New Guy

[namewatname]

Hey all,

First, I'm 5 minutes new to the forum! So...hello.

Second, I'm wanting to get into 4runners. Specifically, I'm interested in building a camping/expedition rig that can go wherever. Not super interested in rockcrawling/extreme wheeling, but I'd like to be able to hold my own when the terrain changes. I've been researching 4runners for a while and know the general differences between generations, what general problems/advantages each gen holds, etc.

In addition to getting into the T4R, I'm also looking to get down and dirty with the mechanical side of the rig. This means being able to fix all (or most) aspects of the car, should the need arise. I don't have a ton of mechanical knowledge (mostly just know how to maintain my car, oil changes, fuel pump, etc.) but I'm handy with the internet and have a desire to learn about this stuff. I have a daily driver already, and would want to pick something up for fairly cheap (sub $3k). I live in Southern CA, for reference.

My question is, how feasible would it be to pick up a T4R and spend some time and energy fixing it up, for someone who doesn't have a ton of mechanical experience. I know that 1st gens are supposed to be the simplest to work on (obvi), but does that mean I should forgo the other gens if I come across one that has mechanical problems but is super cheap? Or am I better off just paying $12k for a 4th gen with 125k miles and not learning at all...

TLDR-I'm inexperienced with mechanics but would like to learn. I also want a T4R. Would it be better to purchase a vehicle that already runs fairly well, or buy something that needs a lot of fixing and dive in?

Sorry for the long post. Thanks for the help!

 

[SpongeX]

All you need to fix a first gen is simple tools and a service manual. One big question might be how much capability you want and how important are creature comforts.

 

[namewatname]

While creature comforts are nice to have, until I become familiar with the platform, creature comforts<capability and ease of learning.

 

[tanglefoot]

Welcome!

It probably comes down to what kind of vehicle you want and how much you want to pay for it. Each generation is a completely different animal. Are you nostalgic or are you more comfortable with modern vehicles? Do you want cranks and levers or buttons and dials? Do you want 4-doors? Do you want to keep up with traffic or go your own pace? Do you want to tow, and if so, how much?

I love my 1st-gen but I wouldn't want to drive it very long or far, myself. It is unique, bare-bones, very tinkerable and a lot of fun but it's noisy (I guess I could put more effort into tracking down the exhaust leaks), rough-riding and tiring. Of course a later 1st gen SR5 with IFS could alleviate that.

I love the styling of the 2nd-gen and I love seeing them but I don't think I'd own one. They were kind of a head-first dive into the compact, steel-bodied utility category and have some shortcomings. Most of them have the 3VZ-E/auto thirsty and slow powertrain, the rear seat is pretty cramped, the back doors are small, and the tailgate requires the electric back window to work in order to open.

The 3rd gen is one of my favorites. I think it addressed the 2nd gen's shortcomings well and is a great compromise between spartan utility and comfort. It was available in a wide range of configurations and trims, from just-the-basics to leather, wood and the works.

My interest in 4runners kind of drops off after the 3rd gen. The 4th and 5th gen are very nice vehicles but they don't do much for me. I think they've lost too much of the heritage. That said, they're smooth and comfy!

I'd probably rather find one that's pretty well-sorted than a basket case. Some of the gremlins can be really frustrating, especially things like electrical and sensors. You also want to make sure it's on a good foundation. You don't want to spend months getting one to purr like a kitten only to have the frame crack the next day. If you really do want to rescue an orphan, an earlier-gen would be less complex and generally easier to sort out.

Good luck!

 

[namewatname]

Great response, I really appreciate it. I have thought long and hard about the 3rd gen. The 5VZ-FE seems like a bulletproof engine. My main concern would be learning to do mechanic work on that platform. To give you a gauge, my first car was a 1995 Isuzu Rodeo. Everything was manual, plenty of room to work, easy repairs (relatively), etc. I'm wanting a similar experience with my next rig, so I'm wondering how much of a learning curve it takes for the 3rd gen 5VZ-FE platform, as opposed to the 1st gen 22re platform. Ideally, both would be 5-speed. Also, how high in mileage can I go up on the 5VZ-FE before I should stop looking? 4th and 5th gens are mostly out of my price range, although I could stretch a 4th gen. I would rather spend the extra money on mods though...:REExeSquatsHL1:

 

[namewatname]

Also, I'm curious. How noisy in actuality is the 1st gen SFA as opposed to the IFS? And how noisy is the 1st gen compared to the rest? I realize I would be driving a ~30 year old vehicle, but how noisy are we talkin?

 

[tanglefoot]

A 1st-gen in good repair with no exhaust leaks, quiet tires and interior carpet in place isn't very loud. Mine has exhaust leaks and no carpet so it's fairly noisy. I don't think IFS vs SFA necessarily affects noise (except the softer IFS ride may induce fewer rattles).

The 3rd-gen was also available with the 3RZ-FE I-4 (2.7L). They're somewhat rare, but a 3rd-gen with the 3RZ and 5-speed is pretty cool, in my opinion. I like the 3RZ because it has a lifetime timing chain, it's good on fuel, and with 16 valves and modernization, its power output is nearly identical to the earlier 3VZ-E V6. With less engine weight, many feel that the 3RZ I-4 moves trucks better than the 3VZ V6.

I think learning to work on a 5VZ or 3RZ wouldn't be worse than a '95 Rodeo. It might possibly be easier. The other factor is that it might not need much, and you may not get the opportunity to learn to work on it (a pro and a con, I suppose). My parents have a 3rd-gen with the 5-speed and 5VZ. They bought it with about 90,000 miles and have had it over 10 years. It's not driven much, but it hasn't needed anything but tires and oil changes. It's a ski and tow rig and it's done some trail riding. Even without the rear diff locker (an option on the 3rd-gen), the suspension is flexy enough that it climbs right over most obstacles, in completely stock form.