I am looking to get a good used 4Runner, but am unsure as to which model year to target. Would any of you more seasoned Toyota owners like to chime in on your experiences for a "newbie?"

Thanks!

 

1985-Fuel injected and solid front axle from the factory!

 

I would say it depends on youre mechanical ability and how much you like to wrench on it. What do you plan on doing wit hthis runner? Are you wanting something to drve around town and occasionally wheel? A second or third gen may be the way to go. If you are looking for a trail rig, then target the 85.

 

Will,

Yep...around town, drive to work and an occasional wheel in the sticks.

 

Then, depending on budget, I would suggest an older 3rd gen. or possibly a second gen. DO a search for the second gen and problems that are common wit them. Same forr the 3rd gen. there is a LOT of information on here and you can learn a LOT. I know I have.


Welcome to Yotatech.

 

1999 with RR DIFF LOCK

 

a third gen comes with the 3.4 which is a good selling point. but come at a price.

im found of the second gen. Shure it has some mechanical issues with the 3.slow but its a love hate relationship for me. I like the tailgate design (hate the lift gate of the 3rd gen and later)

second gens can be had for cheep also.

 

I have a 2nd gen with 3.0 manual tranny. I like it A LOT, but wish I had looked more for a 3rd gen, especially with the locking diff. If you get "bitten by the 'wheeling bug", you'll want a locker very soon!

I DO like the 2nd gen having a tailgate instead of a "hatchback".

If you get a 3.0, you MUST get manual tranny. Auto is a real dog with that motor. 3.4 is highly preferred, not only more power, but better mileage too. I would even go with the 4 cylinders (2.4 22RE or 2.7) with a manual tranny over the 3.0.

 

I would go 96 to 00 if I had it to do again. Look for the factory e-locker but it is tough to find. If you are only going to wheel it every so often I would also go to a 01 or 02. Even though they lack the locker they are upgradable.
Good hunting!

 

i second the 85. straight axle fuel injection top comes off.
good base to work from. e-lockers can be put in those housings.
lifting it is cheaper than ifs set-up. wheel wells are big, can fit 33" tires
with 3" of lift. tons of info on how to modify it out there and lots of
aftermarket items.

 

99 w/ a RR locker if i had to do it all over

 

I had a '97 for a year and then "upgraded" to the real one I wanted and '99 was the year they updated the 3rd gens.

here's a year to year breakdown of all Runners - http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist.html

 

what year did they start the locking rear... also what did they upgrade in 1999

 

nevermind... i need to learn how to read

 

I really like my 2nd gen 4Runner, the 3.0 is pretty slow, especially with an auto. If I buy another 2nd gen, I would get a manual. I like the tailgate desing better than the hatch too. You can eat on it! And, if I had the money, a 3rd gen, manual, and locking rear would be awesome! '85s are really nice too, shoot, I like them all!

 

i have a 91 to play with til my son starts driving in a couple years,5spd,like it a lot would be hesitsant to have one in auto,wife drives 97 runner-great rig,comfortable on the road,more pwr,more leg room,better mileage,have nvr wheld eithr,looking to start with the 91,wife would murder if got a fleck of mud on 97,she loves it

 

I am a huge fan of the gen 1, own two '89's... I really like the topless dune running (for my truck, not me!) and I guess I prefer the tailgate over the hatchback, although it has its own share of issues (esp tailgate window stuff). Folks seem to rag on the 3.0 (1995 and prior) but I don't know any better and like it just fine. My 95 auto could use a bit more oomph but he is the baby of the bunch so thats ok. No hill climbing for the youngster. Once I get my kid off to college I plan to look into getting a locker for my lifted '89. Also take a look at the disparaging remarks about gas mileage on their 3.4's (1996+). You'll also get likely 300,000 miles out of your older 4runner, which makes for a worthy investment...

 

I vote 1985
I love solid axles

 

Problem with '85s are they are hard to come by. I have a 2nd gen and its quite capable. I did some minor mods to it and it runs fine maybe a bit slow on the highway but no biggie. I've also driven the 3.4 before as well so I know both.

 

i would also say 99ish with a 5spd! IMO thats the ideal 4runner to have...