So I've been looking at some pickups lately (22re) that are equipped with automatic transmissions. I'm a manual guy all the way, but some of them have been pretty clean trucks so I've been tempted...

Besides being sluggish, how reliable are the auto transmissions of this era? Can it be expected to last past 150k?

 

I bought a very clean 95 runner in 2010 with a bad head gasket.
It had 173,000 miles on it.
It is a 3VZE (V6) with an auto transmission.
I redid the motor and didn't touch the transmission.
I have run it up to 210,000 miles without any problems.
I just changed the gearbox oil and filter last week.
The oil was slightly discolored but not burnt.
The pan magnets were clean of any ferrous metal particles.
The truck is used regularly but not abused.
IMHO the transmission is bulletproof and probably will last another 100k.
If you get a car with an auto and you change the fluid yourself, do not use the pan gasket that comes with the new filter.
Instead use a bead of Toyota FIPG (form in place gasket) around the bolt holes and the pan periphery. A tube of it is expensive over the Toyota parts counter, but it is miracle stuff and can't be beat.
Also do not forget to replace the "O" ring in the trans. fill tube where it splits, as it is a two piece item.
If you like the big 4 door Runner try to look for a 96 or better as they will have the 3.4 V6 motor which is a more powerful, better designed powerplant for a heavy car like the Runner is.
Just my $.02
Art.

 

I have one in my 87 truck w/over 193000 and hasn't been touched, yet It needs solenoids and lockup replaced (per codes 61,63, and 64 I don't remember off hand). I've driven it that way for a couple of years. Only noticeable when its 1st cold but it drives fine. Yes a little neglect but also a testament to reliability and resiliency!