Advice on a 1995 4 runner how much should i really pay?

[cdthiker]

So the toyota land cruiser that first brought me to this sight never ended up happening mostly because it would have been a rig for the lady, and as a DD the 80 just was not going to cut it.
and she hated it,
at the time a lot of you wise folks told me to look at the 4 runner, time has passed and I think that I have found one that might work
But I need help, I do not know what I am looking at.


Some context.

This rig will most likely be a third car, if it proves it self through the winter we might get rid of the aging honda civic that is quickly approaching 200k
This will be the wifes car, we have my 12 taco for camping and cross country travel.

What we need is something for her to drive in the winter, and something that if we needed to, could let us get rid of her POS DD honda.

Now, I have found a 1995 4runner, auto SR5 limited with the 3.0 v6 in it. sounds like it s younger kid who owns it. here is what I know about the truck
Timing belt has been replaced in recent history, all gaskets have been done in the last 2000 miles
the windshield needs to be replaced
truck has 175,000 miles on it.
has some trail scars from ( light body damage) some dings and such
the kid is asking 2700 but claims its books for 4 k,


Here is what I need from you all
How much should I really pay if i do get it and what should i be looking for.
How long should I expect this rig to last me ?
I am not looking for a ten year deal here but hoping for something that can last at least two or three in till we can save up enough to not have two loans on brand new rigs at once.

Thanks for your help

 

[summerprophet]

kbb.com will give you accurate book price, but I am guessing book price to be around $2000. Check craigslist for comparibles.

I owned that exact vehicle, although mine had 6 inches of lift, 35's and a solid front axle.

Honestly, I didn't like it that much. Admittedly, mine was far from stock, but the 3.0 w/ auto is a terrible combination. The 3.0 is rather underpowered, and that particular auto is terribly inefficient. The end result is loss of power to the wheels, and epa fuel economy at around 15 mpg. Not great, but still better than an 80. Cupholders are still terrible in this year as well.

I would look into how much more it would be to get into a '96. You end up with a better motor, possibly a better transmission, and you swap out the rear tailgate for a rear hatch. Other than that, they are pretty similar beasts. In a '96, you have the option to swap in a 99 or newer center console and get proper upholders as well.

4runners (regardless of the year) are often seen in the 260-300 k range before maintenance becomes more than the rigs are worth.

Toyota dealerships have a pretty sweet deal for pre-purchase inspection. 3 hours or so of checking over everything for under $200. Well worth it in my opinion, and at least you would then be making the purchase with open eyes.

 

[cdthiker]

Thanks for the response.
if the truck is as described, I plan on taking it to the toyota dealership for exactly what you mentioned.
I have to admit that I am not looking for a lot of power, I am looking for a drop dead reliable truck.
Thanks for the pointer on the 1996 I will research that for sure.

do you recall what your real world MPG was before the SAS lift tires etc?
The fellow claims about 16-18 mixed and 20 highway.
I for one, like to get insight from others as well

how many miles did you 95 have on it when you got rid of it?

Thanks again for the post

 

[haddix]

Same yourself the trouble and heartache and get a 3rd gen(96+) 4runner. It will be well worth it in the long run. The 2nd gen with 3.0 is notorious for head gasket issues.
Please save your money and look for 96 and up only. I promise you will be happier all around.

 

[JasonRedwood]

Fwiw. I had an 89 3.0 manual that I sold yesterday. Same engine, different body style. Near the end of my ownership I got 17-18 freeway mpg. That was with a k&n intake and headers and slightly larger diameter exhaust. Very well maintained as well. As low as 13 mpg city driving when I was jetting around. I hear the auto saps the power and mpg off the 3.0. I sold mine for $3500 but like I said it had the headers with all new exhaust , k&n intake and long travel suspension. 158k on body and engine.
A couple of months ago I picked up 97 4runner 4wd limited and could not be happier. Quieter, more power, better mpg, and a lot more comfortable.
If you really want the 2nd gen body style try and find one with the 22re.
I have had 2 trucks with 4x4 and the 3.0. Both had more pick up stock than a stock 22re. The first 3.0 gave out after 230k on the engine. Headgasket. The next owner replaced he owner and it probably has another 90k on it by now. They are not the worse engines but i would go another route.
Resale on a non 3.0 4runner will be better than on one with it.

 

[surlydiesel]

Not to get in trouble but I'm going to chime in with a very different opinion. I was in the same situation as you last year. We needed a 3rd vehicle for the Fiance to drive for Winter, for traveling around with the dog and our shared long distance trip hauler(you have the 12 taco for that). Her DD is a 2 door sedan and I understand wanting to keep it dog free, dogs destroy cars, hair, mud, ect. I started looking at 4runners for obvious reasons and felt very hampered by the used market price on them. I had a budget of less than 6000 and wanted to find a truck with 4WD/AWD, able to tow small(5X9) trailers, Low Range, Preferred a rear window that opened or popped up so you didn't have to open the full rear hatch every time, leather seats(easy to clean with dogs), heated seats for winter and small enough for her to feel comfortable driving it. She was used to a 2 door sedan. I started with 4runners, moved on to Xterras and then, (gasp) looked at 2 domestics. I looked at Ford Explorers and Grand Cherokees. I ended up with an 04 Grand.

Let me tell you why. 01-04 Grands were cranked out, market is flush with them, driving down the used market on them. Solid axle front and rear, this version has the AWD system, 2WD and then only kicks in with wheel slip(I was not convinced until I drove it in the snow), Low Range locked in 4WD, last year of the Inline 6, same basic motor used for 20+ years, quite simple and most mechanics know how to work on them. Heated Leather Seats, Sunroof(not on the list but fun), Roof Rack...ect. I found a scratch and dent with less than 100k on it for 4300, needed axle seals in the rear (common), brakes and the belts were original. 21,000 miles later, no problems and averaging between 16mpg around town and 19mpg on the highway, stock sized tires. This is her Driver, it will stay basically stock. I still wish it was a 4 runner when I get frustrated about the little interior noises and semi low quality of the plastic parts but the comparable trucks were between 7,800 and 10,000 in the Yotas. So far I'm happy with it and she is as well. It feels well appointed to her and semi luxurious. If money were no object, it would be an 03 4 runner with the 4.7 or perhaps a larger Lexus with the 4.7. If we kill it tomorrow with deer strike, or something I'm not sure what I would buy. Just wanted to give you my feedback of a similar experience.

Cheers,
jorge

 

[tanglefoot]

I would try to avoid the 3.0L as well. It's just not one of Toyota's better engines. Its tendency to destroy head gaskets and modest power output for its weight and fuel consumption cause most people to choose other engines. As others have mentioned, the 3rd generation (1996-2002) is a big step up. Great engines, a roomier rear seat and larger rear doors for better access, and the rear liftgate. I love the 2nd gen styling but having a power rear window/tailgate combo is bound to keep you from opening the back end some day when the power back window stops working.

For a winter driver, might I recommend a compact crossover? They have much nicer driving dynamics, better fuel economy and are generally more satisfying if you don't need part-time 4wd and low-range. Rear-wheel-drives with part-time 4wd are definitely trickier to drive in the winter than a front-wheel-drive biased all-wheel-drive system, which offers incredible control at all times.

I recommend:

Subaru Forester/Legacy/Outback/Impreza
Toyota RAV4
Honda CR-V

My sister loves her Mazda CX-5 but it only came out last year--no used bargains yet. I was previously only a fan of part-time 4wd with low-range but for most driving, the AWD crossovers are just so much nicer. I would much rather drive her CX-5 in the snow than my 4runner. The CX-5 has that completely automatic sure-footedness, drives like a sports sedan and averages 30 mpg. My 1985 and my parents' 1998 4runners are clumsy, thirsty tractors in comparison.

 

[Revco]

Pass. The 2nd gen 4Runners are a dime a dozen around here and the 3.0's are just no good. For the same money you can get a nice 1st gen 4Runner with straight axle and 22R, or get an average condition 3rd gen that might need some tires or have some cosmetic issues.

My brother was talking about buying a 3rd gen 4Runner for his wife so I've been keeping my eyes peeled in my area for him. They seem to be averaging between $2500-$5000 depending on mileage and overadll condition. But even the $2500 4Runners are in pretty nice shape. The 5VZ 3.4 is just superior to the 3VZ 3.0 in every way.

 

[Richie]

I had a '93 4Runner for just under a year. I loved the styling but it was under-powered. When I first bought it I didn't think that would bother me but it did after some time. I believe I only put 4k miles on it while I had it so I didn't have too many issues with it.

Now I have a '97 and love it. The engine is so much more peppy and I get much, much better MPG around town and highway. Overall, I would give the slight edge to my '97.

 

[Martinjmpr]

IMO $2700 is way too much for a 2nd gen with the 3.slow and a slushbox. Especially with nearly 200 grand on the odometer.

Here's a crazy suggestion: Since it's for the wife, why not let her choose?

You didn't say what your budget was but if you're looking at a 2nd gen 4runner I'm guessing it's under $5k. Around here (Denver) you could buy a pretty nice Grand Cherokee, 2nd gen Explorer, 2nd gen Pathfinder, 2nd gen Trooper or 2nd gen Montero. Any of those would probably be superior to a 2nd gen 4runner and you wouldn't end up paying the "Toyota Tax."

If you want something that is dead-nuts reliable, you need to stop and reconsider when you are looking at vehicles that are nearly 20 years old, and adjust your expectations. Anything that old WILL have problems, no matter how great it might have been when it was new. For that reason alone I'd try to get a vehicle as new as possible.

If you really want a 4runner, you can find an older 3rd gen (96-up) for under $5k but it will have high miles, probably over 200 grand. Not necessarily a deal breaker but know what you are getting into.

 

[cdthiker]

Thanks for all of the responses,
I went and looked at the 4 runner today and here are some updates

1. the truck seems to be in decent shape with the exception of an oil leak from the oil pan gasket. roughly 1/2 quart every thosand miles or so... but who reall knows
2. the truck appears to be fairly rust free, I got under it and beat on the frame with a hammer seems to be solid
3. the 4 runner shifts smooths through all of the gears, and drives decently for a rig that is almost 20 years old
4. 4x4 works well, shifts in to hi and low range.
5. head gaskets have been replaced in last 2000 miles
6. timing belt in the last ten thousand

I am having the kid take it to the toyota dealership at some point in the next few days, I know just enough about cars to know I dont know what I am looking for. So, having them look it over and tell me their thoughts

I have test driven thus far in the search for a winter rig for the lady
a 91 80's land cruiser
a 2006 Honda CRV
a 2013 Toyota Rav 4
a 95 4 runner

Our budget is five k
off the list are anything jeep related, sorry no offense but just too many of them are crappers, I have been in and drive way too many of them that never see old age xj's grands and wranglers included, had bad experiences with them all, from ones that are ten years old to 6 months, saldy jeep has left a bitter taste in my mouth

the real problem with most of the cross overs is that even with 150 k on them we just cant afford one, on top of that we live three miles off the nearest paved road, we get a LOT of snow in north idaho its a clearence problem. in a good dump a subaru just would not get out

I am looking for something that she can drive on the really bad days, that gets better then 12 MPG that is what a lot of the older trucks get.

I am thinking of offering the kid 2k and seeing where it goes from there depending on what the toyota folks says it needs.
if the truck makes it to 200 k then that is two to three years of how we drive it....

lots of options, keep the responses coming
Thanks for all of the pointers, I will keep you posted
td

 

[DaveInDenver]

If it's mostly stock, in good shape and he has documentation that the headgaskets were done within 2,000 miles I don't think $2,700 is a terrible starting point. I'd personally look for a stick instead of the auto, it's somewhat of a personal decision but the automatic transmissions in the earlier trucks zapped quite a bit of power.

He is probably right that the book says $4,000, I'm amazed sometimes at what people ask (and often get) for old Toyota trucks. There is a very nice 1995 not far from me, V6, 5 speed, 150,000 miles and he's asking $4,500. I think the bump down comes at >200,000 miles, those seem to be advertised at around $2,000 to $3,000 depending on which side of 250,000 they sit.

 

[Richie]

BTW I sold my 93 for $3400 which was low considering what other 2nd gens were going for around here. It had 154k on it and the buyer felt it was a good deal because a lot of other 2nd gens with 200k+ go for $4k+.

Personally I think the 3.0 is ragged on a bit much. I still see a lot of 2nd gens on the road and it seems when they're up for sale, 225k+ is common. Might of not of been Yota's best engine, but still reliable than most. Slow? Yes.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Yup Richie, all the complaints about 3.0L /only/ going 250,000 before the acknowledged to be a problem HG blows. What piles of junk.

 

[Wildcat]

I have a 95, 3.0, 4x4, 5speed, 230k. i paid $1800 for it. it was super clean for the year and price and most important had ice cold air. i have had it for 8 months now and love it, but.....

it's waaaaay under powered and slow. there is very little aftermarket support for the 2nd gens.

i would steer you toward a 98-2001 model. more power, more options, etc.