Hey guys, I just turned 16 and want to get into wheeling. I obviously want a road truck as well and something me and my brother (has a sick tacoma) can work on. I have a 95' 4Runner I am looking at. Do you think its a good truck, is there other trucks that would be better. I have a budget of $2500-$2000 so cant go crazy. I am also in Ontario so I don't have much selection.

 

I hear ya about being in Ontario. All I can find are rusty old trucks that need a lot of work, and if I do happen to find a decent one they want a fortune for it. I paid $1000 for my first truck and it lasted me 5 years. I paid $600 for the one I have been driving since spring. Both needed a lot of work, but both have been reliable. You should be able to find something decent for under $2500. Whereabouts in Ontario are you?

 

Honestly, 2nd gens are not that much fun to work on in the engine bay. They are the best looking IMO, and reliable trucks if they've been properly maintained, but a beast if not. If you are mechanically inclined and have a bunch of free time, go for it. They're tough as nails.

 

I have a 1994 4Runner and out of all the Toys I've owned from a 1980 Rock crawler to a 1998 Taco TRD to an 86 Land Cruiser and many others in between I have to say this one is close to being my favorite one. Just don't do what I did and get the v6/auto combo. I convinced myself I could live with it when I bought this truck but after 6 months or so I'm over it and looking for a 5 speed. I didn't have much selection either and my car was dying quickly so with a rebuilt engine with 50k and a folder full of maintenance records the price I got it for was a steal.

Good luck and happy hunting!

 

Welcome to Yotatech.

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@93toyota4x4 I am in Ontario in the Kitchener area. Thanks for the advice guys.

 

That Runner looks decent but how's the frame? Details....2.4 or 3.0? stick? etc??? Yeah, I live in the salt belt too. Right across the pond from you in Buffalo, New York. How much did they want for that truck you posted? Let me know...I'm curious now.

 

Glad you are interested just don't take it from me! Its a 3.0L V6, 5 speed manual, good body except for the usual small amounts of rust around the edges. I am also looking at a 1991 4Runner. It has 200000 on the motor and 40000 on the body. Don't know much about it yet but am emailing back and forth. Is it a better truck in reliability or not?

 

Oh no, she's all yours....I hear importing a vehicle from Canada is a pain. Besides I already have my 94 to play with. I was just wondering what it had in it and what they wanted in order to advise you, bro. If you are interested in better gas mileage with less power, go with one with a 22re with a manual. Good luck in your Yota search.

 

Thanks man