The 3.4 is sure nice. My mom has one and its a 99 limited 2wd auto. Mine is a 90 3.0, 5 speed.

The 99 is sooo much quicker than mine. If you get on the gas when passing someone, if you don't pay attention, you look at the speedo and your doing 90mph.

Mine cannot do 90 right now but mine is no longer stock either.

The 3.0 is slow, but its manageable, probably even better to cope with if you are in a flat area, we live in the mountains.

Think of this. "it could be worse"
-My buddy has a pickup with a 3.0, auto combo. running full widths on like 3.73 gearing on 39.5" iroks. Least your better off than that eh?

 

 

lol. it wheels good though.

 

Still in the search, things got crazy and didn't get a chance to go see that 3.0 last night. I might try tonight but it's snowing heavily.

I got to see another truck today:

97 Limited Charcoal Grey with beige leather and wood trim
6cyl 3.4 Auto
Around 150,000 miles, not a single spot of rust, no major or even clearly visible dents. It seems to have been maintained very well.
I checked 4x4 and it works fine. Brakes might need bleeding but otherwise everything is fine.

The guy is asking 5000. What do you guys think? I can make a move on this one if the other person that's interested pulls back their deposit.

Opinions? Advice? Specially price wise. what do you think?

Thanks a lot.

 

$5K? I'd take it!

 

thanks for the reply.

Any other encouragement or discouragement?

you guys are quiet bunch

 

ok more like a SILENT bunch...

 

You'll be much happier with a 3rd gen (96+) with a 3.4; The 2.7 4 banger outta the third gens has as much power as the 3.slow...

 

I'll pretty much go along with what everyone else has mainly said. If you can afford to get the 3rd gen(96-02) then it is worth it to do so. The 95 would be a great truck as well, but above and beyond the motor 3rd gens had many little improvements that IMO make them a nicer all around vehicle without compromising off road ruggedness. If I were in your position I would go drive both gens and see for myself which feels better.

 

Agree... sounds like a good find on the '97. Certainly after driving the '97 and the '95, I'm sure you'd pick the '97. If you can afford it, and you like it, go for it.

Check the maintenance records before you buy it... at 150,000 miles, it would be almost due for it's second timing belt / water pump change (first one should have been around 90,000 miles). Depending on when (and if) it was changed the first time, you should factor in the cost of changing them again if they're almost due.

 

A 3rd Gen for $5000? I wish I could have found that. I have a 2nd Gen and with a 3.0 and auto. I agree with everyone that said it's 'managable.' Don't get me wrong, I love my '93. I just wish it had the other motor. Out here the price difference between a 2nd and 3rd Gen is very noticable. When I bought mine last summer ($4300 + tax & stuff) I couldn't find a decent 2nd Gen for under $4000 or a 3rd Gen for below $6500...unless it was a POS and had at least 250K on it! People love their 4Runners (and Jeeps) out here!

 

Whatever you find, make sure it's not a Canadian VIN. It must be a USA VIN for Toyota USA to help you with anything.