Toyota 4Runner Question

[czag13]

I'm looking to get an SUV, specifically a Toyota 4Runner. I'm looking for a 3rd gen (96-2001?). I'm mainly going with a 4Runner because I've only ever heard good things. I'm not going to be doing much or any towing/offroading, but it'll be my DD. Anyone had any experience with 4runners, and if so, any advice when looking for one? Anyone know the major differences with the second and third gens? Thanks in advance.

[Tavern Gnome]

I had a 93 with a 22r and a 5sp. It was terribly gutless but I would never hesitate to jump in it and drive across the country. Probably the best vehicle I've ever owned. One of those newer ones would be awesome! Lots more power I'm sure.

[Mars_e30]

Do it! Buy a 4Runner. I'd suggest a 3r generation so you can get the 3.4. Its not great on gas, but its worth it for the extra power. I used it to tow my nautique all summer with no problem.

[StereoInstaller1]

If you get a 2nd gen, buy a TBI 4.3 chev motor. Lighter, better mileage, faster, better torque.

Cheaper to fix than a cracked head on the toy motor!

[benDASHDASH]

I have a '96 4Runner SR5 as my daily driver. Its extremely reliable. I bought it with ~140k and since then I have added about 25k miles. The only mechanical problem has been a failed alternator. Everything else is rock solid. Its great for snowy passes in the Winter. I loved watching hundreds of cars pulled to the shoulder as they installed chains... while I was able to cruise past without a problem. Since last Winter I bought a 5x10 utility trailer and have been running a landscape business out of the rig. The 4Runner hauls the trailer and equipment well. The 19 city / 21 highway mpg is a "meh."

The besides the motor, the main differences you will find between the 2nd gen 4Runners and the 3rd Gens are pretty subtle. The 3rd gens feature an OBD II, more power, 3.4 liter quad-cam motor. The dash is slightly updated (but still looks very much the same). The 3rd gen loses the battery voltage and oil pressure gauges. Oh, and the 3rd gen has that brake lever similar to an e30, while the 2nd gen uses an obnoxious handle that must be twisted to release. The 3rd gen also offers an amazing moon roof. Those are really the only differences I've noticed between the 94/95 and 96. If you're considering one older, be sure research the features. If want shift on the fly, 4 wheel ABS, and that rear tire to actually fit under the car, stick with a 94+.

In a way the comparison between 2nd gen 4Runners and 3rd gen 4Runners is much like the comparison between e30's and e36's. 2nd gens have a more raw feel, whereas 3rd gens have more power, features, updated styling, and cost more.

[Mtriple]

I currently own a 2002 as my DD which is the last year of the 3rd gen. Even with the 3.4, some might say that its underpowered but I think its just fine. If you have the funds, I'd opt for the 3rd gen just for the nicer interior if anything.

The only thing that comes to mind in terms of maintenance is the rear axle seals. They tend to leak after time and have to be replaced. I have not experienced this yet and my 2002 has 75k on it. Other than that, the power antenna is a worthless piece of shit and the popular fix is the Tacoma fixed antenna.

[bolognablake]

If you get a 2nd gen, buy a TBI 4.3 chev motor. Lighter, better mileage, faster, better torque.

Cheaper to fix than a cracked head on the toy motor!

The 3.slow in the 2nd gens suck.

You're right though, with an iron block and aluminum head, they go through head gaskets about as often as thermostats.

Also, the 2.4 and 2.7 4cyls aren't bad either. Basically a 4v 22re.

I just bought a 2004 Tacoma, SAS , and the 2.4 moves it around quiet well.

[808BMW]

The 3.slow in the 2nd gens suck.

You're right though, with an iron block and aluminum head, they go through head gaskets about as often as thermostats.

Also, the 2.4 and 2.7 4cyls aren't bad either. Basically a 4v 22re.

I just bought a 2004 Tacoma, SAS , and the 2.4 moves it around quiet well.

Nice, thats the one FS in GA for the last few months right? I was eyeing that, too bad I'm insanely far :P



Yes, the newer 4 banger is basically an updated 22re, good motor.
3.4 Is punchy, you can add a supercharger, but I'd leave it.
Use purified water in the cooling system (all cars should do this, but I know toyotas are picky with this)

I have a 4th gen myself, but I know a few guys with 3rd gens and their solid.

[LINUS]

Just to toss it out there, you might see if you can find a nice '91-'97 Landcruiser - I've got nothing but good things to say about mine, and I've had it almost 7 years.

I won't sugarcoat it, you get 14 mpg in a cruiser, but it's the main driver in why the market is so undervalued on them. Total cost expenditure for ownership is quite low - like many Toyotas the headgasket on '94-'97 are prone to fail their OEM one - but there is a new design & once you replace it you are got to go for life.

FJ80 & FZJ80 are the bodystyles for that year range. the "Z" is the '94-'97 which got the 1FZ-FE motor (dual cam) over the older 3FE (sohc) from '91-'93. 3FE motors are underpowered, but good headgasket from factory. It's a tossup, but it's thought the 1FZ-FE powertrain has a more stout tranny though.

I think the cruisers hold up better than 4runners if you are a long term owner. I was originally looking for a 5ish year old 4runner when I bought the Cruiser, abd they all were trashed. I came to the conclusion if I "bucked up" I would get a much more quality rig. So far I can't say I was wrong, and I even had to do my headgasket. True locking diffs and transfer case are nice too - you really can put power to 1 tire touching earth in a locked Cruiser.

I pull a 21' jet sled with it in the winter, and it does fine, even at a sandy banked boat launch that I have seen a lot of guys have trouble with. I just lock my axles & idle on out of the water, mine runs like a tractor - love it.

I'll own the body for life, and once my motor wears out I'll either replace it with another 1FZ-FE or a diesel V8, whatever is more economical in 15 years.

[robtech]

my mom has a 97 with over 200k and no major problems (cracked heads etc..) just the basic maintainance stuff...awesome suvs, i'd rock one if i didnt require a 3/4 ton truck

[steinbachphoto]

If you move to Canada i can get you a nice 91-92 Toyota Hilux Surf edition( Japan equiv. to the 4runner) super fast, turbo diseal and RHD.
or a nice RHD land cruiser aswell!

[bolognablake]

Nice, thats the one FS in GA for the last few months right? I was eyeing that, too bad I'm insanely far :P

Yeah it was.

Luckily most of the Taco scene is out west, so I was able to steal that one for $12k.

[Eric]

I had a second gen that was alot of fun, but the 3.0 slow is a bad motor for anything other than wheelin. I would buy a 2nd gen in a heartbeat though, it's really is like the E30 for 4runners. an 85 solid axle would be cool though too.

mine was lifted with 33x10.5 tires so it was running 9-10mpg on a good day :(

[chriskb3]

I've got a 95 4-runner that just reached 240,000 miles last week, Just regular maintenance, still running stong. I don't see why it wouldnt go past 300K.