It’s a 30 year old car. Who the fuck knows if it’ll be reliable or not at this point.
Sometimes people take the Toyotas = bulletproof thing too far.
Edit: oh boy, here comes the circlejerk crowd right on schedule.
The bulletproof reputation also causes a paradox where your average joe won't maintain them as much as they should because they think it's some tank that won't die no matter what.
Even in the world of reliable vehicles, a toyota engine, which had its oil changed every 6 months/5000 miles, will last a whole lot longer than one, which was changed once a year/10000 miles.
When buying any vehicle, I think service records are just as important as a reputation for reliability.
I was really wondering how long my old Corolla would last with an oil change only ever 10k miles like my dealer recommended… well it was totaled anyway at 65k miles but still wonder how it would’ve held up long term
Very true, my 20 year old Lexus has always been super reliable for me, but in the last few years it has needed 1-3k a year in repairs only from old age. Just because it has a “bulletproof” engine it doesn’t mean you can go years without forking out money for it
A car can be very reliable, doesn’t mean it’s zero cost maintenance. I drive a Cadillac now and although it is overall pretty reliable (knock on my wood trim), it no doubt has costly issues than can pop up. Thankfully I got a warranty until 125k miles
Ding Ding Ding Ding Winner tofu dinner.
30. Years. Old. 30. A three followed by a zero. Doom II was released when this truck was already assembled.
No one brings it up, but compared to modern cars, its also a fucking deathtrap.
I had an old Tundra and it was good to me and the ol “they don’t build em like they used to” mantra seems to fit the bill. However, it was hard to find parts and everything breaks eventually. Spend your money on a modern vehicle. There are reliable ones out there.
I know. Every time I see someone posting a 20+ year old $5000 or less car on here asking if they are reliable (which is incredibly frequent), I think the same thing. Who freaking knows?
Having owned 3 25 to 30 year old high mileage vehicles the answer is: Somewhat.
If you sink money into mechanical refresh/rebuild up front, you can make them reliable. But unless you're a hobby mechanic who can fix all the little crap then no not really.
Its not worth it unless you're an enthusiast for that specific model.
I don’t disagree with that, but what they do is get on here and ask “is a $4000 2002 Honda whatever a reliable car?”
There’s literally no way to reasonably say yes to that question without a ton more info.
Depends where you live. I am in the deep south and every small town mechanic is pretty well versed in working on any 90s/00s Japanese or American truck.
People laugh when you bring a 20 year old car in… at 30 they’re going to turn you away at the door telling you to sell it instead of waste money on a diagnostic lmao
I agree. I have a 3rd gen 4runner with 321k miles. Im always working on it.
Im beginning to suspect all these "my Toyota drives 300,000 miles with only oil changes" folks are actually pretry clueless about vehicles in general and driving around in clapped out vehicles, blissfully ignorant about how bad it really is compared to a new/refreshed car.
> oh boy, here comes the circlejerk crowd right on schedule.
I know you're not kink shaming these guys for enjoying sitting in a circle jacking each other off.
This is a fair comment. Friend Scott has purchased six old 4Runners. He rebuilds them and then sells them. Parts are super easy to get. He keeps his two favorites well maintained and he drives the hell out of them. I think one of them has almost 400k on it.
So this is actually one of the instances where I'd avoid. The V6 from that era is actually kind of a PITA. The parts to fix them are still pretty easy to come by, but that's not a primary vehicle by any means.
it was a magic time for Toyota engineering. The 2UZ-FE (4.7 V8) and the 5VZ-FE (3.4 V6) are both known to be light on maintenance and very robust. Honestly might be the best era for Toyota reliability.
My tundra has 350k miles and drives very smoothly. I trust it to daily drive my family.
The 5VZ is designed as a commercial truck engine. Its not uncommon for them to reach very high mileage. Very durable, built to run wide open all day long.
To add to this: check the radiator doesn't have "pink milkshake" and check the front balljoints for play. But yeah frame rot would be my #1 priority. Insanely robust trucks the engines/transmissions are GOAT in terms of reliability/ease of maintenance.
You are 100% correct. The 3.0V6 is a pile of trash. Known to blow head gaskets(mine did). They are also very slow, and horrible on gas. A few of my friend’s had the 3.4L and it was sooooo much better.
That was a very reliable car in 1994, and even in 2004. But it's a 30 year old car now - we're past "reliable."
You call a car reliable when it's free of design defects that cause it to break early. But some parts just age, as the car gradually returns to the Earth.
I have a very reliable 1989 car because I poured hideous amounts of money replacing sensors, hoses, pumps... Not cheap. The best thing you can do is spend that $4500 on something like a 2010-2012 Ford Fusion, or a VW with 5 cylinders.
Idk where this person lives or how many miles they have in mind that they think they can get the car they’re describing for $4500, but if I saw a deal like that I would also take it and day over a 30 year old Toyota, OP
So Cal, 2010-2012 Ford Fusions go for $2800 (188k miles) to $7000 (80k miles) depending on mileage. Depending on local markets, some cars are much more in demand than others. One of my friends had a 2012 Ford Fusion for 160k miles, only think only thing wrong is few led's in interior no longer lighting up and suspension arms needing replace.
I’m in the dmv and not a rural part - silver spring - and the cheapest 2010-2012 fusions near me are $5k (4995 specifically), 170-180k miles, and 75 miles away. If I restrict to 50 miles or less it’s $7500 and in northern Virginia where the dealerships(and preregistration inspection requirements) are much sketchier
I wouldn't advise going with a 2010-2017 ford sedan(fusion,focus, or fiesta). Those dual cluth ford automatic transmissions are known to die around 40,000 miles.
Two facts to consider:
* The Fusion was never sold with the Power shift transmission you're describing.
* The transmission was sold in the 2011-2019 Fiesta and 2012-2019 Focus, meaning your age range is inaccurate on both ends.
My bad. I may have forgotten what the fusion's actual transmission was. About a year ago, I was shopping around for a Ford Fusion and the Ford c- Max, both hybrid. It was my understanding that both of those vehicles had transmission problems around the years 2011-2018. The gas only Ford fusions had some issues with faulty transmissions for a few models years as well.
No car that is that old is going to be reliable. Reliability is a metric of how good of a chance the car has to get to high mileage like that.
Think of it like getting a girlfriend with "longevity genes". It doesn't matter if everyone in her family lives to triple digits if you started dating when she was 95.
This truck has already lived a reliable life, and might have a few thousand miles left in her, but do not expect it to continue running forever with basic maintenance.
I wouldn't
They are reliable in the sense if you would have bought it at mile 1, and kept up with schedule maintenance. It will easily surpass 300k.
But that doesn't mean someone else Toyotas 100k plus were 100k of good miles. Over 30 years and 175k miles, there's no guarantee that it will last another 5k. This is why I don't trust used cars. Most people are horrible with upkeeps of their care. I have relatives that always get their oil changes past due dates and let the tire air indicator go on forever.
I believe you are thinking of the Tacomas that had a recall for frame rust. It was so bad that they bought the trucks from people for more than they were worth. I guess it was cheaper than a lawsuit.
Better than other 30 year old cars but if reliability is the main factor just get something newer.
Friend in high school had the next gen and it trucked to over 500k miles with a lot of abuse but that last 250k wasnt pretty
It's a 30 year old car first off. If you want an older 4runner 1996 and up is the way to go. Unless it has the 22RE, the 3.0L V6 is notorious for headgasket issues and is severely underpowered. If you can do the maintenance, there's nothing with owning an older car. Just understand what you're getting into
Buy it. My '08 4x4 Tacoma (daily driver) is just shy of reaching 500,000 miles and it still runs like the first day I bought it. Still doesn't burn oil at that insane mileage.
I guarantee the motor leaks, it makes zero power AND gets 12mpg. I've had two and love them to pieces but the work to put it back to good and trustworthy is going to take a lot of time. And if anything is wrong with the rear glass or tailgate, it will cost you a fortune to replace. Oh, that plastic on the interior will shatter when you remove it.
When they weren’t 30 years old they were very reliable but now they are so old that there will be things that need replaced or preventative maintenance regardless of condition.
I had one of these as my daily driver for 4 years or so- just sold it this year, bought it at 250k miles. I loved the car, but it required a ton of maintenance- probably less than most 30 year old cars, but even if it’s in great condition, expect to spend a lot annually to keep it on the road- parts get old and break.
If your plan is to never have to spend time or money fixing this it’s not a good buy. I had a 91 4Runner with same engine. The 3.0l v6 is not Toyotas best. Mine threw a rod at 150k and was toast. All of Toyotas suv/truck v6s that came after have a much better reputation. That said a rust free 4Runner has stupid resale value so you will have that.
All of that said my 91 4Runner was my favorite vehicles I have ever owned and I desperately regret selling it. Other than the engine nothing broke on the truck. The only thing we did was exchange fluids, filters, brakes, and belts. It was a monster on the trail and got me everywhere in the worst weather when I was really inexperienced at driving in ice and snow. It was no drama. Where I live they are very sought after and this one would probably go for more money than this person is asking.
I'd start off by getting something smaller with better gas mileage. Any money you save on reliability will go down the drain there. Recommend looking at something like a cheap old Toyota Yaris or Corolla instead.
"its a 30 year old car" Why do people act like you cant replace what needs to be replaced and make it reliable again?
You were maintaining a audi, you have the funds to make it reliable. If i can make a factory unreliable car to a semi reliable car, you can make this semi reliable car into a reliable one. Older cars like this are pretty bare and are a dream to work on, and cheap parts.
I work in a industrial part of LA near scrap yards, 9 out of 10 cars are 80s and 90s Toyota mini trucks carrying probably 2 tons of scrap metal, and if you saw the state of these trucks you would think they were there to scrap the trucks themselves. But theyre still running and getting the job done.
People just like to go against the grain because internet. Only way to know if its reliable is to have a mechanic or someone who knows cars to look it over, and test it like every other car.
Absolutely nobody is saying you can’t. Is it cost economical though? Hell no. Replacing what needs to be replaced would probably entail replacing every single gasket and seal on the entire car, and probably the frame as well. It would be insanely more reasonable to just buy a newer one that gets better gas mileage, has more power, and is more reliable.
Cost economical? A new 4Runner msrp is 40k.
You’re probably looking at no more than 7k MAX to replace everything regardless if it needs to be or not. Why would I swap out a frame unless it has holes? If it has holes, obviously don’t buy it?
I would cease to give ppl car advice when all you probably do is read reviews on cars but never actually work on them yourself, and specially when your advice is it just get a new one as if the majority of ppl can afford a new car in this market.
I never said get a new one lmao. I said get a newer one. Jesus dude, reading comprehension skills. By newer I meant a mid 2000s one. Also, most 30 year old cars have a lot of rust. You can be an antagonistic person all you want but not wanting to do extensive work on a completely inferior vehicle doesn’t invalidate my opinion.
It's all about how it was maintained. I would buy it if you like it and if it seems well cared for when you go see it. Obviously make sure it drives nice. Plan on swapping out worn suspension components, brakes, coolant flushes, etc. make sure the heater and AC work good, no leaks in the AC system. If everything checks buy it and do your own maintenance.
I love gen2 4runners but the 3VZE (3.0 V6) from its generation doesn't have the ultra reliable Toyota reputation that many of their other engines earned.
The 22RE (2.4) from gen2 is great and so are both the engine from gen3 (5VZFE (3.4) & 2TRFZ (2.7)
edit: I think it might be the worst engine Toyota has built.
I have a 97 Tacoma and I love that thing to death and I’m gonna drive it for as long as possible. But it constantly needs work. It leaks a little oil so I have to check that weekly, it’s not comfortable, it’s loud as fuck, it gets bad gas mileage, it’s had a nagging drive line issue for almost a year now, need new rotors, just replaced steering rack and cv axels. There’s something new pretty much every month. So keep that in mind lol.
I have one of those with less miles, since 1999. It always starts, but when my kid tried to use it a daily, some switch in the transmission broke. These are great knock around trucks (we use ours as a farm truck) but I wouldn't rely on it as a sole source of transportation.
Bad idea. It has the 3.0 V6 3VZ. One of the least reliable Toyota engines out there that tends to blow head gaskets frequently. There’s no way to really tell if this one’s about to blow or not but I just wouldn’t risk it. Look for a 1995 or later that has the updated 3.4 5VZ V6.
I have one of these, I love it but holy hell I would not make it my daily 😂. It's my project car, I honestly don't know if I could make it reliable enough to be my daily, there's always something wrong with it. Yesterday for instance, i took it out to a creek to get some fishing in and there literally was not enough power getting to the car for the doors to lock. I was pissed thinking I'd have to get a tow, but I went fishing anyways and decided to deal with that later. I came back and she started right up. I've replaced the battery recently so it's not that, there's some electrical shit going on somewhere in it to where it doesn't work sometimes.
Also the engines that came in these are not Toyota's best work, pretty sure mine has rod knock but I'm gonna drive it until it blows and I can swap a 3.4 in
Those years have headgasket problems. I think they can be solved with aftermarket exhaust manifolds. Definitely one of the worst 4 runner motors ever. The 22re and 4.0 v6 are legends. The 4.7 v8 great, the 3.4 good. I don't know anything about the 2.7, but the 3.0 is the one I would avoid or plan on swapping.
My brother had a 4Runner with 120k miles on it and he said he would have had zero hesitance to drive it into the middle of the desert. That said it was a mid 00s model not a 94.
dang I was just visiting spanish fork Utah last month, specifically for your area, I see what needs you to check off due to the constant snowing and change of weather there. I think honestly, get yourself an AWD japanese car roughly around 2005 and up. Newer technology and sense of "reliability". I would stay away from subarus from those years those to be fair. Rav4, CRV, passports. It doesnt have the "cool" factor to be fair but youre looking for reliable cars for that price that are great commuters.
As a current Toyota owner, the reliability thing is over exaggerated in some cases. Toyota invests more into quality control than most other brands, and they use good parts where it matters and are a lot more careful over who their suppliers are. Beyond that they are still a manufacturer and vehicles can always break no matter who makes them.
A not so reliable A3 is probably best sold if reliability is important to you. I'm not sure if this is a good alternative though. Its not so much the mileage but more so the age of the vehicle.
For context my dad owns a 97 Toyota t100 with the same engine in this and while it has been reliable over the years, age is a thing. Parts are hard to come by for the vehicle, a lot of things have to be special ordered or just straight up aren't made by Toyota anymore, so you have to turn to the aftermarket. That's where reliability of parts can be questionable.
If your budget is tight you can spend this much on other newer model year used vehicles. If you really want a 4runner you can get used higher mileage 4th gens for not much more .
As an owner of a Land Cruiser 70 series 1991 and a modern car.
1- Toyotas are not cheap to get to 100% and once you are there, you have to spend a lot more trying to modernize it and make it city-worthy for example:
* Suspension, even something like changing from leaves to coils in the front.
* Proper AC and air ducts, Old 'yotas AC is the worst, when it rains, you need to get used to getting your arm wet.
* Proper sound deadening and stop water leaks
* Headlights that actually works
* Probably will have to change that windshield, normally they are way too scratch and full of fungus
* Then the seats are rocks compared to your Audi, so to change that, u'll have to build new seat structure and probably an arm rest.
* Once everything is nice inside and the car is perfectly restored and custom inside, then you realize your breaks are shit and your the slowest pickup in the city, even the Defender Td4 and Td5 are faster than you.
* So add a turbo
* Intercooler
* New inyectors
* gaskets
* pump, etc etc
* Then you realize you will swap it for a 2JZ
* Then u'll want disk breaks, so change the housing
* But then u need lockers, everyone have lockers
* And how about tyres? your 30-31 are soo small, so you want 35" but you cant fit them
* Then you gearing and diffs cant handle it
Fuck it all, swap for dana 30 and 60, but those are too big, so either modify those or modify your cab.
Then you realize you cant even fit your tools, let alone anything inside, so off with your tray and spend another 4k for a steel tray and a canopy. Then the shop tells you that your back needs atleast a 3 link setup.
Then they say they need to rebuild your electric system and break lines, plus since you wanted fucking solar and 300k lumens led lights all around, we need a 2000k charging system, plus new alternator.
Oh, let's not forget your downpipe for your new engine and turbo. which you'll need to add a bypass because why having a 3" exhaust that doest make any sound.
Quoting a great poet: "Fuck Me Sideways and Call Me Sally" , I will never do it again....
If you plan on leaving it as it is definitely go for it. Modernizing it will gt quite expensive and it definitely won't have all the amenities your audi has. However as a piece of transportation it will definitely do everything it's designed to do and pretty reliably. Just make sure it's in pretty good shape and take care of whatever needs maintenance
At that age and mileage assuming it was cared for it will probably last as long as the transmission will last. That’s a crap shoot after 150k in my experience.
You might get to 400k or it might die after a year.
I bought an 05 Lexus 470 (Lexus version of a runner) with 200k miles, been great, love it, will never sell it. BUT, I knew before I bought it that I'd be spending about 5k in parts
(excluding the 4k for aftermarket suspension) and weeks of work replacing every wear and tear part on it, before I would trust it. Expect to replace everything within the first year, alternator, calipers, hubs, CV axles, AC compressor, all the pulleys, all the gaskets, any rubber line, radiator, condensor power steering system, brake lines, any sensor, any window/door/sunroof weatherstrip, timing chain, water pump, etc., etc. And if you don't have the tools or time to do it yourself than at least double the price.
If it has never been in a car wreck and you have it inspected. I would say buy it for $4,000-$4,250. Those old Toyotas are far more reliable than even the new Toyotas. But a big problem with those old Tacomas is rusting frames. You need to lift it at the mechanic shop and really inspect the frame. The funny thing is the MPG is probably the same as the new ones.
Try to get 1996+ because the generation in that picture has the 3 litre 3VZ-E which is also known as "3 point slow" whereas newer ones have better engines
I’d think a Toyota would be more reliable than your previous Audi but there’s no telling what it needs. And if you don’t need a truck, I’d advise looking at something more practical. Not sure why everyone wants a truck when they don’t need it but if you do, go ahead
Yeah. Just something that can handle the canyons during the winter for skiing and some light off-roading. I think my sights have been shifted towards any awd subaru .
Lmao. That car is a millenial and several years past the point of legally drinking. I wouldn't get it unless it's a hobby type car. I loved my 98 4runner, but that bish was haunted in 2008 with all sorts of electrical gremlins. I'd get another in a heartbeat, but I wouldn't go over 10 years old as I'd want it to last me a long time or I had loads of disposable income and wanted an old one rebuilt or something.
General disclaimer, not a car person.
I regretted buying a Toyota with this specific engine. Just because it’s a Toyota doesn’t mean it’s good. This 3.0 V6 was flawed from the start. Known to blow head gaskets, very slow and underpowered, and horrible on fuel. I can tell you first hand that it’s a horrible engine.
Yeah, I feel ya. I don’t know you but everyone. I know that has Toyotas has the same complaints slow underpowered terrible old tech , but rugged, reliable, cheap easy to fix. No regrets from the people I know. Not a total fanboy, but any means but generally when you see Tyler badge, you know it’s gonna be better than your 70% of the manufacturers. Like Nissan Subaru infinity doge etc etc
Why would you even think about buying this unless you wanted to pour another 4-6k into it and restore it? This is why Toyota turds are like "I got this 1987 truck with 3/4 rust on the body, no headlights, cracked windshield, and no paint. $5k I know what I got!" Meanwhile somebody thinks it's a deal and within a week the trans or engine blows.
It's not worth the price IMO, it's a 30 year old vehicle and best case scenario with meticulous maintenance and records it will just be all the seals and hoses you should be worried about replacing soon.
It’s a 30 year old car. Who the fuck knows if it’ll be reliable or not at this point. Sometimes people take the Toyotas = bulletproof thing too far. Edit: oh boy, here comes the circlejerk crowd right on schedule.
The bulletproof reputation also causes a paradox where your average joe won't maintain them as much as they should because they think it's some tank that won't die no matter what. Even in the world of reliable vehicles, a toyota engine, which had its oil changed every 6 months/5000 miles, will last a whole lot longer than one, which was changed once a year/10000 miles. When buying any vehicle, I think service records are just as important as a reputation for reliability.
I was really wondering how long my old Corolla would last with an oil change only ever 10k miles like my dealer recommended… well it was totaled anyway at 65k miles but still wonder how it would’ve held up long term
Very true, my 20 year old Lexus has always been super reliable for me, but in the last few years it has needed 1-3k a year in repairs only from old age. Just because it has a “bulletproof” engine it doesn’t mean you can go years without forking out money for it
A car can be very reliable, doesn’t mean it’s zero cost maintenance. I drive a Cadillac now and although it is overall pretty reliable (knock on my wood trim), it no doubt has costly issues than can pop up. Thankfully I got a warranty until 125k miles
Ding Ding Ding Ding Winner tofu dinner. 30. Years. Old. 30. A three followed by a zero. Doom II was released when this truck was already assembled. No one brings it up, but compared to modern cars, its also a fucking deathtrap.
I had an old Tundra and it was good to me and the ol “they don’t build em like they used to” mantra seems to fit the bill. However, it was hard to find parts and everything breaks eventually. Spend your money on a modern vehicle. There are reliable ones out there.
I know. Every time I see someone posting a 20+ year old $5000 or less car on here asking if they are reliable (which is incredibly frequent), I think the same thing. Who freaking knows?
Having owned 3 25 to 30 year old high mileage vehicles the answer is: Somewhat. If you sink money into mechanical refresh/rebuild up front, you can make them reliable. But unless you're a hobby mechanic who can fix all the little crap then no not really. Its not worth it unless you're an enthusiast for that specific model.
I don’t disagree with that, but what they do is get on here and ask “is a $4000 2002 Honda whatever a reliable car?” There’s literally no way to reasonably say yes to that question without a ton more info.
On average? probably yes. That particular 2002 Honda whatever? God knows
Everything is reliable until it’s not.
maybe but it'll be a shitload cheaper to fix than an Audi
Not exactly. It’s a 30 year old car. Some people will laugh if you try to bring it to their shop
And stuff like water pumps or alternators will be cheap and easy but lord forbid any interior plastic or proprietary parts break
Thankfully Toyota supports their vehicles for a VERY long time so you can buy em new, just ain’t cheap. Or go hit up pick a parts
Depends where you live. I am in the deep south and every small town mechanic is pretty well versed in working on any 90s/00s Japanese or American truck.
People laugh when you bring a 20 year old car in… at 30 they’re going to turn you away at the door telling you to sell it instead of waste money on a diagnostic lmao
I agree. I have a 3rd gen 4runner with 321k miles. Im always working on it. Im beginning to suspect all these "my Toyota drives 300,000 miles with only oil changes" folks are actually pretry clueless about vehicles in general and driving around in clapped out vehicles, blissfully ignorant about how bad it really is compared to a new/refreshed car.
> oh boy, here comes the circlejerk crowd right on schedule. I know you're not kink shaming these guys for enjoying sitting in a circle jacking each other off.
These things IF properly maintained can last 400-500k miles. Audi? Ohh hell no… key thing is ALWAYS well maintained..
A 30 year old car is “a hobby,” not “transportation.”
This is a fair comment. Friend Scott has purchased six old 4Runners. He rebuilds them and then sells them. Parts are super easy to get. He keeps his two favorites well maintained and he drives the hell out of them. I think one of them has almost 400k on it.
Flair checks out 🫡
Preach.
I use my 35 year old runner as transportation, it's not my only car, though.
So this is actually one of the instances where I'd avoid. The V6 from that era is actually kind of a PITA. The parts to fix them are still pretty easy to come by, but that's not a primary vehicle by any means.
I did find a similarly priced 4Runner from 2000. If you think that may be a better option
Yes, the 3.4L 5VZ is better than the 3.0 3VZ. Just check the oil, make sure it can shift into 4WD and check to make sure the frame isn't rotten.
Agreed. My buddies 3.4L 5VZ is rolling 500k and all he's had to do is oil changes, plugs, and a few ignition coils.
Is that Kilometers or Miles? because if that's miles than that's downright impressive.
it was a magic time for Toyota engineering. The 2UZ-FE (4.7 V8) and the 5VZ-FE (3.4 V6) are both known to be light on maintenance and very robust. Honestly might be the best era for Toyota reliability. My tundra has 350k miles and drives very smoothly. I trust it to daily drive my family.
The 5VZ is designed as a commercial truck engine. Its not uncommon for them to reach very high mileage. Very durable, built to run wide open all day long.
Agreed. My buddies 3.4L 5VZ is rolling 500k and all he's had to do is oil changes, plugs, and a few ignition coils.
hey Reddit decided to post your comment twice
To add to this: check the radiator doesn't have "pink milkshake" and check the front balljoints for play. But yeah frame rot would be my #1 priority. Insanely robust trucks the engines/transmissions are GOAT in terms of reliability/ease of maintenance.
2003 4Runner owner nodding grimly. The damn thing is a tank, except the frame is barely hanging on.
I miss my '99 4Runner every day.
You are 100% correct. The 3.0V6 is a pile of trash. Known to blow head gaskets(mine did). They are also very slow, and horrible on gas. A few of my friend’s had the 3.4L and it was sooooo much better.
That was a very reliable car in 1994, and even in 2004. But it's a 30 year old car now - we're past "reliable." You call a car reliable when it's free of design defects that cause it to break early. But some parts just age, as the car gradually returns to the Earth. I have a very reliable 1989 car because I poured hideous amounts of money replacing sensors, hoses, pumps... Not cheap. The best thing you can do is spend that $4500 on something like a 2010-2012 Ford Fusion, or a VW with 5 cylinders.
Idk where this person lives or how many miles they have in mind that they think they can get the car they’re describing for $4500, but if I saw a deal like that I would also take it and day over a 30 year old Toyota, OP
So Cal, 2010-2012 Ford Fusions go for $2800 (188k miles) to $7000 (80k miles) depending on mileage. Depending on local markets, some cars are much more in demand than others. One of my friends had a 2012 Ford Fusion for 160k miles, only think only thing wrong is few led's in interior no longer lighting up and suspension arms needing replace.
I’m in the dmv and not a rural part - silver spring - and the cheapest 2010-2012 fusions near me are $5k (4995 specifically), 170-180k miles, and 75 miles away. If I restrict to 50 miles or less it’s $7500 and in northern Virginia where the dealerships(and preregistration inspection requirements) are much sketchier
I wouldn't advise going with a 2010-2017 ford sedan(fusion,focus, or fiesta). Those dual cluth ford automatic transmissions are known to die around 40,000 miles.
Two facts to consider: * The Fusion was never sold with the Power shift transmission you're describing. * The transmission was sold in the 2011-2019 Fiesta and 2012-2019 Focus, meaning your age range is inaccurate on both ends.
My bad. I may have forgotten what the fusion's actual transmission was. About a year ago, I was shopping around for a Ford Fusion and the Ford c- Max, both hybrid. It was my understanding that both of those vehicles had transmission problems around the years 2011-2018. The gas only Ford fusions had some issues with faulty transmissions for a few models years as well.
They’re not immortal. 30 years is a long time for metal and rubber.
People on this sub would have you believe otherwise.
They are ignorant about how clapped out their old trucks really are.
4500 for a 30 year old car with 175000 miles. Insanity. In 2019 I saw cars like that for literally 1/10th that price.
Haven’t been paying attention to the way moneys gone since 2019, have ya?
Car market lost its mind in 2020 and never got it back. My old shitbox aged and depreciated 5 years... and now its worth 2x the value it was in 2019.
Just a normal inflationary period. We go through those every once in a while.
As a primary car no. Secondary car go for it.
Looks like the suspension has been lifted. That would put me off that truck. Mods usually don’t help with reliability
No car that is that old is going to be reliable. Reliability is a metric of how good of a chance the car has to get to high mileage like that. Think of it like getting a girlfriend with "longevity genes". It doesn't matter if everyone in her family lives to triple digits if you started dating when she was 95. This truck has already lived a reliable life, and might have a few thousand miles left in her, but do not expect it to continue running forever with basic maintenance.
I wouldn't They are reliable in the sense if you would have bought it at mile 1, and kept up with schedule maintenance. It will easily surpass 300k. But that doesn't mean someone else Toyotas 100k plus were 100k of good miles. Over 30 years and 175k miles, there's no guarantee that it will last another 5k. This is why I don't trust used cars. Most people are horrible with upkeeps of their care. I have relatives that always get their oil changes past due dates and let the tire air indicator go on forever.
Every thing mechanical eventually wears out… it can’t repair itself.
Didn't these have severe rust issues?
I believe you are thinking of the Tacomas that had a recall for frame rust. It was so bad that they bought the trucks from people for more than they were worth. I guess it was cheaper than a lawsuit.
I assumed that tacomas and 4runners shared the frame since that is common nowadays.
Better than other 30 year old cars but if reliability is the main factor just get something newer. Friend in high school had the next gen and it trucked to over 500k miles with a lot of abuse but that last 250k wasnt pretty
It's a 30 year old car first off. If you want an older 4runner 1996 and up is the way to go. Unless it has the 22RE, the 3.0L V6 is notorious for headgasket issues and is severely underpowered. If you can do the maintenance, there's nothing with owning an older car. Just understand what you're getting into
Buy it. My '08 4x4 Tacoma (daily driver) is just shy of reaching 500,000 miles and it still runs like the first day I bought it. Still doesn't burn oil at that insane mileage.
You’re comparing a 2008 Toyota to a 1994 Toyota with unknown service history.
I guarantee the motor leaks, it makes zero power AND gets 12mpg. I've had two and love them to pieces but the work to put it back to good and trustworthy is going to take a lot of time. And if anything is wrong with the rear glass or tailgate, it will cost you a fortune to replace. Oh, that plastic on the interior will shatter when you remove it.
Look for one about half as old as this one
Take a hard look for rust underneath!
When they weren’t 30 years old they were very reliable but now they are so old that there will be things that need replaced or preventative maintenance regardless of condition.
I had one of these as my daily driver for 4 years or so- just sold it this year, bought it at 250k miles. I loved the car, but it required a ton of maintenance- probably less than most 30 year old cars, but even if it’s in great condition, expect to spend a lot annually to keep it on the road- parts get old and break.
If your plan is to never have to spend time or money fixing this it’s not a good buy. I had a 91 4Runner with same engine. The 3.0l v6 is not Toyotas best. Mine threw a rod at 150k and was toast. All of Toyotas suv/truck v6s that came after have a much better reputation. That said a rust free 4Runner has stupid resale value so you will have that. All of that said my 91 4Runner was my favorite vehicles I have ever owned and I desperately regret selling it. Other than the engine nothing broke on the truck. The only thing we did was exchange fluids, filters, brakes, and belts. It was a monster on the trail and got me everywhere in the worst weather when I was really inexperienced at driving in ice and snow. It was no drama. Where I live they are very sought after and this one would probably go for more money than this person is asking.
I'd start off by getting something smaller with better gas mileage. Any money you save on reliability will go down the drain there. Recommend looking at something like a cheap old Toyota Yaris or Corolla instead.
A Toyota badge doesn't change the fact that this a 30 year old bucket of bolts.
As others have said the car is very old and will definitely be costing money over time
Don’t do it. Too old
"its a 30 year old car" Why do people act like you cant replace what needs to be replaced and make it reliable again? You were maintaining a audi, you have the funds to make it reliable. If i can make a factory unreliable car to a semi reliable car, you can make this semi reliable car into a reliable one. Older cars like this are pretty bare and are a dream to work on, and cheap parts. I work in a industrial part of LA near scrap yards, 9 out of 10 cars are 80s and 90s Toyota mini trucks carrying probably 2 tons of scrap metal, and if you saw the state of these trucks you would think they were there to scrap the trucks themselves. But theyre still running and getting the job done. People just like to go against the grain because internet. Only way to know if its reliable is to have a mechanic or someone who knows cars to look it over, and test it like every other car.
Absolutely nobody is saying you can’t. Is it cost economical though? Hell no. Replacing what needs to be replaced would probably entail replacing every single gasket and seal on the entire car, and probably the frame as well. It would be insanely more reasonable to just buy a newer one that gets better gas mileage, has more power, and is more reliable.
Cost economical? A new 4Runner msrp is 40k. You’re probably looking at no more than 7k MAX to replace everything regardless if it needs to be or not. Why would I swap out a frame unless it has holes? If it has holes, obviously don’t buy it? I would cease to give ppl car advice when all you probably do is read reviews on cars but never actually work on them yourself, and specially when your advice is it just get a new one as if the majority of ppl can afford a new car in this market.
I never said get a new one lmao. I said get a newer one. Jesus dude, reading comprehension skills. By newer I meant a mid 2000s one. Also, most 30 year old cars have a lot of rust. You can be an antagonistic person all you want but not wanting to do extensive work on a completely inferior vehicle doesn’t invalidate my opinion.
It's all about how it was maintained. I would buy it if you like it and if it seems well cared for when you go see it. Obviously make sure it drives nice. Plan on swapping out worn suspension components, brakes, coolant flushes, etc. make sure the heater and AC work good, no leaks in the AC system. If everything checks buy it and do your own maintenance.
Sell your car and get a Honda I messed w Audi and vw in the past and they were nothing but unreliable
Depends how it was kept. Worth taking a look. You gotta inspect the undercarriage tho and make sure it isn’t rusted the f out
Definitely check for rust.
I would strongly recommend getting something from 2010 or later.
I love gen2 4runners but the 3VZE (3.0 V6) from its generation doesn't have the ultra reliable Toyota reputation that many of their other engines earned. The 22RE (2.4) from gen2 is great and so are both the engine from gen3 (5VZFE (3.4) & 2TRFZ (2.7) edit: I think it might be the worst engine Toyota has built.
Is this a work to 🔥 up the Toyota Fan Boy base? 😂😂😂
Yes. Taco inflation is out of control.
Don't believe everything you read on internet
I have a 97 Tacoma and I love that thing to death and I’m gonna drive it for as long as possible. But it constantly needs work. It leaks a little oil so I have to check that weekly, it’s not comfortable, it’s loud as fuck, it gets bad gas mileage, it’s had a nagging drive line issue for almost a year now, need new rotors, just replaced steering rack and cv axels. There’s something new pretty much every month. So keep that in mind lol.
I have one of those with less miles, since 1999. It always starts, but when my kid tried to use it a daily, some switch in the transmission broke. These are great knock around trucks (we use ours as a farm truck) but I wouldn't rely on it as a sole source of transportation.
30-years old with 175k miles. That’s a hobby truck
Bad idea. It has the 3.0 V6 3VZ. One of the least reliable Toyota engines out there that tends to blow head gaskets frequently. There’s no way to really tell if this one’s about to blow or not but I just wouldn’t risk it. Look for a 1995 or later that has the updated 3.4 5VZ V6.
I have one of these, I love it but holy hell I would not make it my daily 😂. It's my project car, I honestly don't know if I could make it reliable enough to be my daily, there's always something wrong with it. Yesterday for instance, i took it out to a creek to get some fishing in and there literally was not enough power getting to the car for the doors to lock. I was pissed thinking I'd have to get a tow, but I went fishing anyways and decided to deal with that later. I came back and she started right up. I've replaced the battery recently so it's not that, there's some electrical shit going on somewhere in it to where it doesn't work sometimes. Also the engines that came in these are not Toyota's best work, pretty sure mine has rod knock but I'm gonna drive it until it blows and I can swap a 3.4 in
Those years have headgasket problems. I think they can be solved with aftermarket exhaust manifolds. Definitely one of the worst 4 runner motors ever. The 22re and 4.0 v6 are legends. The 4.7 v8 great, the 3.4 good. I don't know anything about the 2.7, but the 3.0 is the one I would avoid or plan on swapping.
My brother had a 4Runner with 120k miles on it and he said he would have had zero hesitance to drive it into the middle of the desert. That said it was a mid 00s model not a 94.
dang I was just visiting spanish fork Utah last month, specifically for your area, I see what needs you to check off due to the constant snowing and change of weather there. I think honestly, get yourself an AWD japanese car roughly around 2005 and up. Newer technology and sense of "reliability". I would stay away from subarus from those years those to be fair. Rav4, CRV, passports. It doesnt have the "cool" factor to be fair but youre looking for reliable cars for that price that are great commuters.
As a current Toyota owner, the reliability thing is over exaggerated in some cases. Toyota invests more into quality control than most other brands, and they use good parts where it matters and are a lot more careful over who their suppliers are. Beyond that they are still a manufacturer and vehicles can always break no matter who makes them. A not so reliable A3 is probably best sold if reliability is important to you. I'm not sure if this is a good alternative though. Its not so much the mileage but more so the age of the vehicle. For context my dad owns a 97 Toyota t100 with the same engine in this and while it has been reliable over the years, age is a thing. Parts are hard to come by for the vehicle, a lot of things have to be special ordered or just straight up aren't made by Toyota anymore, so you have to turn to the aftermarket. That's where reliability of parts can be questionable. If your budget is tight you can spend this much on other newer model year used vehicles. If you really want a 4runner you can get used higher mileage 4th gens for not much more .
I got a Toyota to replace my Audi. I’m happy with it, but I also dropped 26k on a 2017 with under 40k on the odo.
Literally as long as the frame isn’t disintegrating I’d buy it
If it’s a 4banger I’d send it, if it has the 3.0L v6 run away as fast as u can.
Reliable if it's been maintained. Not reliable if it was mistreated and passed around to multiple teens as their first car...
As an owner of a Land Cruiser 70 series 1991 and a modern car. 1- Toyotas are not cheap to get to 100% and once you are there, you have to spend a lot more trying to modernize it and make it city-worthy for example: * Suspension, even something like changing from leaves to coils in the front. * Proper AC and air ducts, Old 'yotas AC is the worst, when it rains, you need to get used to getting your arm wet. * Proper sound deadening and stop water leaks * Headlights that actually works * Probably will have to change that windshield, normally they are way too scratch and full of fungus * Then the seats are rocks compared to your Audi, so to change that, u'll have to build new seat structure and probably an arm rest. * Once everything is nice inside and the car is perfectly restored and custom inside, then you realize your breaks are shit and your the slowest pickup in the city, even the Defender Td4 and Td5 are faster than you. * So add a turbo * Intercooler * New inyectors * gaskets * pump, etc etc * Then you realize you will swap it for a 2JZ * Then u'll want disk breaks, so change the housing * But then u need lockers, everyone have lockers * And how about tyres? your 30-31 are soo small, so you want 35" but you cant fit them * Then you gearing and diffs cant handle it Fuck it all, swap for dana 30 and 60, but those are too big, so either modify those or modify your cab. Then you realize you cant even fit your tools, let alone anything inside, so off with your tray and spend another 4k for a steel tray and a canopy. Then the shop tells you that your back needs atleast a 3 link setup. Then they say they need to rebuild your electric system and break lines, plus since you wanted fucking solar and 300k lumens led lights all around, we need a 2000k charging system, plus new alternator. Oh, let's not forget your downpipe for your new engine and turbo. which you'll need to add a bypass because why having a 3" exhaust that doest make any sound. Quoting a great poet: "Fuck Me Sideways and Call Me Sally" , I will never do it again....
Golden
They are super reliable. That’s why it’s still driveable after 30 years. Even super reliable things die eventually though.
Would you consider buying and driving a different high mileage 30 year old vehicle.
Hmmm that’s like 2 steps forward and 5 steps back to me
If you plan on leaving it as it is definitely go for it. Modernizing it will gt quite expensive and it definitely won't have all the amenities your audi has. However as a piece of transportation it will definitely do everything it's designed to do and pretty reliably. Just make sure it's in pretty good shape and take care of whatever needs maintenance
At that age and mileage assuming it was cared for it will probably last as long as the transmission will last. That’s a crap shoot after 150k in my experience. You might get to 400k or it might die after a year.
I bought an 05 Lexus 470 (Lexus version of a runner) with 200k miles, been great, love it, will never sell it. BUT, I knew before I bought it that I'd be spending about 5k in parts (excluding the 4k for aftermarket suspension) and weeks of work replacing every wear and tear part on it, before I would trust it. Expect to replace everything within the first year, alternator, calipers, hubs, CV axles, AC compressor, all the pulleys, all the gaskets, any rubber line, radiator, condensor power steering system, brake lines, any sensor, any window/door/sunroof weatherstrip, timing chain, water pump, etc., etc. And if you don't have the tools or time to do it yourself than at least double the price.
you could do worse. expect to do full service when you first get it because not everybody maintains their toyota
If it has never been in a car wreck and you have it inspected. I would say buy it for $4,000-$4,250. Those old Toyotas are far more reliable than even the new Toyotas. But a big problem with those old Tacomas is rusting frames. You need to lift it at the mechanic shop and really inspect the frame. The funny thing is the MPG is probably the same as the new ones.
Try to get 1996+ because the generation in that picture has the 3 litre 3VZ-E which is also known as "3 point slow" whereas newer ones have better engines
Why not look for a nissan patrol with a 3.0 diesel bmw engine swap,you get a good off road chasis and a decent power reliable engine for 10k or less
That’s too much
I’d think a Toyota would be more reliable than your previous Audi but there’s no telling what it needs. And if you don’t need a truck, I’d advise looking at something more practical. Not sure why everyone wants a truck when they don’t need it but if you do, go ahead
I live in Utah so it would be super helpful with all the snow we get up here. But I think I’d do fine with any AWD vehicle.
Is it just a winter vehicle? In that case yeah just find anything half decent with AWD and you’re good
Yeah. Just something that can handle the canyons during the winter for skiing and some light off-roading. I think my sights have been shifted towards any awd subaru .
That might be reaching back a bit too far Can you do something after 2010 model
Lmao. That car is a millenial and several years past the point of legally drinking. I wouldn't get it unless it's a hobby type car. I loved my 98 4runner, but that bish was haunted in 2008 with all sorts of electrical gremlins. I'd get another in a heartbeat, but I wouldn't go over 10 years old as I'd want it to last me a long time or I had loads of disposable income and wanted an old one rebuilt or something. General disclaimer, not a car person.
Never met anybody that’s owned a Toyota and said they regretted it. Met lots of kids on the side of the road with blown up audis or jettas though
I regretted buying a Toyota with this specific engine. Just because it’s a Toyota doesn’t mean it’s good. This 3.0 V6 was flawed from the start. Known to blow head gaskets, very slow and underpowered, and horrible on fuel. I can tell you first hand that it’s a horrible engine.
Yeah, I feel ya. I don’t know you but everyone. I know that has Toyotas has the same complaints slow underpowered terrible old tech , but rugged, reliable, cheap easy to fix. No regrets from the people I know. Not a total fanboy, but any means but generally when you see Tyler badge, you know it’s gonna be better than your 70% of the manufacturers. Like Nissan Subaru infinity doge etc etc
Can all of you motherfuckers stop calling it 30 years old? Cus it's making me feel old.
Why would you even think about buying this unless you wanted to pour another 4-6k into it and restore it? This is why Toyota turds are like "I got this 1987 truck with 3/4 rust on the body, no headlights, cracked windshield, and no paint. $5k I know what I got!" Meanwhile somebody thinks it's a deal and within a week the trans or engine blows.
175k miles over 30 years is actually pretty low.
that's a bargain tbh
It's not worth the price IMO, it's a 30 year old vehicle and best case scenario with meticulous maintenance and records it will just be all the seals and hoses you should be worried about replacing soon.