What's a single mom to do?

[fiercefoxie]

I think the consensus is that you won't save any money, and there are cheaper alternatives.

But the consensus doesn't have to make your drives!

I think everyone here agrees with you in your high opinion of the Gen3 4Runner. And it sounds like you'll be able to move from your current ride to the 4R and save about enough coin to pay for the transaction, and probably for some or all of the maintenance you'll need for the 4R. I would suggest that you will probably get between 275 and 325 miles out of a fill-up if you get a V6. The tank really doesn't have 18 usable gallons; it is much more common to see 15 to 16 gallons getting used due to how low the gauge reads, and because the gas pickup is located in a spot that can't fully empty the tank.

There are good threads here on the care and feeding of G34Rs; I would point out that the items I would particularly pay attention to are as follows:

• pink milkshake (radiator replacement or external trans cooler)
• LBJ replacement (critical safety issue)
• The "buyer's thread" including especially looking for frame rust

Good luck and welcome to the club! We really do think 3G4Rs are a pretty perfect blend of on and off road capability, with some pretty stunning reliability (especially in the no-salt Central Valley). I would try to find a rig that has lived its whole life in Cali to make it less likely you'll have to deal with rust; and then I would still inspect the frame by poking it with a screwdriver, especially in the rear above the axle.

Thanks for the heads up about the list of things to look out for when I buy. I did read over the buyers guide, so much stuff to look for. I may have to pester my ex bf to ship with me so I don't get taken for a ride.

Also, good tip about looking for one that has lived its whole life in Cali.

Honestly, buy a scangauge 2 and use that. Your MPG will go up 2-3 mpg once you know how much fuel your engine is using. You can "see" you real time MPG, and correlate it to TPS and back off the gas enough to maintain speed, yet get better MPG.
My SG2 has helped me go from 17 to 19mpg average in the 99'. I have even returned 24mpg on long road trips, where prior to the SG2 my best road trip mileage was 21.

Thanks for the Scangauge 2 suggestion. I will definitely look into that!

Buy a beater 4 cyl car AND the 4runner. win/win

Heh, I like that idea but then I would have to pay more in car insurance.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I wanted to show you this and maybe make you understand how much people chalk the mpg up in these rigs. From the factory, these things didn't see spectacular gas mileage. Here's the proof.

I believe the number changes shown in the pictures are because the US Government changed the formulas for calculating mileage to a more accurate formula. This caused car manufacturors to change the stated mileage.

So the 2000 and 2002 are actually getting the exact same 16/19 MPG but the original sticker from 2000 was not accurate.

 

[Greg_Canada]

I believe the number changes shown in the pictures are because the US Government changed the formulas for calculating mileage to a more accurate formula. This caused car manufacturors to change the stated mileage.

So the 2000 and 2002 are actually getting the exact same 16/19 MPG but the original sticker from 2000 was not accurate.

Compare on Fuel Economy , it shows actual mpg's and original mpg's from when it came out. They changed the testing standards around 07' to reflect normal day to day driving.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Compare on Fuel Economy , it shows actual mpg's and original mpg's from when it came out.

Good idea - I will do that.

Upon looking at the screenshot from fueleconomy.gov shown below, you can see that just like I said before the 2000 and 2002 actually have the exact same MPG rating. In fact on their website they give a "true" rating of 15/18. Which makes sense because it is the same engine and aerodynamics.

[MENTION=100028]fiercefoxie[/MENTION] 15/18 would be pretty common for a 4Runner new or used. Of course that is one that is running 100% tip top which is a bit harder to come by on a 10 year old vehicle. IMO best case you will get 15/18 yearly average.



:thumb3:

 

[Lastplace]

Think about getting a highlander, my 06 averages 24.5+ freeway, the newer ones even better.


My daughter's 00 4runner got 100 miles per 1/2 tank of gas in the city.

 

[JBurt]

My daughter's 00 4runner got 100 miles per 1/2 tank of gas in the city.

That's about where I'm at. I bought mine used with almost 180k on the odo. It runs great and I enjoyed the test drive, but I average 11 city 17 hwy. It has a 2" lift and 33's but that is still very low. I've done a full tune-up and o2 sensors and still no help. I did a compression test and that was good but it took a long time to get up to pressure, so a leak down test is in order. I think it is stuck or worn rings.

I've done a lot of searches for "Bad 4runner gas mileage" on several forums. The ironic thing is that all the posts say "this has been covered so many times, why don't you search?" The other consensus is that some 4runners just get bad mileage. I'll believe that when I've exhausted all other options. Oh well.

Bottom line you know what you have now, you don't know what you would buy. I love my 4runner and I'm not going to sell it but I agree with BrianSD. Your mileage might be better, the same, or worse. It's kind of a crapshoot.

Also everyone has suggested 99+. 99 was the last year of the 4 cylinder so they are very hard to find. I've got a 97 and the only thing I wish I had from the newer ones is cupholders. Not a huge deal. There are several ways to put aftermarket ones in.

Just for the heck of it this is a good thread with ideas for maintenance on a just purchased used car: Seafoam, Marvel Mystery oil, Methanol injection, they really work! - YotaTech Forums

 

[techno]

The facts:
-You don't want the Sequoia, you do want a 4Runner.
-You can buy a 4Runner with the money you get from the Sequioa.
-The 4Runner (V6 and I4) gets better mileage than Sequioa. (yeah yeah, if you hypermile the Sequioa and drive the 4Runner like you stole it the figures might be similar, but you have already owed a 4Runner in the past so clearly you know what the performance is like and aren't going to drive like Ken Block)

So, get the 4Runner.
The only question remaining is, what color do you prefer???

 

[techno]

My daughter's 00 4runner got 100 miles per 1/2 tank of gas in the city.

My '00 gets 100 miles when the gauge reads 1/2 too, but I get 270 miles by the time it's reached E. The fuel gauge's are not accurate anywhere between full and empty.

 

[Limbwalker]

My 2001 t4r gets 10-12 in town with 33s... Id probably do better if I didnt drive like an A-hole but damnit, superchargers are fun. Gets about 18 hwy

 

[OffRoadGuy]

Get yourself a Sugga Daddy and let him get yourself a Land Cruiser and not worry about gas no more. On a real note, you'll save on average of $600-$700 a year on gas. If you drive 10k miles per year, save more if you drive more.

10k at 17mpg = 588 gallons per year used him
10k at 13mgp = 769 gallons
==================
Difference = 181 x $3.80 gallon = $687 per year

 

[fiercefoxie]

The facts:
-You don't want the Sequoia, you do want a 4Runner.
-You can buy a 4Runner with the money you get from the Sequioa.
-The 4Runner (V6 and I4) gets better mileage than Sequioa. (yeah yeah, if you hypermile the Sequioa and drive the 4Runner like you stole it the figures might be similar, but you have already owed a 4Runner in the past so clearly you know what the performance is like and aren't going to drive like Ken Block)

So, get the 4Runner.
The only question remaining is, what color do you prefer???

This is actually a hard choice since buying used I will be at the mercy of what is available in the area or have to inconvenience family to drop me off at school etc until I find the right one! My previous 4-runner was Desert Dune. I live in the Valley where you wash your car and literally the next day it is dust covered like it hasn't been washed in weeks, so I actually was thinking of Silver again (like my sequoia) 2nd choice would be white and then the desert dune as a 3rd choice. It also hits triple digits here a good 5 months out of the year so really dark colors are not my preference.

 

[fiercefoxie]

Get yourself a Sugga Daddy and let him get yourself a Land Cruiser and not worry about gas no more. On a real note, you'll save on average of $600-$700 a year on gas. If you drive 10k miles per year, save more if you drive more.

10k at 17mpg = 588 gallons per year used him
10k at 13mgp = 769 gallons
==================
Difference = 181 x $3.80 gallon = $687 per year

Haha! Nice! I dunno about whoring myself out for a car though...

 

[kball]

Haha! Nice! I dunno about whoring myself out for a car though...

It's not just a car, it's a 4runner!!!

jk

 

[Hepar]

Since your set on a 4Runner, I'd also add that you can do just about the opposite of what many of us do with them and that's to make them as efficient as possible. Make sure all the maintenance is up to date. Put a set of small and light wheels and tires on it. Don't add weight or a big roof rack. You could even drop it an inch or two to make it a little more aerodynamic. I'm sure there are a few other tricks I'm not thinking of too.

Then, after you get done with school, go crazy with it!

 

[MtnChick]

Since your set on a 4Runner, I'd also add that you can do just about the opposite of what many of us do with them and that's to make them as efficient as possible. Make sure all the maintenance is up to date. Put a set of small and light wheels and tires on it. Don't add weight or a big roof rack. You could even drop it an inch or two to make it a little more aerodynamic. I'm sure there are a few other tricks I'm not thinking of too.

Then, after you get done with school, go crazy with it!

This has been an interesting thread to me, and I agree with what Hepar says. Everyone has different needs and expectations from their cars, plus gas mileage can vary a lot depending on the set up and the driver. I am somewhat obsessive about checking my mileage- divide the miles driven by the gallons put in at most fill-ups. I'm lucky in that I drive almost entirely on rural highways, and I get better mileage than what most are reporting here. If I set the cruise at 65 I average about 22 mpg with our auto, and 22-23 with the 5 speed. Both have stock sized tires without aggressive tread, and no modifications that would affect mpgs. I don't step hard on the gas very often, coast when I can, and don't drive fast. I'm sure if I was in a city the mileage would be significantly lower, but with the 5 speed the worst I've seen was 19 after driving some of that tank full on two track dirt roads. My husband usually gets 2-3 mpg less than I do with any car we've owned- he steps on the gas and revs them higher.

I personally disagree with the sentiments that the V6 is underpowered. It's perfectly fine to me. I wouldn't want to try to tow anything heavy with one, but other than that I don't feel any need for more power, especially with the 5 speed (due to a lack of testosterone maybe?). I'm actually shopping for a 2.7 to use as a DD because I think it will be durable, get slightly better mpg, and it has a timing chain. I'd recommend driving one to see if it's got enough power for you before writing them off, keeping in mind that an auto is going to be more of a dog. Also, I couldn't live without 4WD, but if someone is never going to use it why spend the extra money and have the knock in mileage compared to a 2WD? Again, it's all in what you want/need.

 

[Brian757]

I get about 12-13 MPGs out of my tank, but my truck is designed to be the least fuel efficient as possible, or so it tells me. I have ~6-7" of lift on 33's, about to be 35's and I am in a heavily populated town, so a lot of stop and go. These trucks do get conservatively good mileage per gallon.

I remember in the distant past when my truck was factory, and I could go a whole week without having to fill up. Ahh, the pleasure of filling up mid-week. (Heavy sarcasm)

 

[fiercefoxie]

Since your set on a 4Runner, I'd also add that you can do just about the opposite of what many of us do with them and that's to make them as efficient as possible. Make sure all the maintenance is up to date. Put a set of small and light wheels and tires on it. Don't add weight or a big roof rack. You could even drop it an inch or two to make it a little more aerodynamic. I'm sure there are a few other tricks I'm not thinking of too.

Then, after you get done with school, go crazy with it!

Great suggestions, [MENTION=56396]Hepar[/MENTION]! I obviously don't plan on modifying it until I am done with school. For now I am looking for the safety of being in a SUV, having the convenience of 4x4 for those few trips to the snow or camping that we do and of course Toyota's have been very reliable for me. But once I am done with school, I will modify it, even if it means having to pay someone to modify it for me since I am pretty naive about cars in general. I know how to check the oil and transmission fluid and that's about it!

 

[ABOZEYAD]

here is an idea... swap your 2001 sequoia for my 2002 4runer
i am looking for something bigger and you looking for a smaller truck

 

[fiercefoxie]

here is an idea... swap your 2001 sequoia for my 2002 4runer
i am looking for something bigger and you looking for a smaller truck

Ha! Funny you mentioned that [MENTION=81094]ABOZEYAD[/MENTION]. I was thinking about placing a "for trade" post for that very same suggestion. Apparently I was not too far off to think someone would be willing to do a trade.

 

[1985taylor1925]

Since others are sharing their gas mileage Ill share mine as well. I drive a steady combination of city/highway, with slightly more highway as I drive about 15 miles to work every day. I have 32" tires (1" above stock), stock Tacoma wheels, a 2-2.5" lift, and no added weight. I did the "hole in the air box" and isr mods, but I have no idea if they actually helped my gas mileage. I consistantly average around 19, which is perfectly fine for me. I drive pretty conservatively though. Rarely do I get on the gas, always brake early and roll toward stops, anticipate cars ahead of me so Im not braking and gasing, ect. If I had a manual Im sure Id average 20.

If you want a 3rd gen I say get one! Get a manual. And then use the extra money you have left after selling the Sequoia and get a 5th generation Honda Civic. The manual coups get around 40 on the highway! And theyre bullet proof little cars.