Good evening fellow Yota Heads!

I have a question.

I am looking to make a purchase, need a CHEAP daily commuter and weekend run-around ride.

I have decided I want a 4Runner, and I have found 2 that fit the bill, at least price-wise.

My question is, which one?


I can get this one for $700 cash:

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/5726003217.html

Or I can get this one for $1150.00

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/5732047312.html

The 93 will need the solenoids replaced in the transmission and the A/C compressor replaced.

The 200 has front end damage of an unknown magnitude. Dude says it is just the bumper bump I dunno....

Your collective thoughts and wisdom will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Joe

 

The 3rd gen is probably a better buy but it's hard to say with out seeing them in person.

 

That is kinda my thought process as well, "newer is better" and all...

 

I would have to agree the 3rd gen looks the best for the money but it's your choice either one could work well

 

The second gens transmission light is flashing. That's kind of a big deal indicating somthing is wrong there.

 

Yes sir, that is why I stated in my original post that the solenoids need replacing

 

I think I am leaning towards the 93 I think. It has the 22re and also I like the fact that it DOESN'T have the molded running boards, that way i can add my own nerf bars of whatever. replacing he solenoids in the tranny would be by far the biggest mechanical endeavor I have undertaken to date but I am able to follow step by step instructions and it seems like something I COULD do. Pretty sure the A/C compressor would be relatively easy compared to that; I have time to do that as summer will be over soon and I will have all Fall & Winter to get that done. For what it is worth, I spoke with the current owner and he said the tuck drives fine and the flashing OD light goes off after 15-20 minutes but I still would want the trans shifting correctly.

Wisdom?

 

Oh, hope springs eternal in the human heart.

The purchase of twenty+ year old used cars is no place for unbridled optimism.

The very small price of both trucks oughtta tell you something.

I would'nt believe a Priest who said "there's nothing really wrong with that tranny, trust me."

For every time that a couple solenoids makes a tranny work like like new, there's 20 trannies that require complete overhaul.

All cheap old cars need plenty work.

Be afraid.

 

I'd be looking first at the 3rd gen. The front-end damage is out in the open where you can see it, so you or an experienced mechanic can see if there's frame damage (probably not likely unless the front-end sheet metal is completely destroyed - those 3rd-gen frames are really tough.)

Assuming the 3rd gen has the 3.4 V-6, that's a world-class engine, far better than either the 22re or the 3.0 V6 that Toyota put in the 2nd gens. I'm with Millball, I would really shy away from buying a 24 year-old vehicle with an automatic transmission with known problems. In fact, I wouldn't buy any 2nd gen with an auto. The engines don't really have enough power for the auto, and the age is just too great for something of that mechanical complexity.

 

The only thing that stands out to me on the 2000 is the guy lists that the truck doesn't overheat. That to me is a red flag but if you get your hands on it and confirm that it runs and drives without pegging gauges or smoking then that would be the better buy IMO.

 

I sincerely appreciate both responses; you would seem to have tipped me in the other direction. I have to agree the tranny could be problematic; I think that knowledge itself has to be what has kept me from buying it before now.

I really wish I was able to save and buy something in better condition but with a wife the cannot work due to Multiple Sclerosis and 2 sons in school I have been liuck t save what I ahve.

I may have to stand pat fort he moment, see if something better comes down the pipe. I DO like to 200 in the sense that newer can be better, especially as stated it probably having the newer V6 power plant. I have offered the owner $1000 cash; I will let you know if he "bites:.

I certainly appreciate all of the feedback; I hope to be a meaningful contributor going forward.

 

Is the 2000 equipped with 4x4? I had a 2001 with similar console/shifter and it was only 2wd. Still a nice vehicle but that could be why it's so cheap. Also front end damage scares me if it just happened then they can sell it with there "clean" title then you register it and turns out it had a salvaged title on file.

i would rule out the 93 probably needs more then solenoids so big $$ pit. Or get it cheap and do a 5speed swap!

 

I may actually walk away from both. There is no hurry to get a vehicle; I do have one car already. I dunno.

 

(w/o looking at the links)

BOTH are great "money pit" projects.
Be prepared to spend 2-3-4x the amount of the initial cost to get them road worthy

IMHO, this is a classic case of, "if you have to ASK YotaTech, the answer is NO"