gears

thinking of getting the wife a 94 to 97 4 runner as our next family car and had a couple of questions
1. what kinda gas mileage will the 3.o get
2. in that year range is one better than other
3. i found a 95 with blown head gaskets other than the head gasket ,valve job,timing belt,timing belt tenser ,and timing belt idler what else should be replaced while i have it down

thanks this site is awsome

thook

1) Depends on how you drive, if it's a 5spd or auto, size tires, running shape of engine, etc. Typically you should get 17-20....less if auto, more if manual. That's being optimistic, though. It's gotta be running good.
2) I wouldn't say so. It seems any problems associated with this motor design is common no matter year. Besides, after '95 you're talkin' the 3.4L....better motor. Get one if you can.
3) Ummm....look for one with a 3.4, if you can swing it...really.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

94-95 are 2nd gen 4Runners with the 3.slow ticking HG time bomb of an engine - I would not have one if you gave it to me.

96-02 are 3rd gen 4Runners with the 3.4L - MUCH better engine.

If you want gas mileage, find a 5 spd 4cyl, which is a good engine in any year 4Runner.

nix4x4

Alot of people (usually the ones who've never owned one) are quick to dismiss the 3.0 as being of any value. I agree, you can't beat the reliability of a 22R, or the power of a 3.4, but that by no means makes the 3.0 a bad engine. Because it, unlike the aforementioned, has a 'signature' weak spot, it tends to be called junk. Mine has 204,xxx miles and has had the headgaskets done twice. If you do decide to go with a 3.0 4Runner, however, try to find a manual transmission and use the money you saved by not buying a 3rd gen to get some downey headers. That'll help with power and headgasket failure (which I've decided is due to excessive heat). I think that the 2nd gen 4Runner still has some 'truck' left init.

Elton

i get like 22mpg with my 98

thook

That's better than what I get with my '86 4cyl. I don't know....maybe the newer 4cyl's get better mileage.

To add to what I said earlier....(mainly addressing the OP)
The 3.0 is not a terrible motor, but there are better ones. And they've been mentioned. I own a 3vze. Someone gave the vehicle to my wife and me. I wouldn't buy one after having experienced driving one, though. Not that I've had a lot of problems with it....it's just that it (being stock) does not have a lot of power, it does not get very good mileage, and the major concern with the design happens to be an expensive repair if it should happen to fail.....which seems to happen for a lot of people. The things you would have to do these generation of vehicles just to be satisified with it's performance and reliability is also expensive, time consuming, and sometimes frustrating. So, ALL I'm saying is IF you can afford one with a 3.4(there are good deals out there)getting one MIGHT be a better idea. And the chances for that are pretty high.

Hoopster

What's your price range? If you can afford a '96 or newer that's the way to go. If not, the '95s and older are still good rides but have a few draw backs compared to the newer generations. For one, the 2nd gen tailgate and rear window operation is a real inconvenience for a grocery getter. I prefer the rear lift hatch and remote window operation of the 3rd gens. 3rd gen cupholders (99 and newer?) are better. Better engine and newer in age means less wrenching on it to keep it up and running. 3.4 = better gas mileage. I've got 22.5mpg on the interstate with the AC on. I doubt any 3.0 could do that no matter how many performance mods you did.