4Runner

[Forestryguy]

Thanks for all the info guys. I am going to try and get it into a mechanic this next week to see, if they see, something that I am not. I may just start looking in other states that are out of the rust belt.

I am sure I will get a different answer from each and everyone. But, what would be the ideal year and price that you would give for one? I realize that prices vary throughout different areas. Thanks again.

 

[JWP58]

I would ask when the last time the water pump and timing belt was changed (it should be written somewhere near the radiator fan shroud...if a mechanic did it).

I would also suggest you take it to a Toyota dealership and have them do an inspection on it. It will cost about $50.00, I went that route when selling a 2010 Tacoma TRD. Might also be worth pulling the spark plugs, to get an idea how long they've been in there (might give an insight to overall maintenance efforts and to make sure they aren't stripped out).

I probably wouldn't go over 3k. Hows the interior and paint? Also FYI (its been mentioned), but the auto trans are known to fail with high miles and crappy maintenance. Google Toyota pink milk shake

 

[El Gavilan]

My wife had a 1992 4 Runner when we got married in 2001, hated that dang thing. The early models on that V6 engine had the first aluminum heads and were constantly blowing head gaskets, overheating and a real pain in the rear to work on. I did replace the timing belt, water pump, and radiator. The heads were redone under a recall but ended up warping again. The transmission was on its way out when we sold it in Hawaii just before we moved back to the mainland in 2008, I was very happy to see that thing gone. She now drives a 2007 FJ Cruiser and it is a much better vehicle.

Mike

 

[bbrown]

Avoid the 3.0L motors... seriously!!!
The 3.4s are strong motors and I have had a few yotas over the years but my 2000 Taco will be parked in my driveway until the wheels fall off. FYI most 4runners and Tacomas go for more than blue book here in Colorado. Watch the listing and how fast they sell and you will get a good idea of what its going to cost you to grab one.

 

[flyinsquirel]

I wouldn't wish one of those 3.slow's on anyone. Stick with the 3.4

 

[Cant hit em]

Yup the 3's are waiting to blow a gasket , my 99 4runner is cool 210k no issues , goes wherever you want , but i always wish i had a pickup

 

[Kawabunga]

Yep the older V6s were a pain to work on, loved my 22re but lacked power. bbrown sounds like our market here, I've seen low mileage early 2000 4 door tacos going for close to $20k although a co worker just scored a 99 extra cab, with camper and 138k mi, for 7k, right place at the right time.

 

[jmsdad]

I have 3 4Runners. First is a 2001 (240K miles) bought new in December 2000. For a 14.5 year old vehicle, I'm impressed!! Nothing major, just regular fluid changes, a few batteries and I'm on my 4th set of tires.





2nd one is an 86 with the removable top---this one is far from stock...

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/toyota-truck-4runner/748354-another-3rz-swap.html





3rd is a one-owner 96 2WD 4Runner with the 3.4L V6 and auto transmission. I picked this up yesterday for a smoking price due to a bad head gasket...I plan to rebuild the engine and swap in a 5speed manual tranny and convert it to 4WD.

 

[Mason]

These things will go a surprising amount of places stock. Slap some decent tires on it and have fun. Mine isn't quite stock however.

Out among the adorable Oklahoma mountains.

 

[Kawabunga]

Nice rides, jmsdad I like that 86, always wanted to convert one to a pickup style especially an 85 with the solid axle, even had thoughts of cutting up my 99 he,he. I think I've decided to keep my 99 runner and sell the Tundra, even at 210k looks like I could get a lot more out of it looking at all the reviews online.

 

[Forestryguy]

I have not had the time to work further with the guy on this purchase. Hopefully I will get ahold of him tonight. Are the 4Runners and Tacos worth the extra money that they go for out of the rust belt?

 

[coop2424]

We have a 98 limited with 171k and the 3.4 and it has been an awesome vehicle.. The wife upgraded and I am having a hard time selling it now even though she keeps telling me I have to..

 

[MountainTracker]

I have a 98 limited with 195k miles and its running strong. Whenever we upgrade I'll probably keep it. I use to have a 91 pickup that I did an sas on, loved that truck.

 

[Kawabunga]

Forestry guy definitely worth it, if you can find one with lower mileage take, of course try to get it for the best price you can. Of course the reason they are so expensive is because they are so reliable and have been that way since the 70s, look at all the reviews not just here but all the forums. If you research the hardcore four wheel sites look at how many older toyotas are being run hard and how they're talked about. Was just looking at my 4wd Toyota Owner magazine and they have a Taco they use for testing parts and wheeling with 340K on it and still going strong.

MountainTracker I recently sold a 94 with a sas loved it too, had it for 15 years with no problem, was hard to see it go. One day I want to own an all original 85 extra cab, one of the hardest to find.

 

[HJW]

In regards to pink milkshake, don't let that deter you. That's an easy fix. Bypass the radiator with an external transmission cooler and you will be good to go.

 

[MountainTracker]

One day I want to own an all original 85 extra cab, one of the hardest to find.

Like Marty Mcfly, haha. If I could find the guy I sold my sas to I'd try and buy it back, but it's been 7 years since I sold it.

 

[PA 5-0]

I've been holding off on this one because I'm a fanatic Toyota Fan-Boy(rokslide terminology). My wife is on her third Sienna after two Camry's. I have logged a combined 400k miles on three 4Runners-96, 99, 2001. I am on my second Tundra now-2011. My family has way over a million miles in Toyota vehicles without one mechanical issue. Fluids, prevent maint, brakes and tires. My Tundra just passed inspection entering yr #4 and still has the original brakes all the way around. That's after 3 plowing seasons, towing our trailer full of quads up and down mountains, mud boggin, etc, etc.

My three 4runners are still owned by the friends I sold them to. Almost a million miles combined. The slow mo 96 is coming up on 400K.

I wouldn't drive anything else if u gifted it to me.

 

[69ChrisCraft]

My 98 tacoma 2.7 has 441,xxx Original motor, tranny, clutch....I think this thing repairs itself.

 

[Forestryguy]

What is an SAS?

 

[MountainTracker]

Solid axle swap