Looking to replace my '92 Bonneville for a runner. Strictly on road only, towing occasional trailer with quads. No forth generations(way tooo much $) .
When did the 3.4L come out.
Basically what do you think is the best year to buy?

I know the history on 3.0's so don't go into that, but would purchase one.

I have many Q's , but maybe that's a start.

I've owned toyota trucks for the last 18 years , but never a runner, just what I've learned here since I joined.

 

96 was first year of 3.4, i would go with a 3rd gen (96-02)

 

Go with a 3rd gen, if possible!

 

Definitely a 3rd Gen. V6. I'd say try for a 96 Limited w/locker.

 

So 96 was the first year for the 3.4L, But like many first year vehicles or engines they might have issues that need worked work. Is this the case with the 96? Or has it been just as relieable over the years. Also, what about the problems with the rear axle seals.

 

Some 96's had issues with a head gasket leak, fixed by 97. Get a 99-00 w/ locker.

 

I think If I was lookin for a good used runner I'd go for a 98 to 00. old enough to sell most reasonably but new enough to find one with lower miles. If not to mod then def look for a limited with leather interior. That's what I'd do. BUT I'D BET MY NEXT PAYCHECK YOU'LL STILL GET THE ITCH TO PLAY WITH IT. MOD THE POWER TRAIN AND HOP IT UP A TOUCH, ....AND SO ON, .....AND SO ON, ......AND SO ON

 

i agreee with zilla... id go for a 98+ for the reasons he stated.

 

Another vote for a 3rd gen. Look for a 99 with a locker!

 

'99-'00 Limited with the Locker plus if you don't mind an automatic tranny you'll get the rare AWD mode.

 

I love my '02 SE.

 

Another 3rd Generation strictly because you stated you'd not be off-roading it and you wanted to tow. No one's mentioned (maybe because it's a given for most) but the stock 3.0 is just not all that poweful, especially to tow. I love the 2nd gen look but 3rds aren't much different and you get a 3.4L with more power for towing. Depending on budget, I have the LTD w/ leather and it's nice and very tough so that would be a plus.

 

00' to 02' Sport Edition. Nicest interiors period. Not to mention the aggressive hoodscoop and skid plate.

 

i say a 99 with a LOCKER, wooohoooo

 

My brothers looking to get rid of his 00 runner limited in green with 40K? miles. The only thing I don't like is the tacky gold trim but it's a sweet ride

 

96 is fine....

 

Thanks for all the help. Looks like I'm going to look for a decent 3rd gen. The price range seems to vary alot from the short time I've been looking. I'll post anything that looks worthy for buying for some opinions.

 

if no off roading, and light towing ... I'd go with a tundra extra cab

 

No more trucks. I allready own 2 toy trucks, The bonneville, 99 Gmc K3500, 79 F-350,85 GMC DUMPTRUCK . The 4runner would be perfect for running to camp pulling a trailer.

Also, anybody have the bluebook valve on a '92 Bonneville SE with 108K, excellant cond, Ac, Power windows & locks, is worth? I'm thinking about $2,200

 

I'm just telling you from experience. I own both a 02 4runner, and a 02 tundra. Every time I tow I use the truck and not the runner. The few times I did have to use it (chicago to Md) towing a Uhaul, it just felt like the 4runner was taking a real beating vs the tundra in which it didn't even feel like I had a trailer back there.

Also you can get a 00 tundra with low miles V8, for a little less then a comparable 4runner.

Either way you can do it and you'll probably be fine. I just thought I would throw it out there to help ya