Avoid pre-1990 4Runners with Auto Trans?

[yellowstoner]

Can anyone tell me if I should avoid pre-1990 4Runners with automatic trannys? I am looking for an older 4Runner for my daughter's first vehicle, and if the ATs are solid, I may consider one just for ease of driving. If they are notorious for problems, I will stay away.

Thanks

 

[Isotel]

i would try and find somthing with a 5 speed.. a 22re/5speed combo 1st gen runner is about as bulletproff of a first car you could have.. I beat the crap out of mine and it never lets me down..

Ive heard that they have issues with the auto, but i think its more that at 200k, an auto is going to be about shot, whereas you may just need to drop a clutch into a 5 speed and roll on another 200k!

 

[cruiser88]

listen my man there is nothing wrong with a toy auto.yes they die before a manual. of course.after all its a yota i love the toy. auto,but they are slow

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

I would only avoid an auto because of the power and gas they eat up, not for reliability reasons. If she can drive a stick, go with that, and if she can't go for it anyway! Being able to drive a stick is something everyone should know how to do.

 

[Cube Dweller]

Agree with the above, haven't heard any reliability issues with the earlier autos, just that they are power robbers behind a marginal(but reliable) powerplant. Though with a teenager, gutless wonder is not a bad thing.

 

[pjohnson]

Teach her to drive a manual. It will make her a better driver since she has to pay attention to the vehicle.

Phil

 

[yellowstoner]

Thanks for the advice

I think I will hold out until I find one with a 5-speed.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Plus when she's finished with it....... you can keep it!

 

[cruiser88]

10 thousand and counting

 

[4RUNNY]

A girl driving a stick is getting rare these days. Teach her how one afternoon and she will be the coolest girl in town driving that old 4Runner. And this way, none of her friends will be able to drive her car!

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

And this way, none of her friends will be able to drive her car!

Best reason yet!