95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

3rd gen reliability?

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Old Feb 10, 2004 | 07:11 PM
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3rd gen reliability?

How many miles does the average 3rd gen engine last? 250k easily?
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Old Feb 10, 2004 | 07:12 PM
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you BET!!!
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Old Feb 10, 2004 | 07:14 PM
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Lance you should know they will last only if cared for. I am sure you could get 200k out of the 3.4, but other stuff will nickle and dime you to death by that time--especially if you wheel it.
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Old Feb 10, 2004 | 07:17 PM
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Someone just posted recently with 260k and running strong.
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Old Feb 10, 2004 | 07:17 PM
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I found a used 3rd gen (97) w/ 179k miles.... the miles scared me so I figure I'd ask before asking the seller more questions... Lookin for something to drive as I figure my 4th gen will be sitting in the driveway alot after it's done.... LOoks like it's becoming a monster on it's own!

So I'm debated what to do.... $ for the 4th gen or $ for another truck...

It's either that or gettin an old fj40 but I'm havin some problems finding one in good shape.

I guess I'm just looking for a stock 3rd gen (v6) 5 speed 4x4 to drive around for fun Not sure if that one comes w/ the rear diff locks but it would be better if it did.... Thanks guys!
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Old Feb 10, 2004 | 07:20 PM
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A high miles 150k+ 3rd gen wouldn't scare me one bit as long as it was not abused.
Just listen to the engine and take it for a spin, you can tell right away.
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Old Feb 10, 2004 | 07:34 PM
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kford has 263,000 miles on his and seems to be runnin great!

Fink
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Old Feb 10, 2004 | 07:38 PM
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Originally posted by Marc P
Lance you should know they will last only if cared for. I am sure you could get 200k out of the 3.4, but other stuff will nickle and dime you to death by that time--especially if you wheel it.
I beg to differ!!!

Current mileage and mud:




I really do beat the hell out of this thing sometimes, but no steering or suspension has ever been damaged. Stock suspension (recall completed) and i did get a new rack and pinion once, but that was from a minor wreck that my dad had. This 97 was bought new by daddy in 97 and he drove the heck out of it on the highway. Now I drive the heck out of it on highway (it sees 90-95mph on a daily basis), off road, and in city. Yota POWER!

Take some advice from the Taliban:
Buy used toyota w/ over 100,000 miles.
From 100,000-400,000 miles, use as a missile launcher.
After 400,000, turn into a suicide bomber.

EDIT: Oops, I exaggerated my mileage a bit in my sig. When i registered a couple weeks ago, i didn't know exact mileage. I just remembered 263 was my next scheduled oil change so i just put that... :pat:

Last edited by kford; Feb 10, 2004 at 07:47 PM.
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Old Feb 10, 2004 | 07:45 PM
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WOW 261k!!!!
That makes me feel good about my purchase.
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Old Feb 10, 2004 | 07:50 PM
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I've seen plenty of yota's (not necessarily 3rd gens, but who drives that much??) with well over a 1/4 million miles running strong on original engine/tranny's.
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Old Feb 10, 2004 | 09:10 PM
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Thanks for the quick replies!!! It feels good to hear and "see" that it lasts!!! I guess I'll be giving the seller a call once I get back home and see if I can work some $$ out w/ the owner.

So what should I look for/ listen for now? I know there were some rear springs recall or something ( I know head gasket was 2nd gen but was there one for the 3rd gen?) Since I know all of ya have all the experience here so I figure I'd ask ya guys first.

This one will stay stock though... Can't have too many toys
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Old Feb 10, 2004 | 09:16 PM
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at high mileages, make sure to keep the drive belt and timing belt in good condition. Also check the cooling system-hoses, water pump, make sure no leaks. Those have been my major concerns. The rear shocks probably have been updated. If it looks like they're sagging, call the dealership it is from. They can run the VIN on the toyota website, see if it's eligible for recalls, and see if any have been performed.
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Old Feb 11, 2004 | 07:14 AM
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189k and going strong here...

Replaced:

1. Starter
2. Radiator
3. Belts
4. Hoses
5. Steering rack.

All parts replaced are due to wheeling mishaps and not the inherent parts or their quality. I've been VERY happy w/ the way my 4Runner " runs ".

Mobil 1 5-30 since break-in (I bought her w/ 2k on the odo) and a Mobil 1 filter every 3000 miles... She's happy, I'm happy. AND very impressed!

J
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Old Feb 11, 2004 | 09:40 PM
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somebody finally beat me!!!! I thought I had the highest miles-to-age ration. GRRRRR.
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Old Feb 12, 2004 | 04:35 AM
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Originally posted by kford
somebody finally beat me!!!! I thought I had the highest miles-to-age ration. GRRRRR.
Is there a fountain of youth gas station you guys fill up at?
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Old Feb 12, 2004 | 07:04 AM
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HS!! And I thought 190k on my '90 lexus is high....
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Old Feb 12, 2004 | 08:33 AM
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I have 152k on my 98 taco. It still looks new under the hood and inside. If you take care of it it will last forever. I use the taco as my semi it pulls a trailer at least 2 times a week.
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Old Feb 13, 2004 | 12:08 AM
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I bought my 98 w/ 114K, didnt even think twice
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Old Feb 13, 2004 | 04:49 AM
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Originally posted by kford
I beg to differ!!!

Current mileage and mud:




I really do beat the hell out of this thing sometimes, but no steering or suspension has ever been damaged. Stock suspension (recall completed) and i did get a new rack and pinion once, but that was from a minor wreck that my dad had. This 97 was bought new by daddy in 97 and he drove the heck out of it on the highway. Now I drive the heck out of it on highway (it sees 90-95mph on a daily basis), off road, and in city. Yota POWER!

Take some advice from the Taliban:
Buy used toyota w/ over 100,000 miles.
From 100,000-400,000 miles, use as a missile launcher.
After 400,000, turn into a suicide bomber.

EDIT: Oops, I exaggerated my mileage a bit in my sig. When i registered a couple weeks ago, i didn't know exact mileage. I just remembered 263 was my next scheduled oil change so i just put that... :pat:
261k I only have a 103k and thats in kilometres. I'm glad I bought a 3rd gen.
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Old May 20, 2010 | 08:13 PM
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so how many miles do people have on the 3.4L now? Anyone reah 500,000?
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