RAKxp

Hey Guys,
I've been lurking behind the scenes on these boards for quite some time now and there is just an amazing amount of information!

4 months ago, I went against my norms and purchased a 96 Chevy 1500 with the Vortec 350. I needed a full size truck for some housework and to tow my double pwc trailer. A couple weeks ago it had a major meltdown...blown intake gaskets filling the motor up with coolant, cracked heads, cracked radiator, and now a random cylinder misfire that I can't pinpoint. On top of that, the tires seem to spontaneously go flat for no reason! And I can't forget the gas mileage, although the power is nice. It's time to sell and go back to my import roots.

Anyways, I'm seriously looking at a 96 Tacoma extra cab 4x4 with the 3.4 V6 and 5 speed manual. My only reservation is that has 172,000 miles. The truck looks real clean and the owner supposedly has records. I'm not too familiar with the V6. Is this too many miles? How is the reliability for the most part?

I'm also looking at a 93 reg cab 4x4 with the 22r. How will this truck do with 2000 lbs behind it? This is my only concern with the 4cyl. With the 350, you don't even feel it!

Like I said before, great forum! Thanks for any info.

Ringmaster

Can't complain about the 3.4 in my 4Runner, 134000 on it and runs like a top.

There are lot's of other users on here with way more mileage than mine. They'll chime in sooner or later.

fenrisx

I just bought a 2000 4Runner with 145k miles on it


The main thing everyone told me is that they're good for the miles.

The only thing you really have to do, on top of regular maintenance, is the timing belt every 90k miles. Along with changing that they usually go ahead and replace other belts, thermostat, and water pump while they're in there changing the timing belt.

Lysmachia

Welcome! Mine has 215K on it... You know Yota's known for their durability!

chadbobb

165k miles on mine

10k of them from me, the other 155k i have no idea how well it was taken care of, but probably not well. Seems to be running strong to me

RAKxp

Thats good to hear! The truck is pretty clean. The seat is a little ripped up. The clutch and timing belt were recently done. He's asking $4900 which sounds good to me. Hopefully I can check it out this weekend.

1989toy4wd

okay which one is 4900?? if its the tacoma, I would buy that right now without even looking at it...they hold thier value really really good!!!

91_4x4runner

245K on mine (3vze), did water pump and timing belt just recently. Just gotta do spark plugs and I'd be good to 300K (too bad since I'm doing an engine swap).

What you're looking at, the 3.4L 5VZ-E, is one of Toyota's best engines for the 4Runner. Super reliable, decent power, and decent efficiency.

twitchee2

225k on my 96 3.4

RAKxp

Yeah, $4900 for the 96 Tacoma with V6. I will be doing a good bit of towing and hauling, plus the extra cab is nice. Thanks for all the comments. Its very reassuring hearing people with 200+k miles!

Joshs98Runner

140k on my 3.4, I can't even feel the mileage, the whole thing is pretty solid. For $4900, if the tranny shifts smooth still it should be a great truck. You'll definitely feel the 2000 pounds towing, but it will handle it.

Lysmachia

Plus if ya have to do any maint... you'd be surprised there is a write up on everything yota out there! Where do you live? you might even have a bunch of us yota heads near you to help you out!