Is a 4Runner for me?!

[mercfan]

Howdy -

I've been on this site for a while mostly in the FJ80 section. I'm looking for a stout winter/fishing/camping/adventure vehicle - it will be used as a 'weekend warrior' type of rig.

I've started looking at the 80-series Land Cruiser enamored by their stout looks and reputation for well built, awesome off road rigs. As I started researching the FZJ80s more and reading the forum, I was a bit scared off by the frequency of the Head Gasket failures, PHH, FHH, O2 sensor eating, sometime finicky EGR systems, etc. Never mind that I can't find a clean one for under $8K... and the fact that even if I do find one I like that's in great mechanical shape the best MPG I can hope for is roughly 11-15 mpg... looks like an FZJ80 may not be for me.

So here I am looking at a gen3 4Runner as an alternative, hoping that I can find a lot of the same features I like in the 80s in a smaller frame 4Runner. The things that appeal to me about a 4Runner are the reputation for reliability, capable 4x4 (dont plan on doing anything extreme). That's where my knowledge of these vehicles ends.

I got some input in one of the sections on this forum that Gen3 4Runners especially with 5VZ engine would be a good way to go.

Looking for input on what to look for when test driving one of the vehicles from this class. What are some of the common problems that once can spot. Anything to look for on a test drive so I can be aware of future problems to come?!

I read that one can hope to do a lot of the periodic maintenance in the home garage (fluids, spark plugs, wires, hoses, belt, brakes) - hoping this is not a 'myth'. Assuming these vehicles are ODBII compliant and that a ScanGauge can plug right in to help with reading the engine 'health' on ongoing basis.

Any help, guidance would be appreciated. Here is a vehicle I may want to see this week - what do I look for?

1997 Toyota 4Runner - 130k miles!! LTD Edition

Thx,
James

 

[mmml4]

You can't go wrong with the 3rd gen 4runner. The 3.4 is a sweet engine and you be able to do all of the routine maintenance in your garage.

Get a FSM and make friends with your local Toyota parts guy and your set. Always use Toyota belts, hoses and seals. I personally enjoy working on our 3 4runners.

The 97 you have listed looks like great choice provided it is clean underneath and in the engine compartment.

 

[mercfan]

I plan on looking over this candidate for obvious signs of neglect, poor maintenance, rust, dings, signs of repainting, pulsating brakes, etc.

Is there anything specific to 4Runners of this generation one should pay attention to at this stage?! Obviously if I decide to go for it I'd have it inspected by a reputable 3-rd party shop but if there are specific items that a home-mechanic should be aware of I'd appreciate the tips.

Thanks,
James

 

[WNC2OBX]

you will love a 3rd gen for what you want to do. my only complaints are the small fuel tank, about 275 hwy miles per tank, and its just a smidgen too small on the inside if you are conditioned to the cruiser but, i wouldnt even consider that an official complaint. my wife an i packed up our baby, dog and 2 weeks of luggage on a 3600 mile road trip this past summer and she was packed to the brim; using a yakima skybox. none the less, it was a successful trip other than the rotten lunch box smell that lingered in the truck for a few days after...

one thing to keep an eye out for is the suspension. look at the truck from the side, standing about 30 ft back, the rear of her may be sagging, you will be doing coil and shock replacement for a smooth ride (there are great old man emu aftermarket options). test drive her down a bumpy road to see what you think.

an extra perk for you to keep an eye out for is the edition that gives you the option to lock your differential. wish i would of gotten that!

 

[mmml4]

With the engine cold remove the radiator cap, if you see a brown liquid instead of a fairly clean fluid green or red I would be very leary. It has been my experience that if the owner did not take care of the coolant system they probably neglected other things as well. I use the same criteria for the transmission.

 

[Duane]

here is a link to another thread where we had the same conversation... https://forum.ih8mud.com/95-gen-toyota-trucks/416607-getting-4runner-yea.html
sort of up to you but the 1 option you wanna look for is the rear diff lock which is on the dash to the left of the steering wheel.
It's a factory rear electric lock.
Generally I think most would say the 99 or 2000 model years are prefered for the highest ground clearance, the upgrades from the 96-98 models, especially those crazy cup holders, and you could still get a 5 speed manual transmission if you want that over an automatic. The 01 and 02 got the traction control enhancements.
I still love our 2.7Litre inline 4 as it just runs like a sewing machine....
Let's just say i don't think you would be dissapointed with a 3rd gen runner but obviously I am biased... If you aren't a big person or want to tow large things they are a great all around vehicle.

As for checking one out, all the normal things apply. Check that everything works, check rust, leaks(rare though), check lines of doors, rear hatch, inside fuel filler cap etc for newer paint/overspray & body damage or fit problems as these being made in Japan they seem to have great fit and finish. I put them in 4 hi and 4 lo, check to see they go in and out ok, run them on the highway fast and do figure eights in a parking lot to see that all functions ok. Check that all the windows go up and down smoothly especially the rear one, check all fluids..level and color, service history is good, 3.4L check for recent timing belt replacement and water pump replacement..non interference engine so a timing belt break is not catastrophic.. the 4cylinder has a chain and are interference but I haven't heard of one breaking on here.
Power antennas can be a problem, exhaust manifolds on the inline 4 cylinder, front rotor warpage. As for engine codes..never had one yet knock on wood!
Drivetrains are plentiful so they are cheap and easy to find if you do ever break something. I have even owned 2 Honda civics and these 3rd gens are the lowest maintenace vehicles I have ever owned.especially for a 4 wheel drive.. change the fluids occasionaly, add gas, tires and drive em!
Well the 84BJ60 was low maintenance until it got up over 400K

 

[Gerdo]

Mercfan
Here Built 2000 4Runner - 11,500 - Toyota - 4Runner . org Forum is a friend of mine's. He also just dropped the price. It is a good running vehicle and he is an honest guy and will let you know what might need attention. It is trail ready.

I have his phone number if you want to call him.

 

[jrock24]

I recently got a 97 4runner and love it. Mine needs some rear suspension work becuase its a rough ride on bumpy roads but other then that its great. My only complaints and insignificant like the cup holders, moonroof switch, and maybe the cheapo after market stereo.
I paid about 7k for a ltd 4x4 with rear locker. I think it was a good deal. It does pretty good offroading, but I have a Bronco for the real tough stuff.

 

[TCinVA]

I have an '01 4Runner, and I love it. We use it as the family car and use one of the older Toyotas for wheeling, but for mild wheeling where IFS wouldn't be a hindrance, it's a reasonably powerful full body onframe Toyota 4 wheel drive. I have this fantasy of getting it when my wife gets another truck, and stripping off the Limited claddind and SAS ing it.

 

[bkg]

Still regret selling my 96... Was just in it again on Saturday and it still rocks.

I'd go with a 99 or newer, only because I like the dash and center console better.

 

[mercfan]

Still looking...

Was wondering what the MPGs are on the 4Runners ('96-'99) - can they really get into low 20's on the highway? Most other trucks in this category (Xterra, Pathfinder, even Rodeo) get around 17mpgs.

What makes these 4Runners get above 20's as I've heard?

 

[Jacket]

I think getting in the 20's is optimistic, unless you drive nearly 100% highway, very conservatively and with a constant tailwind....

It's certainly achievable (20-22 mpg), but I think you should expect more like 17-19 on average for a well maintained 3.4 V6 without too much extra weight.

 

[mercfan]

It's certainly achievable (20-22 mpg), but I think you should expect more like 17-19 on average for a well maintained 3.4 V6 without too much extra weight.

That's not too bad, given what we have available here in the States.

I wonder if there is another mid-size SUV to consider that gets better MPGs?!

 

[Jacket]

Probably not unless you want to venture into crossover territory: Subaru, RAV-4, CRV, etc. I think a body-on-frame truck with true 4 wheel drive and a transfer case is almost guaranteed to be 20 mpg or less tops (unless you can find a diesel or a mini mini-truck with a 4 cyl).

Tacomas (and some 4Runners) came with 4 cyl and I believe the mileage was a bit better for those trucks.

 

[mercfan]

Probably not unless you want to venture into crossover territory: Subaru, RAV-4, CRV, etc. I think a body-on-frame truck with true 4 wheel drive and a transfer case is almost guaranteed to be 20 mpg or less tops (unless you can find a diesel or a mini mini-truck with a 4 cyl).

Tacomas (and some 4Runners) came with 4 cyl and I believe the mileage was a bit better for those trucks.

Makes sense - yes, I've seen a few Toyotas advertized with 4 cylinders... I would be interested.

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

I am also looking for the same reason, but doubt I will find one with a locker...how hard is it to find a locker assembly, and install it on a rig that did not come with a locker

I am looking for 99 OR 98 (but will buy an OME lift), and I have seen both 4 and 6 cylinders for sale. Which you buy and why

What can a 4 cylinder tow...and what can a 6 tow

and finally, I would rather have a 5speed, but see many autos around...if you had your choice...would you get an auto, or 5 speed...and why

Thanks in advance

 

[mercfan]

...if you had your choice...would you get an auto, or 5 speed...and why

For me, I'd rather have a 5-speed manual... that said, I drove an Auto with a diff locker last weekend and it was sooo to have that auto - it shifted great and I know my wife would favor an auto when she needs to use it. So I guess either one will do.

 

[Jacket]

Personally I would opt for the 3.4 V6 for these reasons.
- 4 cylinder gas mileage isn't that much better (I can't recall the numbers, but I'm guessing they are within 5 mpg's of each other).
- Where I live, the hill climbs would eat the 4 cyl alive (my old 3.4 4Runner had to work pretty hard to get up to the Eisenhower Tunnel).
- The 3.4 V6 has proven itself to carry on the durability torch for Toyota with reasonable maintenance.

I don't know if you can get a locker with the 4 cyl; if you can it would be rare as hell. On the other hand, you can find a V6, 5 speed Tacoma with a locker fairly easily (in the mountain west at least). The 5 speed locked 4Runners are more rare, but they do exist.

As much as I like the MT over an AT, if I was wheelin' the truck a lot I'd probably opt for the AT - personal preference (unless I had crawler box....). But for an around the town truck that occasionally will see a trail, the MT is nice.

 

[Duane]

Well in our experience a 2.7 litre is a bit better around town for mileage than the 3.4 litre. Anytime we go on a trip on the highway where you want to drive 60 mph or better, or hilly roads then we get better mileage with our 3.4 Litre.
I see the odd 4cylinder with a rear locker but not the norm. The limited models have the rear locker typically i think. The Ferg on here had swapped a locker out of his Ltd and put it in his 01 rig that he recently sold. Can be done with some work but finding a factory equipped one is the easiest by far.
I certainly prefer the automatic... no shifting and waiting in traffic building up the left leg muscles and no clutch to worry about servicing down the road.
We just sold our Honda yesterday so now we are a 3 Runner household They seem to cover most anything we need to do.... we aren't really tall people, don't have 5 kids and don't tow a big boat or rv so a 3rd gen fits us very very well.
An absolute plus this winter again with all the snow we have been getting.

 

[quicksilvr]

I have a '97 SR5 that I just bought with the intention to sell. I'm going through it, checking it out and doing all the fluids, etc.

It's so clean you could eat off the bolts in the engine bay. 3.4L Auto, White, all stock, 196K miles. Runs like new, based on my 6 other 3rd gen 4runner experiences, I'd say this one has 400K miles in it easy. It'll be ready to roll down the road for sale in about 10 days. Pm me if you're interested..



But yes, to answer your question: a 3rd gen 4runner is an awesome all around vehicle and none of my personal friends that have had one ever end up NOT having one. If that makes sense. 3rd gen for life.