I purchased a 99 black 4runner sr5 on wednesday. I bought it for 12,700 and it has 134k miles on it. I talked to many people and did my research before buying it and was assured that it was a good deal...I talked the seller down from 13,500 to my purchase price of 12,700. I guess now I am just hoping I made a good buying decision. I looked it over with a toyota mechanic who gave it a clean bill of health (the only thing he recommended was that the timing belt would probably have another 10k miles on it and then would need to be replaced.). I guess I just am looking for some assurance that this car will go another 100k if well maintained.

Also a couple quick questions perhaps some of you can help me with:

1. What can I do to improve gas mileage? What is "real" average mileage? I am getting used to 4runner mileage from camry mileage...quite an adjustment!

2. Would a K and N filter be a good option for a 4runner? Any other standard mods that can be easily made without a mechanic garage to improve the vehicle?

3. Have you ever taken a long road trip in a 4runner? (My wife and I like road trips and are wondering how it does on long distances with gas, ride, comfort etc..)

4. I have been advised on other forums to look into putting on a deckplate mod, ECT mod and something referred to as an S/C. Any input on what those are and what they do?

I am new to 4 runners so I appreciate all your help in advance!

I have searched the yotatech board a bit and found some answers, but the above mentioned items are things I could not figure out completely. Thanks!

 

things to improove gas mileage - replace fuel filter, K&N and/or deckplate mod, keep correct air pressure in tires or 5psi extra. this is just the top of the iceberg, but simple things that most anyone can do

 

What options do you have on that Runner?

The mileage isn't too bad (kinda high for a 5-6 year old truck) but it's a Toyota and will see another 100K as long as you take care of it.

Use the "search" button up top and you should find plenty of threads for some of the questions you are asking like choice of filters and such.

 

yup, change the oil religiously and you should be fine.

gas mileage is all about how you drive it. if youre not a leadfoot, youll get 17-19 or so in the city, about 20/21 on the highway.

 

I love my 99 runner..I am just lucky it only has 53k on it

 

Welcome to the board!
When I got mine I had to get used to lower milage too. Anyhow we still take it on roadtrips. Went to Sedona from San Diego a couple of weeks ago and we also take up to the Easterne Sierras regularly. It might be a bit more bumpy than you Camry but you will enjoy the ride height and the versatility (going down dirtroads, camping etc.)
I get around 20-21 on hwy going 70-80mph. Mixed driving around town gets me around 18mpg.The main thing is to not drive with a lead foot.

Improve milage: Amsoil airfilters might help, change fluids to synthetic and the stuff mentioned above.

S/C- supercharger: It will increase you horse power and torque, and it probably the best performance modification you can do. But it is expensive and will require that you switch to 91 octane (quite pricy here in Socal), I am not sure if it increase your milage much as you will start driving faster. Deckplate (do a search) it is basically cutting a hole in your airbox to increase airflow (adds 5hp or so), you modify it with a deckplate so you can close up the airbox on dusty roads etc
Hope other can chime in too

 

i have almost 62K on my 01 and it has been a dream. only had 2 problems -- 2 check engine lights that were fixed for free.

ive taken at least 10 road trips in the last year -- longest was about 5 hrs to NYC. truck is always great on the highway, gas mileage could be better, but what do you expect?

its a great all around performer, and though 183hp doesnt sound like much, it's got guts.

 

1. What can I do to improve gas mileage? What is "real" average mileage? I am getting used to 4runner mileage from camry mileage...quite an adjustment!
Check this: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...hlight=seafoam

2. Would a K and N filter be a good option for a 4runner? Any other standard mods that can be easily made without a mechanic garage to improve the vehicle?
Check this: http://www.gadgetonline.com/airinduc...20air%20filter

3. Have you ever taken a long road trip in a 4runner? (My wife and I like road trips and are wondering how it does on long distances with gas, ride, comfort etc..)
To me, the 4Runner is very comfortable, and the ride is pretty decent. You might want to look into new schocks.

4. I have been advised on other forums to look into putting on a deckplate mod, ECT mod and something referred to as an S/C. Any input on what those are and what they do?

Check these:
https://www.yotatech.com/~corey/tech/jackson_deckplate/deckplate.htm
https://www.yotatech.com/~corey/tech/dr_z_ect/dr_z.htm
A S/C is a TRD Supercharger. They run about $2000 + any fuel mods you may need. Very pricey, requires premium gas..more power.

Welcome to Yotatech!!!

I have 188k miles on my 4Runner and it still runs are drives great! You made a good choice!

 

Wow, thanks everyone for the great input!! I am about to go into a meeting with a client, but I am looking forward to having some time to read the responses and links in more detail. This site is a great resource.

 

believe me once you start looking at this site your time disappears and your wallet get abused

 

Good point. I can manage up to 24mpg highway because of the way I drive, getting a run at the hills and such.

 

I bought my 00" with 104K Miles for 12,500. I wanted to get it tuned up.

1. seafoamed
2. kept the tires at the reccoemended pressure.
3. chenged the fuel filter.
4. modded airbox\amsoil filter
5. replaced spark plugs\wires
6. fuel injector cleaner at every fillup
7. clean throttle body
8. about to use auto-rx
9. Try to keep your rpm's at 2k rpm on hwy. and 1.6k rpm on the streets on the engine.
10. Switch all the fluids to synthetic.
11. do the obvious keep the windows closed when on the hwy.
12. flex a lite fan
13. free flowing exhaust

vice versa.

 

And if the timing belt has 134k on it ,i would change it yesterday.