95 4runner, should I buy it

[landroamer]

found a clean 95 four runner, the bad is he said it runs very well but leaks oil, he said from the head gasket, the timing cover and one of the valves..I am assuming I would have to pull the head but has anyone seen this, is it just gaskets and labor or is there a head problem. price seems ok considering what I have found comparable. I have 3 landcruisers and a sequoia but don't have a lot of 4 runner experience. Any input would be aprecieated.
Oh, I did find a good running 97 engine for 500, is this the same engine as the 95.....might be an option.

 

[Cracker]

It depends.... IIRC, 1995 was the year that Toyota, for some reason, decided to release the next generation (3rd Gen) 4Runners, along with discontinuing the Pickup, and replacing it with the new Tacoma, all in mid-year. ( I know at least this is true withthe Tacoma...Not positive they introduced the 3rd Gen 4Runner mid-95, or waited till the end of the model year for those...Regardless, everything below still holds true..)

So does the 4Runner grille look like a 1992-1994, or like a 1996+?

Cuz with the headgasket issue you are describing, it sounds like you got one of the last of the 2nd Gens, with the 3VZ-FE, which was arguably one of the worst production motors Toyota ever built, and which is also notorious for headgasket issues.

You can sign up on Toyota.com as an owner, put in the VIN, and see any work ever performed by a Toyota dealership....Might be nice to see if its been in before for headgasket issues. Just remember, it only shows you work done by an actual Toyota dealership, NOT work done by any chains or local garages.

If it were me, I would hold out or a 96+ (3rd Gen) Runner, or if you REALLY want a 2nd Gen because you got a "thing" for that generation, I would find one with a 4cyl.
The 96+ models (3rd Gen), use the new 5VZ-FE, the much improved replacement for the 3VZ.

 

[Cracker]

Dont know if this is you or not, but if not, funny that you both have the same question and posted the same day! lol..
You're both really close, too...Is it possible you are both looking at the same '95?...lol

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...-a-1995-4-runner-how-much-should-i-really-pay

 

[landroamer]

Thanks for the info, think I might look for a newer one,
I am looking for a rig for my daughter, she had an 80 landcruiser, rolled it a few weeks ago, I now want to find her a 4runner.
funny, the one on expedition portal is a different one, I was also looking at it, that one is in the same town.....

 

[Epic Ed]

I know this is nearly a month later but figured I'd chime in just in case you (or anyone else) are on the fence. There's no arguing about it -- the 3VZE was THE worst engine Toyota ever produced, and that 95 is the last year of the 2nd gen 4Runners. If it's a 6-cyl engine it's most definitely the 3VZE. No need to worry about fixing the oil leak coming from the head gasket -- those head gaskets fail with the slightest overheating so you'd be bound to replace the gasket sooner than later. I love Toyotas but I will never again own a 2nd gen 4Runner.