William

I'm new here, and have an opportunity to buy a '91 4Runner for $3500. It has 153,000 miles.

This one is in pretty good shape overall. The only things I see wrong is a bad right side outer CV boot, it needs a radiator, and the power mirrors don't work (no big deal to me). The body and paint are pretty good.

It has the 3.0 V6 and automatic. My main questions are, how good is this transmission? I would rather have a manual than have an automatic that doesn't hold up well. How good is this engine? What are the weak spots to look for in the whole drivetrain?

How well does the IFS work, and how well does it hold up to big tires and a locker? What's the biggest tire size it can handle?

I notice that the rear power window has to be lowered to open the tailgate. How reliable is the power window? The reason I ask is that the Ford Broncos have the same setup, and they have problems with them. If you can't lower the widow, you can't open the tailgate.

What I want is a reliable vehicle that I can take on vacation out west to places like Moab, Utah from my home in Florida, with no breakdowns.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

colsoncj

Welcome to the site!

First the 3.0 has been known to have problems, mainly in the headgasket or in burnt valves. I would highly recommend a compression test, and check to see if its had the head gasket replaced. I dont know much about the autos, so I can't offer much help there.

Second, the IFS works pretty well, I'm still using it, although only until i have enough time to put my solid axle in. I'm running 33"s with a locker and havent had any issues. I think most would say the largest tire would be in the 33 to 35 range if you are using a locker. A lot depends on how you drive it.

Third, the rear windows aren't completely problem free, but I dont think they are really all that bad. I've had to fix mine twice, but both were simple fixes. The first was a loose wire, and the second was a bad roller. Beyond that, I havent had any real problems. I do know on the 84-89 runners, the bottom channel likes to rust out, but I dont know if the same holds true for the later models.

Toyotas are known for thier reliabilty, mine is getting ready to turn 244,000 miles, and I wheel it hard. Still on the original motor. I would try and get more information on the 3.0 and go from there. Hope this helps.

1styota4X4

defenatly(sp) run the vin to see if the head gasket or stearing recall have been done i have had mine for a year and love it