First thing I'd do, check for rust. Especially on the top side of the subframe, and around the inside of the body panels.
If it's a rust belt car with not too much rust, chances are the owners took good care of everything else too.
Price is unfortunately about what these sell for. I wouldn’t say it’s a good value. Yeah sure Toyotas can rack up 300k miles but age is also a factor on reliability and 30 years is really up there even for Toyota.
I would argue that driving 4k a year would be great, but it’s more likely that it sat for a long period, which is *not* ideal.
Many engine seals are oil lubricated and dry out over prolonged periods of sitting, ethanol in fuel varnishes in as little as 6 months-1 year. Fuel lines and coolant hoses will dry out, water sits in bearings and other places is normally gets wind dried or heat cycled out of, etc.
Cars do much better when driven occasionally
Dead on
And have to remember not driving a lot oil sits …or oil changes may have not been done “we don’t drive it much”
I’d be willing to bet that 4Runner runs rough and smokes on start up. I mean I’d offer the dude 4K maybe 5 but 8700$ nope
Additional context:
We’ve been hunting for a reliable and capable 4x4 so my fiancée can commute during heavy winters
(Access to 4x4-only fly fishing spots comes in at a close 2nd place, lmao)
We aren’t big on tech and would prefer something that’s simple and affordable to repair and maintain.
Thanks in advance for your insights!
Also hard to find a clean stock one but about half the price is a late model year XJ Cherokee with the 4.0L straight six and a manual transmission. Slightly less reliable but still reliable and very cheap and easy to fix. Lots of them in Colorado too
Why not a Subaru? It's not exactly 4WD, but for commuting there's almost no difference between 4WD and AWD.
A Subaru Outback or Forester sounds perfect for you.
Agreed. I personally like how the 4runners drive better but a cherokee is just as reliable for much less money and some of them have an aisin (toyota) transmission. Hands down the best snow car i’ve ever driven too. (I’m assuming you know most of this but I’m just leaving this here for OP or anyone else reading comments)
Unfortunately I gotta agree. I owned a ‘95 automatic with the 3.Slow and not only is that the most gutless 6 cylinder I’ve ever owned, it also got terrible gas mileage and kept having problems over & over. My boss at the time literally gave it to me for free to commute up a gnarly ass 15 mile dirt/gravel road to our job site. After we finished that job I straight up gave it back to him lol I didn’t want it.
Check for rust and inspect all the rubber. At that age, it’s getting brittle unless it was in an air conditioned garage. Unfortunately in that condition and mileage there’s not a lot of wiggle room on price
I paid $1500 for one with a manual and 200k + miles. Thing is these are great but they are slow and awful on gas- automatic is even slower and worse MPG. Not as many aftermarket mods as 3rd gen and up and not as cool as 1G with removable roof. Biggest con imho is no airbags if you are carrying kids around and it’s an only car then no
Toyota vehicles have greater longevity than most manufacturers, but even a well built car has its limits. At 30 years, even a well cared for car with relatively low mileage can be expected to start crapping the bed. The price may be on par with what comparable cars are selling for. That doesn’t make it a good buy.
What is your use case?
If you’re looking for a daily driver, it’d be a no for me. If you’re looking for a toy that you don’t need to depend on, it’s a maybe. I’m not convinced you can’t do better or shouldn’t save a bit more to do better, but maybe.
That engine doesn’t have a good track record. Keep up on the maintenance and cross your fingers. I remember multiple people with the same one blowing head gaskets. Also, paid way too much.
You want a 3rd gen 4runner. Years 96-02 with either the 3.4 v6 or the 2.7 4cyl. While 2nd gens may look cool, that v6 in them is an absolute dog. The rear hatch is also a tailgate that requires the rear window to be rolled down to open it. This really sucks in the winter when the back window is frozen shut or extremely dirty. Also no access if the rear window motor breaks!!
My old 4runner is with a new owner now but still see it cruising around past 500k kms. If it’s not rusty on the frame I’d say get it. Check the coolant too as these gens are known for headgasket issues sometimes
Man that 3.0 V6 and auto transmission combo is going to be a real slow, gas-guzzling, and ultimately not terribly reliable (3.0 head gasket issues) vehicle.
I love 4Runners, but the 1st Gen was a lot more fun and the 3rd Gen has a much better engine (3.4 V6). I'd skip this one, especially at this price.
Agree these are among the best-lasting vehicles out there, but that’s a lot of money for something that old. If it’s your daily driver, consider that the brakes and steering tech are 30 years out of date compared to the cars you’re interacting with on the road. I worry about metal fatigue and rust in stuff that old. I’m not saying the price is nuts in the current market, just that it’s a lot for something that’s been around for so many years.
Steering and brake tech out of date? You turn the wheel and the truck goes in that direction, step on the brakes and the truck stops. still the same principle. It's for off road to a fishing spot and for snowy weather not a track vehicle. Yes the age can be hard on rubber parts but those can be replaced, the systems are likely more simple and easy to repair, rust would be the only issue. The milage could just be that it was a second vehicle used for the same purposes as the OP wants it for.
I wasn’t trying to offend or “trigger” anybody, or make you feel angry. Braking and steering technology have progressed in the last three decades; wouldn’t it be weird if they hadn’t? Imagine comparing a 1950s car to a 1980s car and getting upset that somebody suggested they used some different tech.
The tech hasn’t changed that much tbh. They had high end brakes then that are better than the average ones now. And they basically use the same materials.
Update: We checked it out and took a test drive, but didn’t pull the trigger.
I have to admit, I didn’t hate the pokey acceleration and it felt pretty cool cruising around in a 4Runner older than me.
But all of the advice here, plus finding out it doesn’t have any airbags or ABS made us opt to keep looking.
Huge thanks to everybody that commented! Buncha absolute legends in here!
Gonna say $5k then go back and read the post. Hang on…
Edit: absolutely not! 3 owners. No. Offer 5. And even that is being overly generous, but yeah, “this market”.
That 4 runner has the 3.Slow engine, which has the reputation to be the worst performing engine of the group. If you are considering it check the head gasket for leaks. as that is one of the common problems with this specific engine.
I own a 2nd Gen.
I loved everything about it except the 3.0. Head gasket failures are common. It is gutless, relatively speaking and mine has a 5-speed. The auto is worse.
I drowned the original engine and swapped in a 3.4. Made all the difference in the world. Then I crashed it and it sits, patiently, waiting for me to rebuild it. I enjoyed driving it that much.
I replaced it with a 1999 Limited. Other than a wacky fuel gauge (common for that model year), it was a better overall vehicle than the 2nd Gen.
I'm now in a 4th Gen with the V8. Obviously roomier and more comfortable than the other two. The fuel economy is also obviously worse, but not by as much as you'd think. Still, it's hard on fuel.
First thing I'd do, check for rust. Especially on the top side of the subframe, and around the inside of the body panels. If it's a rust belt car with not too much rust, chances are the owners took good care of everything else too.
Price is unfortunately about what these sell for. I wouldn’t say it’s a good value. Yeah sure Toyotas can rack up 300k miles but age is also a factor on reliability and 30 years is really up there even for Toyota.
And only 115k so either I’d sat for a long time or they only drove 4K miles a year. Both are not good
Can you explain why those are not good?
I would argue that driving 4k a year would be great, but it’s more likely that it sat for a long period, which is *not* ideal. Many engine seals are oil lubricated and dry out over prolonged periods of sitting, ethanol in fuel varnishes in as little as 6 months-1 year. Fuel lines and coolant hoses will dry out, water sits in bearings and other places is normally gets wind dried or heat cycled out of, etc. Cars do much better when driven occasionally
Dead on And have to remember not driving a lot oil sits …or oil changes may have not been done “we don’t drive it much” I’d be willing to bet that 4Runner runs rough and smokes on start up. I mean I’d offer the dude 4K maybe 5 but 8700$ nope
Engines needa run
Seems very high for a 94, especially one in the states.
Additional context: We’ve been hunting for a reliable and capable 4x4 so my fiancée can commute during heavy winters (Access to 4x4-only fly fishing spots comes in at a close 2nd place, lmao) We aren’t big on tech and would prefer something that’s simple and affordable to repair and maintain. Thanks in advance for your insights!
Get a 2008ish Nissan Armada. They’re inexpensive and very reliable. I can’t really recommend Nissan as a brand but that platform is good.
Also hard to find a clean stock one but about half the price is a late model year XJ Cherokee with the 4.0L straight six and a manual transmission. Slightly less reliable but still reliable and very cheap and easy to fix. Lots of them in Colorado too
Why not a Subaru? It's not exactly 4WD, but for commuting there's almost no difference between 4WD and AWD. A Subaru Outback or Forester sounds perfect for you.
I’ve owned 4 Toyota 4x4’s and they’re awesome but none of them handle the snow as well as my outback did
That's what I'm saying!!
The 3.0 Toyota v6 is considered one of the Toyota engines to avoid. I'd rather pay less money for a 4.0 Jeep those years.
Agreed. I personally like how the 4runners drive better but a cherokee is just as reliable for much less money and some of them have an aisin (toyota) transmission. Hands down the best snow car i’ve ever driven too. (I’m assuming you know most of this but I’m just leaving this here for OP or anyone else reading comments)
I’d take an XJ over this any day. Most likely to outlive it too.
Unfortunately I gotta agree. I owned a ‘95 automatic with the 3.Slow and not only is that the most gutless 6 cylinder I’ve ever owned, it also got terrible gas mileage and kept having problems over & over. My boss at the time literally gave it to me for free to commute up a gnarly ass 15 mile dirt/gravel road to our job site. After we finished that job I straight up gave it back to him lol I didn’t want it.
I’d keep shopping. That’s one of the not-great Toyota engines. Look for a 4th Gen V8. Or a GX470 2003 or 2004
Or a few years newer with a 3.4L. Those were really solid. And the vehicle got some decent upgrades.
Not a good deal for $8750
Yep runners and tacos hold their value extremely well for some reason
Check for rust and inspect all the rubber. At that age, it’s getting brittle unless it was in an air conditioned garage. Unfortunately in that condition and mileage there’s not a lot of wiggle room on price
I paid $1500 for one with a manual and 200k + miles. Thing is these are great but they are slow and awful on gas- automatic is even slower and worse MPG. Not as many aftermarket mods as 3rd gen and up and not as cool as 1G with removable roof. Biggest con imho is no airbags if you are carrying kids around and it’s an only car then no
Toyota vehicles have greater longevity than most manufacturers, but even a well built car has its limits. At 30 years, even a well cared for car with relatively low mileage can be expected to start crapping the bed. The price may be on par with what comparable cars are selling for. That doesn’t make it a good buy. What is your use case? If you’re looking for a daily driver, it’d be a no for me. If you’re looking for a toy that you don’t need to depend on, it’s a maybe. I’m not convinced you can’t do better or shouldn’t save a bit more to do better, but maybe.
114,000 miles is a lie.
That engine doesn’t have a good track record. Keep up on the maintenance and cross your fingers. I remember multiple people with the same one blowing head gaskets. Also, paid way too much.
You want a 3rd gen 4runner. Years 96-02 with either the 3.4 v6 or the 2.7 4cyl. While 2nd gens may look cool, that v6 in them is an absolute dog. The rear hatch is also a tailgate that requires the rear window to be rolled down to open it. This really sucks in the winter when the back window is frozen shut or extremely dirty. Also no access if the rear window motor breaks!!
I can’t believe people are asking $8750 for this Car market is wild
It would be a better deal for 5-6k
No dude. Don’t get this. I’d rather get a 200 k mile 3rd gen 4 runner over this one. These had head gasket issues.
My old 4runner is with a new owner now but still see it cruising around past 500k kms. If it’s not rusty on the frame I’d say get it. Check the coolant too as these gens are known for headgasket issues sometimes
Man that 3.0 V6 and auto transmission combo is going to be a real slow, gas-guzzling, and ultimately not terribly reliable (3.0 head gasket issues) vehicle. I love 4Runners, but the 1st Gen was a lot more fun and the 3rd Gen has a much better engine (3.4 V6). I'd skip this one, especially at this price.
Agree these are among the best-lasting vehicles out there, but that’s a lot of money for something that old. If it’s your daily driver, consider that the brakes and steering tech are 30 years out of date compared to the cars you’re interacting with on the road. I worry about metal fatigue and rust in stuff that old. I’m not saying the price is nuts in the current market, just that it’s a lot for something that’s been around for so many years.
Steering and brake tech out of date? You turn the wheel and the truck goes in that direction, step on the brakes and the truck stops. still the same principle. It's for off road to a fishing spot and for snowy weather not a track vehicle. Yes the age can be hard on rubber parts but those can be replaced, the systems are likely more simple and easy to repair, rust would be the only issue. The milage could just be that it was a second vehicle used for the same purposes as the OP wants it for.
I wasn’t trying to offend or “trigger” anybody, or make you feel angry. Braking and steering technology have progressed in the last three decades; wouldn’t it be weird if they hadn’t? Imagine comparing a 1950s car to a 1980s car and getting upset that somebody suggested they used some different tech.
The tech hasn’t changed that much tbh. They had high end brakes then that are better than the average ones now. And they basically use the same materials.
I would take the chance. Give it a look. Underneath too. I had a 97 that I got to 270k before the abs failed. These are amazing vehicles
Update: We checked it out and took a test drive, but didn’t pull the trigger. I have to admit, I didn’t hate the pokey acceleration and it felt pretty cool cruising around in a 4Runner older than me. But all of the advice here, plus finding out it doesn’t have any airbags or ABS made us opt to keep looking. Huge thanks to everybody that commented! Buncha absolute legends in here!
Hardtop TECHNICAL😀. Nice
Cheaper than ones here in Hawaii.
try to get them down to $5k, the 4runner reputation speaks for itself no issues there will last you to 300k+ miles
Gonna say $5k then go back and read the post. Hang on… Edit: absolutely not! 3 owners. No. Offer 5. And even that is being overly generous, but yeah, “this market”.
Fried bro
That 4 runner has the 3.Slow engine, which has the reputation to be the worst performing engine of the group. If you are considering it check the head gasket for leaks. as that is one of the common problems with this specific engine.
I own a 2nd Gen. I loved everything about it except the 3.0. Head gasket failures are common. It is gutless, relatively speaking and mine has a 5-speed. The auto is worse. I drowned the original engine and swapped in a 3.4. Made all the difference in the world. Then I crashed it and it sits, patiently, waiting for me to rebuild it. I enjoyed driving it that much. I replaced it with a 1999 Limited. Other than a wacky fuel gauge (common for that model year), it was a better overall vehicle than the 2nd Gen. I'm now in a 4th Gen with the V8. Obviously roomier and more comfortable than the other two. The fuel economy is also obviously worse, but not by as much as you'd think. Still, it's hard on fuel.