Hi everyone,

I'm a new member and I'm looking to buy another 4 Runner. I used to own a 2001 Sport edition several years back. Now I'm looking to buy a 2nd to early 3rd gen runner, which will be a 4x4.

I've heard that the 1990-1995 3VZ-E V-6 gets gas mileage comparable to a V-8 nowadays. And if your getting a V-6 the newer 5VZ-FE is the way to go. Just sure now what year to get. I got a lead on a 92 4x4 with 120k.

Is there anything else I should be concerned about like the head gasket recall?

I have roughly 4,700 to spend on one.

Thanks guys

 

With your budget you're probably looking at a 2nd gen or a 3rd with really high miles depending on your area.

I'd go with a 22re over a 3vz-e personally.

 

Just be careful, 96 and early 97 5vz 4runners had some headgasket issues. Not very common but just something to look out for.

It will definitely be hard to find a decent 3rd gen for that price, maybe a base model with 200k +

 

with your budget the sky is the limit, I got my '90 4runner for $500 with blown headgaskets, you would have 4200 left to finalize an engine package... maybe just find a rig someone already did the swap on and save yourself the headaches.

 

Interesting... Looks like i'll be getting a 2nd or a early cheap 3 gen. But I forgot to mention I live in Southern California too.

I was looking at Wranglers but their expensive also, and the idea of being in a loud and small Jeep doesn't appeal to me for a DD.

I did some more research and it appears in 99 they offered a lockable rear diff on the 4 runner 4x4. And Multi imode 4 wheel drive, those all seem like pretty neat features. On the 2G's could I just install a locking diff and have the same effect minus the electronic gizmo's?

Also are any of the generations prone to issues with the drivetrains? I.E weak trannies, bad transfercases etc.

Sorry to ask alot of questions just trying to make the right choice here.

Thanks again.

 

I looked all over the San Diego market when I got mine last year. If you have the cash in and are on the look out you can find plenty of good 3rd gens with about 150k miles on them for that price. I looked for a long time and got mine for well under what you're looking at. Plus it came with the locking rear diff. It's a really sweet option.

 

So I found a 5 speed manual 97 4x4 for 5,900 Hopefully I can get him down to 4,700 or less. Only bad part 160k, should I consider it or not? I'm going to take a test drive tomorrow. Just like yours Burt!!!

 

The 5 speeds can go for more. I wouldn't be worried about 160k. I think there was a recall for hg's on early 3rd gens, just get the vin and check at the dealership. Good luck talking him down 1200.

 

Maybe 5k then. I don't think they'll let the deal go for 900$. I've never seen a color like yours tho, what is that color referred as? Aqua of sorts?

 

I didn't mean that sarcastically. I wish you luck. Try and get it as low as you can. My grandpa got his 07 crew cab chevy colorado 4x4 new off the lot for 19k. I looked at their site before you took down the link. You could bring up stuff like the antenna being broken (look up the parts for that $$$), I think their site said it had a roof rack and it doesn't, it just has the covers that go where the rack would go, then print up a bunch of ad's on craigslist in the san diego los angeles area for ones that are cheaper then they are selling that one for. Stuff like that. I've had good luck doing that in the past. Once again with no sarcasm, best of luck. I hope it works out well for you.

 

Thanks Burt! I promised my friend and I will go shooting out in Jacumba or Ocotillo. I don't know where any of the trails and offroading spots are in Imperial. Except for dunes and etc. Maybe we'll meet up and talk cars and guns

Yeah I also noticed the antenna like you mentioned, I didnt really notice that till I blew up the pics in the link LOL. How much does that whole assembly cost?

 

Alright guys I found a 99 limited for 5,900 or obo. with 140k from a dealer in LA. Seems clean and has nice interior. Only bad thing it's an auto. I tried hard to find a 5 speed, they're either too high milage, or the seller is asking too much. Doesn't seem like i can find one fitting my niche.






What do you guys/gals think? Anything in particular I should ask or look for? Not sure when a service for timing and etc is needed, but my uncle suggested that I ask when the last time it was done. Because around 120-140k he owns a Tundra and says thats when his was done.

Also, I will pay someone 13$ for a single Carfax history on the vin via paypal. I would highly appreciate that!!!

 

It's nice that it has the rear diff locker. Make sure it works along with the 4wd. To get the rear locker to engage you have to have it in 4 lo. Unless someone has done the gray wire mod. Looks pretty good.

If the timing belt was done at a dealership it should have a sticker on the timing belt cover displaying when it was done.

Don't forget about the strawberry milkshake issue with autos.

 

well before I went to L.A I decided to buy carfax and found this:


Date: Mileage: Source: Comments:
01/04/2006 132,664 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Lake Arrowhead, CA Title issued or updated
New owner reported
12/03/2007 California
Damage Report Accident reported
03/10/2008 191,930 California
Inspection Station
Twin Peaks, CA Failed emissions inspection
04/29/2008 195,310 California
Inspection Station
Twin Peaks, CA Passed emissions inspection


Owner 3
Purchased: 2008
Type: Personal
Where: California
Est. length owned: 7/11/08 - 11/12/11
(3 yrs. 4 mo.)


12/03/2007 California
Damage Report Accident reported

Date: Mileage: Source: Comments:
07/11/2008 199,600 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Lake Arrowhead, CA Title issued or updated
New owner reported
05/24/2010 224,451 California
Inspection Station
Lake Arrowhead, CA Passed emissions inspection
01/26/2011 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Burbank, CA Registration updated when owner moved
the vehicle to a new location
11/12/2011 144,125 Dealer Inventory
Online Listing
Baldwin Park, CA Vehicle offered for sale
MILEAGE INCONSISTENCY


The mileage reported here conflicts with this vehicle's odometer history. Ask a mechanic or the seller to confirm the actual mileage - this entry may just be a clerical error.



I wish people were just honest.