3rd gen lifespan: 300K plus?
02-23-2010, 11:05 AM
#21
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and hopefully u are 
02-23-2010, 11:11 AM
#22
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If "last" is equated to being drivable, then yes, they last. No vehicle is going to be reliable and safe at 200k+ though. A 2000 is at the 10 year mark already, and that's when all the explosives equipped parts are recommended to be changed. Airbags and belt tensioners. Anything can go at any time.
Can anyone tell me or refer me to a list of all those things that are recommended to be replaced? thnx.
02-23-2010, 12:17 PM
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Don't worry about it. The guy is talking out the side of his neck. I have never ever heard of this.
02-23-2010, 01:01 PM
#25
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as far as being reliable, I have 370k on my Runner.... its a second gen, but still. Just take care of it, and it will work as long as you want it to. I don't plan on ever getting rid of my Yota.
02-23-2010, 04:24 PM
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Pm
I Have 2, 3rd Gen 4runners and they both have over 225,000 miles on them and run like a dream! They are just broke in at 200,000 miles!
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
02-24-2010, 09:48 PM
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I know that the older 3 liter v6 needs a rebuild every 200 or so. but the 3.4 is a much tougher and just well built engine for city and highway use. but it also depends on the oil changes and tranny fluid changes. but i would say you are coming up on a rebuild with that engine. you may get another 50k. its hard to say without having the engine. but a STRONG ENGINE. TOYOTA ROCKS!
Last edited by KEMPTONATOR; 02-24-2010 at 09:52 PM.
02-25-2010, 07:49 AM
#31
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Mine has 270,000 miles.
NEVER miss a 30,000 mile engine service. 4x4 Wire has a good write-up on the 30,000 mile service.
I run Mobil 1 and change every 5,000 miles.
NEVER miss a 30,000 mile engine service. 4x4 Wire has a good write-up on the 30,000 mile service.
I run Mobil 1 and change every 5,000 miles.
02-25-2010, 08:39 AM
#32
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wats an engine service??? i got my 4R @ 144k, now its at 165k.
thats 21k and i have changed the oil every 6k. anything else i gotta do?
02-25-2010, 06:45 PM
#33
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I have a 01 4runner with 250K miles on it and so far the only thing that has "broke" was the power antenna and door lock motor.
You can keep a 3rd gen 4runner running well past 200K but as was said earlier maintenance is essential. Maintenance requires changing all the fluids on a regular basis, INCLUDING BRAKE FLUID. I don't know how many people I'v met that religiously change all their fluids, except their brake fluid looks like mud.
On the earlier 3rd gens all it will cost you is a master cylinder but the cost of not flushing your brakes on the 4runners with traction control is in thousands.
Remember there is no "maintenance schedule" for vehicles passed 100-130K miles. So part of keeping your 4runner in good running condition is every other week slide under your 4runner with a flashlight and just look around in detail. This way you will know what everything looks like and when something starts to fail, wear out, leak, etc you will notice it before it causes a serious problem.
With its age I would also consider changing the radiator. Allot of people look at radiators as a "I will change it when it starts to leak" attitude. But that attitude has resulted in a allot of overheated engines. Remember a engine temp can sky rocket really quick in the summer time if a radiator springs a leak and all it takes it one good overheat to warp a head and cost you a head gasket. So spend the $130 on rock auto and get a new radiator.
Also download the service manual in PDF format, its an invaluable reference tool for servicing your 4runner.
As long as your comfortable working on cars as opposed to putting it into the shop, you can keep your 4runner running ALONG time.
FOG
You can keep a 3rd gen 4runner running well past 200K but as was said earlier maintenance is essential. Maintenance requires changing all the fluids on a regular basis, INCLUDING BRAKE FLUID. I don't know how many people I'v met that religiously change all their fluids, except their brake fluid looks like mud.
On the earlier 3rd gens all it will cost you is a master cylinder but the cost of not flushing your brakes on the 4runners with traction control is in thousands.
Remember there is no "maintenance schedule" for vehicles passed 100-130K miles. So part of keeping your 4runner in good running condition is every other week slide under your 4runner with a flashlight and just look around in detail. This way you will know what everything looks like and when something starts to fail, wear out, leak, etc you will notice it before it causes a serious problem.
With its age I would also consider changing the radiator. Allot of people look at radiators as a "I will change it when it starts to leak" attitude. But that attitude has resulted in a allot of overheated engines. Remember a engine temp can sky rocket really quick in the summer time if a radiator springs a leak and all it takes it one good overheat to warp a head and cost you a head gasket. So spend the $130 on rock auto and get a new radiator.
Also download the service manual in PDF format, its an invaluable reference tool for servicing your 4runner.
As long as your comfortable working on cars as opposed to putting it into the shop, you can keep your 4runner running ALONG time.
FOG
Last edited by FogRunner; 02-25-2010 at 06:49 PM.
02-26-2010, 12:46 PM
#34
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I may have missed it but you didn't mention price. At 235K you should be getting a great price. Or find one with lower miles.
As far as longevity, change all the fluids and replace the radiator to avoid the "pink milkshake".
Also, 4Runners are susceptible to engine sludge if the oil wasn't changed frequently enough. Pull a valve cover and make sure it's clean in there.
Good luck.
As far as longevity, change all the fluids and replace the radiator to avoid the "pink milkshake".
Also, 4Runners are susceptible to engine sludge if the oil wasn't changed frequently enough. Pull a valve cover and make sure it's clean in there.
Good luck.
03-01-2010, 04:18 AM
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Here's the 30,000 mile service:
Engine oil & filter (asumming normal oil change interval)
Engine air filter
Engine coolant
Non-platinum spark plugs
Lubricate driveshafts, there are several zerk fittings - molybdenum disulfide grease.
Replace Auto trans fluid
Replace Diff oil
Replace transfer case oil
Clean Throttle body
Clean MAF
-If you do this every 30,000 miles, your Toyota will last well past 300,000 miles. There's nothing here that is difficult, plus it gets you looking under the hood.
Last edited by Potomacduck; 03-01-2010 at 04:21 AM.
03-03-2010, 09:34 AM
#40
My 97 has 220000 on it right now. I purchased it at 110,000 and I had no idea how it had been cared for other than it looked really good, engine sounded good, no leaks, ect.
Timing belt and all fluids were changed at that point. I don’t do much of the work on my Runner, my schedule is usually full, so I take it to my dealer for the usual maintenance. It’s a really small dealership so the same guy has always serviced it and checked it over. Other than spark plugs, front brakes, an O2 sensor, battery, antenna, ignition switch, rear latch, fluids, filters, and of course tires, I’ve not had problems.
I check things over very carefully in between trips to the shop. Make sure the oil level is up, look for leaks, ect. I realize stuff will need to be replaced but when I look at the cost of a new one, plus the cost of insurance and taxes on a new one, I still think I come out ahead.
I’ve wondered about engine sludge problems but back when I ran heavy equipment we always changed the oil at the end of the day, when the machine was hot. My dealership is 50 miles away, by the time I drive there the oil is hot and its usually drained within 15 minutes of when I get there. I think this really helps with sludge issues (or at least I hope so).
Would I buy a Runner with 200,000 on it? Depends on the price and the condition of the vehicle. I’d have it looked over by someone who knows 4 Runners and I’d try to get it priced so I had room to replace the stuff that needs fixed. If it needs a timing belt I’d allow at least $700 for that and a new water pump and unless the seller has an invoice showing the belts been replaced I’d assume it hasn’t been.
Timing belt and all fluids were changed at that point. I don’t do much of the work on my Runner, my schedule is usually full, so I take it to my dealer for the usual maintenance. It’s a really small dealership so the same guy has always serviced it and checked it over. Other than spark plugs, front brakes, an O2 sensor, battery, antenna, ignition switch, rear latch, fluids, filters, and of course tires, I’ve not had problems.
I check things over very carefully in between trips to the shop. Make sure the oil level is up, look for leaks, ect. I realize stuff will need to be replaced but when I look at the cost of a new one, plus the cost of insurance and taxes on a new one, I still think I come out ahead.
I’ve wondered about engine sludge problems but back when I ran heavy equipment we always changed the oil at the end of the day, when the machine was hot. My dealership is 50 miles away, by the time I drive there the oil is hot and its usually drained within 15 minutes of when I get there. I think this really helps with sludge issues (or at least I hope so).
Would I buy a Runner with 200,000 on it? Depends on the price and the condition of the vehicle. I’d have it looked over by someone who knows 4 Runners and I’d try to get it priced so I had room to replace the stuff that needs fixed. If it needs a timing belt I’d allow at least $700 for that and a new water pump and unless the seller has an invoice showing the belts been replaced I’d assume it hasn’t been.
