What to expect

[stolentino]

Hi!
I have been considering buying a 4runner.
It seems to be the perfect complement to my Kawasaki KLR. Though, like the KLR, I am sure it come with its share of 'engineering brain farts.'
What kind of repetitive issues does this vehicle have?
I have heard the the earlier models have a problem blowing head gaskets.
Is this a real problem and was it ever taken care of by the factory?
Is there anything else I should know?
My budget has me looking at 4runners from the '90's in the 100k-200k mile range.

Thank you for any input.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Depends on the years your looking at. 3rd Gens started in 1996 or maybe even halfway through 1995.

 

[gptoy96]

For the "90's" you'd be looking at a 2nd gen (to 95) or 3rd gen (96-02).

I think the only bigger issue would be with the 3.0 v6 of the 2nd gen and head gaskets as you'd mentioned. Although yes this was addressed with a recall so if you do find one see if it's been done already. I've never owned a 2nd gen but from what I've heard is the v6 is low on power and the gas mileage isn't all that great either but a good truck overall.

Other than that there shouldn't be any major items. I had a 96 for 6.5 years, rear axle seals were the only thing that seemed to be common. Just ensure that the breather is clean/functional and should lessen the chances of that occuring. The 3.4 v6 of the 3rd gen hasn't had any head gasket issues.

Overall, compared to any other vehicle out there, these are great trucks no matter which one you get and should serve you well.

 

[bxc13]

Having owned a 2nd gen and 3rd gen. There is no comparision - get the 3rd gen. The 3.4L is a ton better than the 3.0L (performance wise). As previously stated, almost all the 3.0L motors had headgasket issues. I also have heard that the some early 96 3.4L had headgasket issues.

The only thing that I liked better in the 2nd gen was the fold-down tailgate.

HTH,
Bill
'03 SE V6 4x4

 

[sharonk868]

Hi!
I have been considering buying a 4runner.
It seems to be the perfect complement to my Kawasaki KLR. Though, like the KLR, I am sure it come with its share of 'engineering brain farts.'
What kind of repetitive issues does this vehicle have?
I have heard the the earlier models have a problem blowing head gaskets.
Is this a real problem and was it ever taken care of by the factory?
Is there anything else I should know?
My budget has me looking at 4runners from the '90's in the 100k-200k mile range.

Thank you for any input.

Hello !
I am also a new member. Would a newcomer be warmly welcome here? Good day you guy !

 

[racedirt1]

Hello !
I am also a new member. Would a newcomer be warmly welcome here?

Not when the 1st post they make has a spam link in their signature.:rockthrow:

 

[Ron Helmuth]

there are some nuisance items of course

My frame of reference is the 3rd gen Runners 96-02. I have had a 2nd gen and as bxc says that tailgate is a killer to do without now. but we adjust and move on.

a common issue is the fuel gauge-which tends to come on too early and the gauge is somewhat inaccurate. There are remedies-most folks just live with it. Sure is not that hard to watch and reset your trip odometer and refill early. The tank holds 18 gals- 13 is a fill up for me often. Roughly 18 mpg in town with the V6 5 speed those autos are gas guzzlers but I can do 20 mpg if I could stay off the gas...23 on the highway if I don't try to keep up with the Mustangs.

The dash clock is known to go out. There is a guy that fixes these things or they can be replaced. big deal...

Our trucks are so boringly reliable we tend to do nothing but constantly improve the breed .

Lifts/lowering. Pimping out or rock crawling. Bling or function-we got it all right here.

have fun in your search.