Hey all,

First, I'm 5 minutes new to the forum! So...hello.

Second, I'm wanting to get into 4runners. Specifically, I'm interested in building a camping/expedition rig that can go wherever. Not super interested in rockcrawling/extreme wheeling, but I'd like to be able to hold my own when the terrain changes. I've been researching 4runners for a while and know the general differences between generations, what general problems/advantages each gen holds, etc.

In addition to getting into the T4R, I'm also looking to get down and dirty with the mechanical side of the rig. This means being able to fix all (or most) aspects of the car, should the need arise. I don't have a ton of mechanical knowledge (mostly just know how to maintain my car, oil changes, fuel pump, etc.) but I'm handy with the internet and have a desire to learn about this stuff. I have a daily driver already, and would want to pick something up for fairly cheap (sub $3k). I live in Southern CA, for reference.

My question is, how feasible would it be to pick up a T4R and spend some time and energy fixing it up, for someone who doesn't have a ton of mechanical experience. I know that 1st gens are supposed to be the simplest to work on (obvi), but does that mean I should forgo the other gens if I come across one that has mechanical problems but is super cheap? Or am I better off just paying $12k for a 4th gen with 125k miles and not learning at all...

TLDR-I'm inexperienced with mechanics but would like to learn. I also want a T4R. Would it be better to purchase a vehicle that already runs fairly well, or buy something that needs a lot of fixing and dive in?

Sorry for the long post. Thanks for the help!

 

This is a good general guide, more tuned for going 500 miles into the middle of a desert but still a good read:

http://expeditionportal.com/the-10-c...rland-vehicle/

 

Awesome, I'll give it a read. Love that site.

 

Welcome to Yota Tech!!

Buy a project 4Runner without really knowing you that is a hard call to make.

Do you have a place to work where things could sit for weeks or maybe months??

The basic tools which will grow as you find what you don`t have??

Are you laid back enough that when things go wrong as they will you don`t throw a fit as some of my coworkers do??

The minute you throw a deadline into the mix it gets ugly real fast

With the price of new vehicles and lower mileage used ones.

One could have something pretty much restored/rebuilt for @ 10 to 12 thousand from the ground up.Then one can go real bare bones or the complete other direction.

 

Thanks for the reply!!

I have a garage where I'll be able to keep the tools, car, etc. I think I have all the requisite tools, at least for beginning stuff. Would need a 3/8 and 1/2 torque wrenches probably, and an engine stand should I want to get really down and dirty.

I'm pretty laid back, and don't have any deadlines. I would just like to be able to use the rig at some point, but don't really have any certain time I would need to be done with it by. I'm looking to keep my budget as low as possible initially, to save some money for repairs and mods.