I was just curious as to how well one of these would hold up as a daily driver. I'm looking for a cheap vehicle, and I've found several of these in good shape with ~200k miles (22re 5 speed) for $2k-$3k. I really wanted something newer (96+), but don't wanna spend that much money. I know for the most part these things are rock solid as far as the motor/tranny. However, I'm worried that with a 20+ year old vehicle that I'll have a lot of small problems here and there. I'll probably be driving it ~10k miles a year. Are these more/less reliable than the 96+ with a 3.4 (and similar miles)? I can afford the vehicle, but I won't be able to afford a lot of maintenance (will do stuff like fluid changes, just not stuff like the rear end going out and the like). I've got a 87 and really like it with the removable top, but it's strictly a farm vehicle, might see the road 10 times a year. I've never drove it daily, so not sure how adding the miles will effect it. Thanks for any help, it's greatly appreciated!

 

I DD my 87 with no problems. If you are looking for something a little more road friendly, I'd buy a 3rd gen 4Runner. My buddy just got his 99 for $4k with 150,... miles. People are hurting for money out there; it's a great buyers' market. Just my $0.02.

 

My '87 is my DD, when I'm not riding the VFR (hence the "mall crawler" tag).

 

I drove my '86 4Runner religiously for years 40-50 mile commute daily, 5 days a week, 70 mph on 33's/35's. Made for lots of oil changes. I've also done two coast to coast cross country trips and I drive it like a sports car. So yeah, I think you'll be ok. Just keep it simple and it'll run just fine and start every morning and be RELIABLE.

If you find a vehicle that's been "basically" taken care of and that's not completely factory still and had routine maintenace done, then go for that.

 

I'll be doing very little off roading, I just want something I can drive daily and then hunt/fish out of on the weekends. I've got a Mustang I'll be driving on the nicer days, so the 4runner won't be my only rig. I'd like the 96+, but I really only have $2k to spend (the whole point at issue is a cheap but reliable dd). Thanks for the opinions!

 

Although I'm a little out of your year range I bought my 89 for 1500$ and have been driving it every day since I figured out what the starting problem was (ground cable from the battery loose at the engine ). I've actually put very little money into it since I had a bunch of the off-road parts already on another vehicle. Find one that's been taken care of at least a little and you'll do fine. I DD mine to work 5 days a week and one weekend a month as well as wheeling the other three weekends and sometimes after work when I get a chance. I'll be using it for camping/fishing/hunting etc this year and have no worries about driving it anywhere.

 

i bought mine with the intention of DD'ing it... its getting there but its still gonna need some green to make it reliable. but i bought mine as a work in progress.

 

I DD my 87, and weekend wheel with no problems, and I've gotten 25mpg with it, usually around 19-22 depending on how I drive

198K, 22RE, 5spd swapped...only mechanical thing that went wrong was the water pump, but that was OE so was to be expected.

 

The water pump went out at only 198,000 miles? Oh that is just crap!!!!

 

I know..I was expecting to see terrible problems like this start at 300K

 

Yeah I'm with you. At 198,000 I can see a belt getting a little worn or maybe needing an oil change but the water pump should last at least 300,000.

 

I DD mine 30 miles a day, I used to have a 200 mile commute and would drive my 86 with 250k (when I bought it) 3 days a week for a couple of months with no problems (stopped doing the 3 days when I bought a car that got 30mpg just to save on gas)

So far in the 2 years I have owned it and the almost 30,000 miles I have put on it all I have spent was $1500, to buy it, $600 new tires, and $600 for clutch and tranny, and about $200 for tune-up/repairs I think its pretty good for a truck with that many miles. Just know with that many miles there may be a few big ticket items that spring up every now and again but generally they run and run good all day long!

 

well, man you know it depends on what you buy. i bought an 88 with over 200k as a DD and to build into a reliable camping rig. MY concern at the time was the body: no rust, no bondo, no frame work. interior was all there too.

first week, the radiator started leaking. i put that in. second week, i had to replace the clutch hydraulics. few weeks later, HG failed from first rebuild, so i had 2nd rebuild done. few weeks later, to address crappy shifting issue, i had a clutch done, and changed all the drivetrain fluids. months go by, and nothing major, so i spring for 33"s, and now i have to regear and get some lift for clearance.

i also need new rear springs/shackles to address a death shake at 60mph. and i add a half quart of oil every 3 wks.

but i've driven to work every day, and i've taken some 8hr trips in it too. i love the thing and i'll drive it 'til they make driving illegal.

GET YOU ONE!

 

abe drives his 88 truck to and from work sometimes up to 1500 miles each way and has done that for a few years and doesn't have a problem. he's got like 240000 miles on the truck and he doesn't think twice about going. he just carries some extra oil and goes.
he has a 88 4runner and checks his fluids at least every other stop for gas.