I do not see much posted about the four cylinder 3rd gen 4Runners. Are they rare, unloved or otherwise unpopular?
Just wondering.
Mike

 

I think old man schaefer's is a 4 banger and he's all over this place.

 

I think the V6 Runners have just enough power to be adequate and the 4banger's 150hp would just seem anemic on the highway. I personally wouldn't own a 4 banger Runner.

 

Steve has one, so do a couple of South California guys.

The 4 in those rigs makes about as much HP as the V-6 in my 95 except the 4 is reliable and high revving.

I would prefer a 3.4, but those little 4's get the job done. Steve pushes 35's on road with them.

 

Is this the general consensus? The fours are better than the 3.slow?
I have a friend looking for a 4Runner for under 6K and he keeps showing me 3.0's and I just keep thinking that the four cylinder is the way to go if you are already prepared to accept 3.0 performance.
Mike

 

I wouldn't say general consensus, get more people. I personally think my 3.4 is fine but could not imagine a Runner with less power.

 

I think most people are just afraid to admit they have a 4 cyl. I'll admit it, I have a 2000 4runner with one. It doesn't bother me in the least, saves a little gas money, keeps me away from speeding tickets, very reliable engine. I've never been a fast driver, and don't do too much offroading, so the 4 cyl. is ideal for me. I mean a 4runner was my dream car, and now I'm driving one, I'm happy with what I have.

 

What about a 3.0 Turbo Diesel Intercooled???

 

isnt butnut's runner a 4cyl?

 

I think Casey's is to.

If you think the 96+ 4 cyl is slow, imagine a 2nd gen 4 cyl.

 

the 2.7 is a great engine. i would take mine over a 3.0 any day. the gas mileage is a lot better than the 3.0, it loves higher RPMs, mine cruises at 3100 RPM on the freeway everyday and purrs like a kitten. ive got 126,670 on it right now, and is still doing well on power and runs great in my opinion. tell your friend to get the 3rd gen with a 2.7 over the 2nd with the 3.0, he wont regret it.

also check out www.lcengineering.com for loads of 4 cyl. upgrades.

-Casey

 

I love my 2.7 ! I don`t have a need to tow .The only time I find the engine lacking is in passing on the highway .There is no problem drivinh 130 to 140 km/hr .I just did a long trip driving mostly between 135 and 145 km/hr .My gas mileage was 24 mpg .

 

Can someone take a pic of the 4 cylinder and post. I have never seen one up close. I WANTED a 4 cylinder but believe it or not, after putting deposit money down and waiting for 3+ months and many broken promises from Schaumburg Toyota (Illinois). I gave up and went to a different dealership and picked up the V6. I guess they think no one in the Midwest would ever want one. Well, this was at least the way it was back in '96.
I wanted one 'cause I find Toyota 4 cylinders to be tough and the 4 may give ya more elbow room for in garage repairs and maintenance. Just a theory anyways....

 

There is lots of room in the engine bay.I don`t know why you would need it .The 2.7 is bullet proof motor .

 

I would not buy a 2nd Gen runner because I think the 3.0 is a turd and the 4 cyl does not have any torque to get it done.

If I had a choice on the 3rd Gen, I would get the 3.4, but I would not cry with the 4 cyl, which is not the same as the 2nd Gen one.

When I have wheeled with Steve, we have both been neck and neck at the back of the pack with identical gears except I have a 3.0 and he has a 2.7 4 banger.

 

Im quite happy with mine

 

I wish.....not an option in the USA

You can always send me your rig......

 

My 2.7 works for me. Ya it is under-powered, but you get use to it.