fagundes79

Pardon my nOObness, but I'm currently looking for any possible advice on older model 4R's, anything from late 80's to mid 90's. I'm moving to Northern Wisconsin (Door County) in late Summer and the winter up there is not navigable (new word) w/o big tires and enough clearance.

I've done a tiny bit of research and see that alot of early 90's models had "significant" engine issues. I guess the 96 was a good year? The '96 may be out of my price range of 5K. On another note, how do the 2 wheel-drive rear vehicles handle in nasty stuff? I found a '96 with 106K miles for $5K, 2 wheel drive though. I would think they'd be pretty bad in that stuff, but what do I know.

I'm looking to spend no more than 5K, what year/mileage would you guys recommend? Also, what repair receipts should I look for when I show up to see these cars? Luxury is not important to me at all with this purchase, leather, etc...


Thanks very much in advance, I look forward to being a 4R owner.

Paul H.

Who told you about the "significant engine issues"? The 3.slow V6 only has a head gasket issue. Mine was replaced in 96 and has not been an issue since. Others have had the replaced gasket blow again. It appears that it all depends on the dealer that replaced it and if they did a proper job when they replaced it. By the way, the 96 and 97 V6's had the same problem. Many people here have had their V6's go ove 200k miles with little problems. If you are worried about the headgasket then get a 4 cylinder. And get the 4wd, rwd in snow is not good. What ever you buy, do a carfax on it and make sure there is a maintainance history on it and good luck.

regularguy412

Paul's got it about right. Go with a 4WD, if you can find one. Two years ago, I paid $4,000 for my 92 w/ 3.0 V6 and Auto Tranny - 4WD. It had 145,000 on it at that time. I did have to put some cash into it, since the previous owner had kind of let it 'go' , awhile before he sold it. After all the repairs and new tires /wheels, I probably have $6,500 in it ( total cost including original purchase price) Today, I wouldn't be afraid to start a 3,000 mile trip in it.

Mike in AR

Mike in AR

4banginRunner

I have a 90 with a 22RE/at and i do like it (-the underpowered part of it) but i wish i would have waited and found a late 80s, i love the removable tops on them and they are more suited for the 22RE. So my advice would be to look into a 84-89 4Runner
and especially look for the 84 (solid axle) and 85 (last year soild axle 1st of the EFI). Look at spending anywhere from $500-$3000. This will also leave you with some money left over to buy some upgrades/repairs.