4Runner buyer's checklist...

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mercfan

mercfan

Joined
Sep 5, 2010
Threads
112
Messages
545
Location
Denver, CO
Hi there -

I've been over for a while on the TLC 80s forum trying to find a clean cruiser but no luck, so I was going to start looking into finding a 4Runner that would work as an excellent fishing/adventure vehicle.

I looked through the FAQ section here but could not find a "Buyer's guide" of any sort - though the amount of info in general was impressive.

If someone could point me to a section that lists the advantages/disadvantages of specific years - I'm looking for something less than $7K (ideally) and I've been seeing some respectable ones in my price range from 1990 - 1999 though I don't know anything about what to look for on these or more importantly what to avoid...

Any guidance in the proper direction would be appreciated.

Thanks,
James
:cheers:
 
I think a third-gen, (1995-2002) would be right up your alley.
They've got good power, and a solid drivetrain, they're comfortable, but still have a strong 4X4 to get you out of tight spaces. I'd be wary of anything from the second 4Runner generation, because they tend to have the 3VZ-E V6, which is lacking in power, and atypically poor in quality, often the old "3.Slow" motors are swapped out for a 22RE or 5VZ-E. (please read: "poor in quality" but not bad, they're just prone to head issues, and causing headaches.)

You will hear many different opinions on the front axle vs. IFS setup, and I'd like to try and pre-empt this a bit.
Yes, IFS are stiff, prone to body roll, and more complicated to deal with for a wheeling situation, but if you're just going out to go fishing in it, I doubt it'll be too great an issue, well-maintained, the independent junk will hold out for a good long while.

As far as a "guide" goes, I don't know if there is one actually around here, but there will be "guides" in the form of folks who've got experiences with the trucks you're interested in, and can give you pointers on what to look for in a vehicle and what to avoid.
I strongly recommend a reputable shop you trust, who can look whatever you think about buying over, and make sure you're not buying a car from some fly-by-night person trying to unload a wreck in the making.


Good luck! and I hope to see some results of this pursuit in The Ultimate Fishing Thread! (One of my daily reads here on 'Mud!)
 
3vz's are...different Ive had awesome luck with them but lots of people have had horrible luck...

how far are you willing to go for a cruiser? only want an 80? theres a super clean 60 local to me but would be a lot far from CO
 
Combat Chuck said:
Good luck! and I hope to see some results of this pursuit in The Ultimate Fishing Thread! (One of my daily reads here on 'Mud!)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info Chuck - yeah, I hope so too... :)
 
85+92 said:
how far are you willing to go for a cruiser? only want an 80?
Click to expand...

I'm willing to go anywhere for the right FZJ80... I've been looking all over but they are either way overpriced to start with or if they are in the right price range I uncover some risky issues in them (coolant loss, HG failure in the making, rust, major oil loss, etc)... so far no luck but I'll keep trying. The 4Runner is my 'Plan B'... :cheers:
 
Regarding the 3rd generation 4Runners - do they suffer from the Head Gasket ailments like the FJ80s?! What are some other weak points to be aware of on these?!
 
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To my knowledge, whatever they did in development for the 5VZ motor seemed to cure the head-gasket issue the 3VZ had.
 
How do I recognize the 5VZ-E engine - are there any specific markings?

Another question: how DIY friendly are the 3rd generation 4Runners? One of the attractive things about the FJ80s is that they are relatively simple to work on and generally DIY friendly (with the FSM in hand) - hopefully the 4Runners are as well.

My dad has a Lexus LS400 and I don't even know how to change oil in that thing...

Thx
 
They're fairly DIY-friendly. you can do the basics on your own, providing you have some things, like a grease gun, and patience. You can basically change all your fluids yourself, fairly hassle-free, and if you know how to jumper the computer port, it can tell you what ails it providing you have your flashing SES-light dictionary on hand. The 5VZ's the last of the owner-manageable engines, IMO, before they got to be too complicated.

As far as identifying goes, look at the casting number on the block, it'll tell ya everything.
Edit:
5VZ: http://www.lowmileageengines.com/engine_blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/100_0034.JPG
It has quad cams, and a pronounced plastic timing belt casing on the face. It's about 6" wider than the 3VZ.

3VZ: Has a similar plastic timing-belt housing, but doesn't have the "arches" on top, and kinda looks like the flywheels for the timing belt are actually bigger than the top-half of the engine.
 
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mercfan said:
How do I recognize the 5VZ-E engine - are there any specific markings?

Another question: how DIY friendly are the 3rd generation 4Runners? One of the attractive things about the FJ80s is that they are relatively simple to work on and generally DIY friendly (with the FSM in hand) - hopefully the 4Runners are as well.

My dad has a Lexus LS400 and I don't even know how to change oil in that thing...

Thx
Click to expand...

learn to change the oil...



and buy my FJ60!

https://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-t...132-1984-fj60-stock-mt-2000-strong-offer.html
 
You might venture to the 95-current forum.
However, the 3.4L V6 is super easy to work on IMO. Once you sit down and think... its no worse than a 22RE. The auto's are great behind them, and the one standard I've driven felt great. I just wish the auto had 5speeds...
You may look for a TRD model. It has a factory rear Elocker. However, the PRERUNNER models are 2wd (sit like a 4wd) and can be had with the TRD Rear Elocker. From experience, they are capable for a stock vehicle. The low range feels torquey, the motor averages 17-19 mpg. I rarely see above 18 unless the whole tank is ran on the highway.
The 5VZ will say 3400 Four Cam on the front in a sticker.
One thing to look for before buying- Crawl under the truck and feel around the inspection plate for the torque conveter. Oily? Walk away. Unless you want to replace Valve Covers or Rear main. (two of the longest procedures. Moderate, but lots of bolts to keep track of...

My .02
 
4Runners...

Well I will provide my $0.02 as well; since I was in your position less than 3 months ago.
I am a Land Cruiser fan and owner since I could legally drive (age 16), and I got the opportunity to recently choose a vehicle for my girlfriend.

Her expectations: it had to be newer, a 5 speed, have power windows / power door locks, have an enclosed trunk space (no pick ups!) and cost less than $10,000 CDN.
I talked circles around her telling how reliable, functional and suitable a Land Cruiser (70 or 80 series) would be for her. One problem though, neither vehicle had been sold in Canada since 1987 (except for the Lexus LX450).
But the Lexus or an imported 80 series would never be available in a standard transmission (unless a rare RHD model was found). So the discussion turned to 4Runners. After some short research, I found that 5 speeds were only produced until 2000. This already reduced our vehicle choice to 3rd Gens. Then further research pointed out to me that after 1999, the updated interior is a nice bonus and something that should be considered when purchasing an already 10+ year old vehicle. This further narrowed our choice to a 1999 or 2000 4Runner.
In the end we found a 2000 V6 5 speed 4Runner which was stock with only 138,XXX KM or 87,5XX Miles. The price was steeper since it is a 5 speed, but it has front / rear wind deflectors, factory hitch, roof rack and leather (not the biggest fan of).

Without rambling on too much already, don't let price be the ultimate determinate of your buying decision.
Be patient, and remember what your expectations are from this vehicle when you are shopping.:cheers:
DSCF0344.webp
 
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Kroll said:
Well I will provide my $0.02 as well; since I was in your position less than 3 months ago.
I am a Land Cruiser fan and owner since I could legally drive (age 16), and I got the opportunity to recently choose a vehicle for my girlfriend.

Her expectations: it had to be newer, a 5 speed, have power windows / power door locks, have an enclosed trunk space (no pick ups!) and cost less than $10,000 CDN.
I talked circles around her telling how reliable, functional and suitable a Land Cruiser (70 or 80 series) would be for her. One problem though, neither vehicle had been sold in Canada since 1987 (except for the Lexus LX450).
But the Lexus or an imported 80 series would never be available in a standard transmission (unless a rare RHD model was found). So the discussion turned to 4Runners. After some short research, I found that 5 speeds were only produced until 2000. This already reduced our vehicle choice to 3rd Gens. Then further research pointed out to me that after 1999, the updated interior is a nice bonus and something that should be considered when purchasing an already 10+ year old vehicle. This further narrowed our choice to a 1999 or 2000 4Runner.
In the end we found a 2000 V6 5 speed 4Runner which was stock with only 138,XXX KM or 87,5XX Miles. The price was steeper since it is a 5 speed, but it has front / rear wind deflectors, factory hitch, roof rack and leather (not the biggest fan of).

Without rambling on too much already, don't let price be the ultimate determinate of your buying decision.
Be patient, and remember what your expectations are from this vehicle when you are shopping.:cheers:
Click to expand...

This is exactly what I have been looking for...but very hard to find :frown: 3.4, 5speed, and AC. Did you see any more while you were looking? I was also thinking of a '98, as I heard the seat belts were upgraded at the end of '98...

If i don't find one, I might settle for a second gen 22re 5speed, or maybe even a 3.0 5speed. I drive slow, so speeding is a none issue for me.
 
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