Hi all,

I am in the market for a 2nd generation 4Runner, 95 in particular. I was wondering what kind of things I should look out for. The obvious ones come to mind: Rust, damage, bondo repairs (using a magnet to test), severe scratches on the underside, interior resiliency, timing belt (or does the 3.0 have a chain?).

Would there be anything else that I should look out for? Wasn't there a head gasket recall on the 2nd gens?

Your help greatly appreciated, Thanks!

 

any particular reason you are going for a 2nd gen over a 1st gen or a 3rd? Reason being - if I had it all to do over again.. well the 2nd gen is not nearly as easy to work with vs those other two.

 

Yea there was a head gasket recall Id get the vin and run it with toyota for recalls. There ias also a recall for the steering relay rod , just got mine done today check all the fluids trany rears transfer case and oil. brakes and rotors clutch if its a 5 speed and fluid as well master cylinder for brakes and clutch. radiator coolant and fan belts thats about all I can think of right now.

 

I guess I always had an preference for the 2nd gens (looks wise); I'm not opposed to another 3rd gen (I do love mine), but the prices seem to be pretty reasonable for 2nd gens.

 

The prices are reasonable until you have to replace a headgasket or whatever other repairs it may need due to age. I'd be very careful and take your time with a second gen. Most of the 95's weren't covered under the headgasket recall and they still blew headgaskets. You may be better off with a 94

 

Thanks, this is the kind of stuff I would like to know. I mean, if I'm better off getting another 3rd gen (4wd this time around), then I'll gladly spend the extra $$$ for one.

 

I've had a first, second and a third gen. third is best handsdown, better performance, reliability, and if you find the right one it's going ot be in better condition just because it's newer

 

Im on the fence on this one.... I love my 92....

but id also love

to have a SAS'd 88 with twin cases.

or a 98 with TRD locker and supercharger.....

in the end im happy (albit underpowered hey they dont call it 3.slow for nothing) with my 2nd gen, and when i sell it im likely to move allllll the way to a full size new tundra....

 

That would probably be your best bet. I love the way my 2nd gen looks and handles, but the 3.0 leaves a lot to be desired. The 3.4 is superior in every way. Not to mention the available super charger.

If you are somewhat mechanically inclined, the inevitable head gasket replacement (3.0) isn't really a big deal. I did my repair for less than 300 bucks.

 

I have had a 90' and 99' 4runners and loved both of them, but I would not buy another 2nd gen. There was way to many things to deal with which were corrected with the third gen. However I have driven both the 6-cyl and the 4-cyl and the 4-cyl is the way to go. The reliability, simplicity, and economy far outweight the slight power loss, but that is just me.

 

Are you guys saying don't get a 2nd gen overall, or if you have the option get the 3rd over the 2nd.

I am in the market to get a fun, reliable and cheaper DD, I don't want a crap little 4-banger that I have to roll the windows up myself in and can't drive through a big mud puddle. . . it might be good on gas, but when that's it's only feature. . . . gettouddah Here. . . .

I want a 2nd gen 4runner, always had the yota trucks, and loved 'em. I know gas mileage is going to be, well, not the best. . . . but compared to what we are putting out now in car payments and what we'll be saving by going the cheaper 2nd 4runner route, which is what we can afford to do RIGHT now. . . . even with it suckin down some gas, I'll be saving some money.

Anyways, my question now becomes this. . . if you can find a 2nd gen where these issues have already been addressed, minus the comparitive power difference, is a 2nd gen a good choice if the 3rd gen ($3-5k more) is out of the price range?


ALSO, I'd like to point out that, for me anyway, the TAILGATE vs. the lift up door on the 3rd gen is a big deal. I am 6'6''.... I'd loathe having to crouch everytime I wanted to open the back.... That's a big plus for me. Just as well, you can lower that window . . so when your stink-a** breath dogs are in the back, you can reduce dog breath on longer trips... that's really a plus for the backseat passengers, but whatever.....