I am seriously considering picking up a used 4Runner in the near future. I have a 3rd Gen 1994 Toyota 3.0 V6 extended cab 4x4 right now. It has just a hair under 180K miles.

Part of me has always wanted a 4Runner, and there is a practical side to my interest. I play drums and and currently do not have a canopy for my truck. Overall, it has treated me pretty good since I owned it from 2002. It could use a few things maintenance wise that would make it happy again. It is pretty solid mechanically, but when I start to add up all the little items, I get pretty close to used 4Runner prices.

So, If I go this route I was wondering what years stick out as solid choices. It seems that finding manual transmissions are hard to find as the years progress. I know that post 1996, the big changes are the 3.4 V6 and the swapping the old tailgate/window option for the rear upward opening hatch. The hatch seems like it would be less prone to issues vs. the tailgate/window option, but I don't know.

To me, I am liking years 1994-2002 the most. I am not a fan of all the plastic flare that Toyota starting attaching like vehicle jewelry over the wheel wells, side panels and front bumpers. Are there years within that span that should be avoided due to issues like rust or cheap paint or some sort of known mechanical issue?

It seems that by a magnitude, that Toyota made that same wishy washy not quite white, not quite beige color vehicle and few other colors. Maybe it's just that people with nice colors are holding on to them, or it could be that I am not the large demographic that enjoys this color. They are everywhere...

It seems like if I was open to automatic, I would have a lot more options, but I just don't seem to trust that an SUV with a similar engine and auto trans would have any kind of get up and go.

What have you guys/gals found?

 

We all like what we like I still happen to like the first generation 4Runners.

If your looking for comfort and a softer ride go with the newer ones

They all have there little quirks.

I think if you go 3.4 you wont go back.

Myself I need a truck and a 4runner or two vehicles at least.

 

I was in similar situation a few years ago - have a 93xcab but wanted more seats and covered space a 4runner could offer. Decided a 3rd gen 4runner would be best to get newest tech, power, yet still have a elocker and the old narrow body style...was ready to buy CPO but then ended up with a similarly priced uzj100 land cruiser instead. Rear windows that roll down are great, but for me a tailgate hatch is WAY more practical. kept the truck because everyone needs a truck at some point.

 

Yeah, I guess more power never hurts. I suppose I might notice the lack of power a bit more if the 3.0 was pushing the extra weight of a 4runner vs. my pickup. It also seems that the hatch would be better vs. the tailgate and window combo. I am keeping my eyes peeled. It looks like the "Sport" model is the stripped down version of the 4Runner. I appreciate the lack of plastic and a cleaner look. I am also not a huge fan on leather seats. Ha... I think I have narrowed my possible replacements down quite a bit with all those concerns.

Or then, Maybe I could get, lets say a 1994 or 1995 and throw a 3.4V6 in it. I have heard that while this is an updated option, that even this option is dated as they don't make the 3.4V6 anymore. I have not heard of anyone putting a newer than 3.4V6 into the second or third gen Toyotas.