So Toyota is buying my Tacoma back in a couple of weeks due to the frame rust issue. I was originally looking at 96-02 4Runners but there is a black 95 in my home town with 119,000 miles and they are asking $4,900 for it. If it is in good shape I might snatch it up and then I would have enough money left over for a lift and tires right away. Before I go and look at it what knowledge should I be armed with?

For example are there any maintenance issues that I should ask about such as a timing belt or anything else that is notorious for having issues with these vehicles?

What components may need replacing in the near future in this mileage area?

Are there any options that I should be looking for that would make the vehicle any more or less desirable like things to stay away from, v6 vs 4cyl?

I heard that head gaskets are prone to going out on the v6 motor is this true?

Thanks for any and all info!

 

Run away if its an automatic. The autotragic was not very well designed, very underpowerd.

Get a 5sp, and gear the diffs down, 4.88's for 31's and so on.

both 22re and 3vze are prone to headgasket problems. Only thing is the 3vze is very easy to pop, the one thing that will do them in everytime is overheating. And the 22re is easier to work on, but I couldnt handle the lack of power.

 

Just get a 3rd gen (96-92) 4runner. The engines are alot better then the 3L or 22re.

v6 has been known to have headgasket problems. so yes, that is true.

 

3rd gen would be best

 

I kinda wish I waited to buy a 3rd gen but where i live, its really hard to find one with a 5spd.

But then again, i love my 2nd gen and people always ask how lifted she is. Shes actually sittign like an inch below cause of the rear butt sag.

 

I like the 3rd. gen drivetrain but the bodies of the 2nd. gen. Just check everything. And then anything that doesn't quite meet perfection turn into a big deal and then talk them down to a better price. That seems high to me. Stay away from the automatics. Check to see if the head gasket was replaced.

 

Heres a good vid to watch.\

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0hIl7s51-k

 

Id say deff get a 3rd gen..

:2cents:

 

Thanks for all of the info so far and good video as well. None of the info was really new to me but it is a very good refresher video. I will probably watch it again before I go and look at anything.

 

Could someone explane the 3rd&2nd gen meanings?

 

Well, Lucy.

I'm waiting.

 

Third gen would just be a 96 or newer model 4 runner. The 2nd gen is the model before.

 

1st gen = 84-89 4runners.
2nd Gen=90-95 4runner.
3rd gen = 96-02
4th gen = 03-09
5th gen = Supposedly will be debuting in august as a 2010 model.