Toyota 4runner

[dotman]

Has anyone had one? I'm looking at 97-00 modl years. Seems like other then the timing belt, water pump, lower ball joints and radiator it is a pretty reliable SUV. I was going to get a Tacoma but man hard to overlook the 4runner when they are almost half the price with less miles. They seem to be the same as a tacoma minus the bed.

Thoughts?

 

[SHTF]

Hey dot I own a 96 its a great SUV I shopped for a weeks for a low milage gen 2. Haven't had any issues with mine other then replacing plug wires

 

[husky390]

Had an 01 Taco w/ a 3.4l and a 5 spd. It was a bit of a dog but loved the truck and I wouldn't hesitate to get a 4Runner. Plus you'll have more weight over the rear end vs. a Taco.

 

[LostArra]

>>more weight over the rear end vs. a Taco.<<

+1

 

[Juan_ID]

I have a 94 4runner 5 speed v6 with 250k and she still runs like a champ! Yeah I have had to do most of the front end (I beat the crap out of that rig) but for a $1500 rig that's no biggy, she still has plenty of life left too, can't beat the older Toyota reliability IMO!

 

[justinspicher]

I wish I did. I have a 2013 and it's nice, but an older model would be much nicer in the woods.

 

[flyinsquirel]

I have a lot of experience with the first gen Tacoma's, and I wouldn't say any of the items you listed are issues I've ever ran across. At least not on rigs that have reasonable sized tires and weren't driven like they were stolen. Ya, its a bummer they went with a stupid belt instead of a chain, but changing them out is an afternoon job in the garage if you are decent with a wrench and have the right tools. The 3.4 is a great motor when paired with a 5spd. I find the 3.4 to have plenty of power, but I guess that's subjective.

 

[Stid2677]

1998, V6 5 Speed. Almost 200K miles and my Son who has it now drives it almost 80 miles a day.

 

[MattB]

I had a 1998 (and a 1985, and a 2006 and have a 2013), great vehicle. I put 160K miles on it and sold it to a friend. The only thing that failed was the starter at 89K miles. Other than that it was oil and brake pads. My buddy put another 200K on it and sold it for a surprisingly high price. Great vehicles.

 

[5MilesBack]

I have no idea what that generation of 4runner is like. My wife had a '94 when we got married, but it was an automatic.......sold that in a hurry. She got the T100 with the 3.4L and it had plenty of power. Felt like a V8 compared to my old '89 with the 3.0L. I will tell you that my '89 has been flawless until this past year. Seems as though 25 years is the shelf life for parts on it. Other than a new clutch at 169k miles and normal maintenance stuff, it's been stock until now. I'm still working on a few items, but hope to have it back to "running like new" in a couple weeks. Still trying to diagnose a thunking sound on both sides of the front when it hits smallish bumps/cracks/holes. Dealer said it was the ball joints, but new Moogs were just put in last year. Depending on the price, I'd jump all over a 4runner if it was in decent shape.

 

[c h r i s]

My only concern would be the frame. Not sure if they had the same issues as the tacos in that generation. I believe Toyota was only replacing the frames on 01 and newer Tacomas, maybe same on 4runners?

 

[UPnorth]

We've got a '99 SR5 with the 3.4 V6 that is about to roll over 150,000 miles. Bought it with 112,000 miles and have done tires, brakes, rear shocks and the sway bar links up front. I wasn't sure about the thing when we bought it, but I love it now. Wish it had a rear locker and a little more power... I'd buy another one without hesitation.