Lurker posting for the first time. Looking to buy a 4Runner for my teen son's first car. As an automotive tech, I've pretty much narrowed it down to a 1994 and newer model since I got rid of all my R12 freon. I know of the headgasket issues with the 3VZ and the early 5VZ engines. Am I correct that 5VZ engine built after 1/99 has the updated MLS head gaskets that arn't prone to failing? I don't know if I can afford that new of a vehicle for a teenager, but I hate to spend good money on a 94 or 95 4Runner only to update the head gaskets and put another $1,500 into rebuilding the 3VZ when I could just spend $4,500 to 5K on a 1/99 or newer rig and forget about getting my hands dirty. What do you guys think?

Awsome site here, Thanks for any advise.

 

How about a little Toyota porn.

This is a shot of my 25X50 shop attached to my house. my wifes old 1993 FJ80 that has since been replaced by an 2005 Sequoia Limited.

That's my restored 1980 FJ40


How about a pic of my wife and son learning how to rebuild the 2F for my FJ40. Pretty cool to see the wife and kid stuffing pistons and torquing rods and mains.

 

00-01 runner limited w/ diff lock and a 5 spd...

btw, you have a very HOT wife...

 

Thank You, I agree. We've been married 25 years this August, thank God she's a motorhead just like me. Gotta love a gal who rides dirt bikes, loves to put her foot into high HP motors and will swing a wrench every once in a while!

 

'01s didnt have a 5spd or diff lock. '01-'02 were all AWD, automatics with no diff lock option.
I was going to suggest against a 2nd gen. I love mine, but its slow, terrible gas mileage, not "safe" (mine doesnt have ABS, airbags, etc) 3rd gens come startdard with those, and for a teen, those can be a life saver. But i see you are more wanting to not have to rebuild the engine. Go 3rd gen. '96 is probably the most prone to HG failures. Still dont see too many '96-'98s with HG failures. '99 Does have the tallest springs on most models. Either engines are awesome available in 3rd gens. Both get decent mileage, VERY reliable, IMO.

 

Thanks for the input toyota4X4907.

Its not that I don't want to work on it, its just that by the time you buy a vehice that needs work and then you put a bunch of time and $ into fixxing it "right the first time", you've got more into the vehicle than its worth. That's why I was thinking it might be better to step up to something a little newer without the HG issues.

 

Do you need A/C? Why not just get a 4Runner with the 22-re forget the A/C i never use mine (i have an 86'). That way you know you're son won't be speeding and he will have a very reliable engine.

 

Go with a first gen!

 

I really would not worry about head gasket issues with the early 5vz's. Chances are they have been replaced already. And I would much rather have a 5vz than a 3vz. Also I believe that the hg issue was resolved in 97

 

Forget the 22re. I love these engines, but dangit, they always have problems because people who own them before us abuse them thinking "its a TOYOTA, it will take anything and I never have to fix anything" Plus, they are gas hogs by todays (and their days) standards. Way outdated in the '90s when there are/were better engines available. Get a 3rd gen. Odds are, if he gets a vehicle with a 22re or 3vze, the engine will need to be rebuilt sooner than later. Plus, the vehicle itself is going to be AT LEAST 15 years old. There are going to be more issues that need to be addressed too.

 

Thanks for the advice, I'll keep looking.

 

The 22re is great, as long as it hasnt been beaten on you're fine. Mine has 254K on it and runs like a pro!

 

Thanks Swimmerboy2112.

A/C is a must here in So. Calif. A 2.4 or 2.7L equiped 4runner would be fine by me!

 

1st or 3rd gen, imo.

I'm biased though, my 2nd gen just blew a hg..

 

I would say a '97 or '98 3rd gen with the 2.7. I love the small size and feel of my 2nd gens but they are getting up there in age and in my opinion not very safe at all.

 

I would say either a 1st or 3rd gen. My first car was a 1st gen and I loved it. It wasn't the fastest, but the 22re is reliable and the convertible option is awesome in the summer. Plus they are pretty simple and a good car to learn how to work on.
The 3rd gens are great for the luxuries and overall ride. They are dependable, with only a few common problems like the rear axle seals and pink milkshake. I would recommend this if he like power windows and more power. The 99-00 are the best years IMO due to the mid gen upgrades and the availability of the 5 speed and e locker.
Stay away from the 2nd gens if you can. They are slow, gas hogs and the 3.0 is prone to blow HG. I love the looks, but I wouldn't buy one again if I had the chance.
Really it all depends on what your son wants to do with it. If he wants to just cruise around then a 3rd gen is great and comfortable. Wheeling either the 1st or 3rd are great. Good luck with the search.

 

Just want to thank those who posted here. I've got a lot of experience with 1st gen and was looking at a 2nd gen until I read this thread. 5VZ for me!

 

3vze = the power of a 4cyl and the thirst of a V8

 

what he said ^^^^
although mine (3vze) has 240k on it. if you go 2nd gen call in the VIN and see about the recall... if it hasnt been done they will do it for free including timing kit and gaskests, they replaced my friends WHOLE engine as his was waterlogged by the time he took it in for the recall. and as far as safety goes, I honestly havent had or heard any issues on 2nd's myself. (BUT BOY A 5VZE WOULD BE NICE!) (I HAVE to be a lil biased on the 2nd as I own one)... 1999.. 4x4 with E locker in the rear, my buddy next door just found one and it is CLEAN.. he stole it for 7k with only 115k on it...UGGGHHHH. that is the gen and year I would prefer...IMO

 

this shouldn't really be a discussion. lol 96+ 4Runner automatic ( or 5 speed if you can get it ) with the 5vzfe. Done deal.