Rugby10

Hello All,

Thank the 4x4 gods for this site!

I have been reading this site for a week now, and everyone here seems really knowledgeable and willing to help. Which is freakin' awesome! I have been using the search function with reckless abandon, and many of my questions were answered in previous threads. However, I still have a few questions, so please bear with me.

A little history; I just moved back to the good ole U.S. of A. from Germany and was forced to sell my 7 series, Autobahn burning, Euro Spec, BMW. Now I've had my speed and want to get into a 2nd Gen 4runner. The problem is that I live in Nebraska now, where supply couldn't possibly fill the demand. I actually almost bought a '90 SR5 5sp with 101K mi. for $7500 at the Toy dealership, and I had even "talked" then down $1500. That was until my Dad said something about AZ.

I'm originally from AZ and I have learned through autotrader that supply may, in fact, exceed demand there. My father has offered to help me find a 4runner remotely through him. He is a Ford guy, the F350 4x4 V10 turbo diesel quad cab type. Enough said, and I have tried to educate him on why I can't afford one of those.

I would greatly appreciate if someone could help me compile a list of things he needs to check and ask about with specific reference to 2nd Gen 4runners (2nd Gen, I believe, is years 90-95, right?). So far this is what I have:

1. Head Gasket; If... then, when, where, and why.
2. Timing belts; how many, and when.
3. Standard questions I.e. maint. and carfax

Anything that could be added would be awesome. Thanks!

SLC Punk

One thing to watch out for when buying a SUV in a place where there is no snow, is that there are a lot of 2WD's out there. Utah has a large supply of SUV's including 4Runners and 95% of them are 4x4.

Highland Runner

If you want air in the summer, I would look for a 94-95. The air was changed from R-12 to 134A in 94 so you can fix the AC easier if it leaks. You won't have to worry about someone filling an R-12 system with 134A just to sell it, and then having it crap out next summer.

Jonathan

Welcome aboard. I don't have a 2nd gen so I won't comment too much on them. I think in the last years of the 2nd gen they got the headgasket problem solved. Do check the timing belt and if and when it was replaced. I think Toyota recommends somewhere around 90K miles is when the timing belt should be replaced. Anyway, now I'm gonna leave it up the people with 2nd gens to correct me or expand on what I said

Robinhood150

I take it 7 series BMWs are vastly cheaper in germany than here?

Give the VIN to a dealer or Toyota corporate and they'll check to see if it's been done or if it qualifies. If it hasn't been done check to see if it qualifies. If it qualifies then you've got gold in your hands because that means you will get a free headgasket, a rebuilt head and/or a new engine.

The timing belt is supposed to be done every 60k miles but since it's a non-interference engine people tend to go over that by quite a bit.

Common things that go out are the water pump, power steering pump, idler arm bushings, pinhole radiator leaks. The water pump can be replaced when the timing belt is done, there is a rebuild kit for the powersteering pump that costs $35, idler arm is easily fixed and the radiator is also easily replaced.

loosehead

Welcome aboard!

I bet with a little patience, you can find a really nice 94-95 for around what that dealer wanted for that '90. At least out here (and in AZ) they are pretty common and can be had for a reasonable dollar. Don't forget to check the Private Classifieds on here, too:

Here.

Interesting user name, too

Cheers,

rixham

Where in Germany where you stationed? I know alot of Comm guys from Offutt that are stationed here with me @ GK. Anyway I know what you mean about the whole 7 series thing. I have a 1988 Euro spec 735i and it screams on the Autobahn. But about the 2nd Gen I can't be of much help. I'm a 3rd Gen guy.

INsr5runner

[thread hijack on]
howdy noob, do/did you play rugby? or do you just enjoy the sport? it IS the manliest of all sports!

I played inside center...

[thread hijack off]

Rugby10

Thanks for the help!

Make sure it is 4x4, Got it!

I do want the air in summer and like the idea of less mileage on a newer 2nd Gen. I was looking at '94 and '95 anyway, that comment just made it easier.

Robin Hood, et all 2nd gen owners;
In your opinion; if the work on the head gasket hasn't been done. Should I have it done before I make the 1500 mile trip from AZ to NE? Or wait until the thing blows up, which could potentially be half way?

Yes, BMW's are a dime a dozen in Germany. You can usually pick up a decent used one for $3000 or so.

I play Flyhalf for the All USAF rugby team, and I agree that it is the Manliest of MAN games.

Thanks

Rugby10

I spoke with the Toy dealership that tried to sell me the 1990 runner SR5 with 101K for $7500 about 10 min. ago. I told them if they can get the price to $6000 I would be willing to play. What do you all think?

Pros:
'90 w/101K
5sp V6
Good Rubber
Engine was so clean I could eat off of it.

Cons:
No Idea on manufactur date?
Head gasket? nobody seems to know, so I'll call Toyota.
Maroon Exterior, Maroon interior...ugly as sin!
There is a little rust near the rear wheel wells
Ah yes... Overspray, they used copius amounts of overspray!

Let me know what you think... I'll try to post some pics, if I go to the dealership this afternoon.

loosehead

Very cool. I played flanker and prop in college and for a local club. Had to hang it up last year, just can't take the abuse anymore. We use to play the AF Academy when I was in college at NM Tech. Tough bunch of kids, they were always very well coached, but seemed to lack in size. They use to joke that they wouldn't let anyone over 5'10 play, because it threw the rest of the (short) pack off-balance...

For anyone else who wants a small piece of rugby trivia, Flyhalf is the 10th position on the field...