hey guys im new to the site my names chris,
i have some what of a hard choice to make...
my mother and father have always had 4 runners and now my mom wants to trade me for my mustang... id glady take the trade but i dont know what 4runner to choose i can either get the 98 thats white keept in great condition and a 4 cylinder... or the 95 or 96 i believe its green and in good condition but a 6 cylinder...
my first idea was to take the white one because it looks brand spanking new but i want to lift it and put a nice brush guard and new grill lights and a wench and whatnot on it with some nice black rims... but i will be taking it hunting and camping is thet 4 cylider not good for 4 wheeling... both of them are 4 wheel drive and automatic... what would you guys do??? i would rather take the white one because it is cleaner... but im not sure if the 4 cylinder is good for 4 wheeling... any advice helps... THANKS!!!

 

If that 4-cyl was a 5-sp, it'd be a hard choice, but since both are auto, I'd choose the V6. The I4 and auto will still get the job done, though, for what you're doing. I've driven both and I have to say that the V6 is more pleasurable to drive. Also, is the 95 or 96 an SR5? Limited? Does it have a button to the left of the steering wheel that says "RR DIFF LOCK"? You also have to determine if it is a 2nd Gen (90-95) or a 3rd Gen (96-02). I don't care too much for the 3.0 V6's in 2nd Gens, and I would probably take the 4cyl-auto before the 3.0. That's just me, though.

Post some pics of the rigs. Might shed some better light.

 

x2 4cyl will 4 wheel just fine even with an automatic, its the 4cyl/auto combo on the road that is less than desirable, especially when adding larger tires and more weight.

 

it is a 95 i just called my mom and asked... and its not a sr5 or limited... ill take some pics as soon as i can my girlfriend has the camera haha...
the white one is way more clean but like i said i want to lift it and what not... so i dont want it to be a crappy 4 wheeling rig... its sole purpose is not for four wheeling but it needs to be capable... because it will be in the mountains quite a bit... between hunting and camping... either one of the cars are here right now but ill check them later when the parents are home...

 

it just makes it really slow??? what about if i added some tune ups...intake and stuff like that??? i mean i live in stockton california but i spend alot of time in the mountains between hunting and camping... im not to worried about it being fast because if i was id keep my mustang haha

 

oh yeah and the 98 also has some of those black fender flairs looks nice... haha just thought id add that...

 

If the other one is a 2nd Gen, I would get the 98. It is cleaner, looks better (IMO--I think 3rd Gens are one of the best Toyota has ever produced), more reliable, and MPG will be better.

Nothing short of Forced Induction will give you any noticable HP, so save your money. Just do the usual maintenance and you'll be good. I'm telling you, the 2.7L is not a monster, but it will get the job done. Good luck.

 

Just by reading your posts, it almost sounds like you really want the 98. I say go for it, as long as you properly regear for tire size (just like you would for a v-6) you should be fine, and with gas prices the 4 banger will be your best bet.

 

yeah... i just wanted to know if it could be a good 4 wheeling rig even though it is a 4 cylinder...

 

the 98 and 95 should get the same MPG. i get 25MPG highway in my 91 V6 with 265x75 tires. The 95 will be more reliable than the 3rd gen, more issues with the 3rd gen than the 2nd gen. As long as the 2nd gen is taken care of it will last just as long as any well taken care of vehicle out there. my 2 cents

 

i think the 3rd gen would be more reliable... with the 3.slooooo headgasket problem and all. i hear way less problems about the 3rd gens than the 2nd... just my thoughts.

 

Well like i said, my 2 cents. and yes the 3.0 had a HG problem, but the 98 had headlight and suspension problems. so really it all would come down to looks.

 

Bottom line, if your whole issue was rather a 4 cyl would be good enough for 4-wheeling, by all means its good enough.

 

X2. I would never in a millions years even consider getting a V6 2nd gen.

 

 

does the white on have a RR DIFF LOCK button on the opposite side of wear you stick your keys by the steering wheel??
IF IT DOES GET THAT ONE HANDS DOWN!!

 

95 v6 4runner =150 hp + lots of mechanical issues (3vze Toyota problem child)
98 4cyl 4runner =150hp + very good reliability (3rz Very well engineered Toyota motor)

Not a very difficult decision.

The 3rz will get better mileage than the older V6 with out question. Sure every once in a while you find a guy that drives like an old man and gets 25mpg out of a 3.0 but reality is most of us are really lucky to get 20 out of a 3vze (I get 18 on the highway).

even if it does not I would still choose the 98 with out a doubt. I can guarantee you the 95 does not have it (not even an option in 95)

 

As much as I love my 2nd gen even with the 3.0, I'd definitely go with the 98. Better MPG, similar power, and a coil sprung front end. But I won't go so far as to say they look better....

 

no differential lock on it... just a stock 98 white 4runner...

 

also... anyone know the name of those rims that have the star in the middle of them??? there black...