 runner but I'm not sure which motor to look for. I believe the options are the 4 cyl, the 3.0 and the 3.4. A comment was made that some motors have head gasket issues. I'm not concerned about speed so I'm fine with a 4 cyl but what motor offered in the 2 or 3rd generations do you all think is the most dependable?
Thanks,
 
Draayer said:
From feedback on this site and my preference too, I'm getting a manual 4 runner but I'm not sure which motor to look for. I believe the options are the 4 cyl, the 3.0 and the 3.4. A comment was made that some motors have head gasket issues. I'm not concerned about speed so I'm fine with a 4 cyl but what motor offered in the 2 or 3rd generations do you all think is the most dependable?
Thanks,
Click to expand...

third Gen with the 3.4. the automatic isn't bad in that one because it has decent power. I wouldn't take the 3.0 or 2.4 in an auto. manual is alright. 3.4 is a solid engine.

Also sorry guys but a 14 hour book time to do the timing on a 22re is just absurd. the last three I worked on pushed the distributor gear right off from the cam. I'll take a 3.0 over that any day.

and yes your price range should find you anything up to a third gen without too much trouble. in fact I found a few on ksl you might like.
 
How about a 1996 with a new rebuilt motor?

I found a 1996 with approx 220K miles but a new dealer rebuilt 3.4 motor with about 40K miles on it. Its a manual, no rust, fairly clean for about $3500. Should I keep looking or go make him an offer?
Thanks all.
 
You should certainly consider and thoroughly test drive an 07 or 08 with a v8. I prefer the Sport trim package.

It's an incredible truck. Smooth, powerful, quiet, solid, and crazy reliable.
 
go check it out, see how you like it. it can't hurt. that's a pretty decent price for one.

come on guys... explain how exactly he's going to find something newer than a 3rd Gen that isn't a pile of junk that cost less than 5k.
 
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