Calling 2nd Gen 4runner owners...

[JWP58]

For those that have 3.0L w/ an auto trans, what is your mileage range? How many miles per tank are you getting.

It seems all the clean 4runners that are in good shape are auto's. So it looks like I'll have to settle. I figure I could always carry an extra 4gals of fuel if I think I might need it.

Any way, thanks in advance.

 

[summerprophet]

That combo is BAD for mileage. Stock EPA estimate gives 12/15. Mine with solid front axle, 35 inch tires and lift gave 10/11. Miles per tank was around 200.

Are you looking to buy? 3rd gens are pretty similar with more power, better economy, better comfort, and a fuel filler on the drivers side. It works out to about an additional 50 miles per tank.

 

[eblau]

My 5 speed 3VZE gets about 15mpg, 33x10.50 AT's, ARB, Winch, 4.88's. I know thats not exactly what trans you were looking for but I figured I'd chime in anyways. I know the 3.0/ auto is a pretty abysmal combo for practically anything (wheeling, towing etc.) at least from what I've read/ heard.

 

[JWP58]

I went and test drove it. I was honestly surprised, it was not as bad as everyone makes it out to be.

 

[DeskToGlory]

I ran a 3.0L/Auto combo with 35s on stock (welded) 4.10s for 5 years. If you let the engine rev a little and shift yourself it's not too bad. From what I remember I averaged around 12mpg... I never towed anything and the most I ever hauled was basic camping gear so I could get away with the 3.0L. The auto helped with the abysmal crawl ratio off road.

 

[JWP58]

Has anyone ever looked for a vehicle for so long you just think......"I'm so over this I think i'll buy the next one I see"?....I'm there.

I'm sick of rust, outrageous prices (ya I'm talking to you Colorado Toyota sellers....unless there is a manufacturer installed gold bar I've missed all these years), run around, no response/5 days later responses, gyppo used car dealers, ect, ect.....

Two more trucks today and tomorrow. One is going home with me. I'm over it.

P.S. I should've never traded off my 09 regular cab. Saw it around town yesterday and wanted kick my own ********...

 

[Martinjmpr]

Are you looking for a 2nd gen specifically? If so, I can only assume it's because you don't have much money to spend?

And yes, people ask ridiculous prices for 4runners in CO. Unfortunately, they wouldn't be asking that price if they didn't think they could get it. If I was you I'd expand my search to other makes. You can get a clean 1st or 2nd gen Nissan Pathfinder for peanuts. Ditto for an Explorer or Trooper.

I think the 2nd gen (R50) Pathy often gets overlooked but unless you need a hard-core 'wheeler, I think it would be a great all-around rig. Ditto for the often overlooked Isuzu Rodeo/Honda Passport and Mitsubishi Montero Sport. All can be found in good running condition for under $3k. Just a thought.

 

[JWP58]

Not specifically 4runners. But the 2nd gen 4runners are attractive due to pricing (although with the rust, 3.0, ect, its almost not worth it). Today I'm looking at a T100, and tomorrow a Tacoma.

And as far as money to spend, I'd love to pay cash (ie no payments, the sole reason I sold my '10). I'm willing to pay up to 10k, but at that price the pickins are slim (and ya i'm being picky...I don't want a ragged out rust bucket).

Also I've looked at troopers. No way, no how. If I want to drive a school bus, i'll go buy a school bus. Plus the 3.5L oil burner is enough to keep me away from most trooper/rodeos.


Realistically if I didn't care about being responsible with my money I could go buy a 2013 TRD Tacoma or a Trail Edition FJ.....but I'm a tightwad (ie wise)

I've looked at

Toyota pickup (4)
Jeep Cherokee (3)
Isuzu Trooper (1, ya that's all it took)
Ford F250 7.3L Powerstroke (why not?)
2nd gen 4runner (2)

 

[Martinjmpr]

Just surprised you haven't looked at any 3rd gen 4runners. Again, IMO they're overpriced, but if that's what you want, they're out there and they'd be within your price range, for sure.

Funny thing, though, people only want unmolested 3rd gens. I had my 99, tall coil model with 150k in excellent condition, even had the rear locker and near-new tires and I had a hard time selling it, finally took the first $5,000 that was offered. The fly in the ointment with mine was the aftermarket front bumper. Apparently it was a deal breaker for a lot of people. Now I'll admit, tube bumpers aren't particularly attractive (though only because the stock bumper and bumper cover typically hide a lot of ugly bits that are left exposed with a tube bumper) but I have to say I was surprised - here on ExPo you see people screaming for clean 3rd gens and yet when I had mine up for sale - chirping crickets.

 

[DeskToGlory]

If you're willing to work on the vehicle, don't shy away from something stupid cheap and spend the rest building it into what you want. As long as you've got a solid frame and halfway decent body to start with (and time)everything else can be purchased and installed relatively easily.

We've put about $2500 to date into our truck and have a new OME suspension installed, new wheels/tire, good used seats, new stereo, and new carpet. We'll spend another $3000 dropping a new engine in, new flywheel, clutch, new rad, hoses, exhaust and general tuneup stuff. Another $500 on brakes and bushings maybe... That's $6000 for a lot of new parts. Even if we dropped in a new Marlin Crawler 5 speed we're at $7000. Sure we got the truck given to us, but the smoking 22RE, non-existent exhaust, flat tires, leaking windscreen, and mouldy interior had something to do with that. At least the truck had been undercoated properly so the frame is rust free and the only body rust is on the fenders.

 

[JWP58]

The search is over, 1997 Toyota T100 w/ 179,xxx miles is mine. Its got some body damage, but for $3200....i'll take it. All the fluids will be changed tomorrow, along with the cracked windshield.

 

[DeskToGlory]

The search is over, 1997 Toyota T100 w/ 179,xxx miles is mine. Its got some body damage, but for $3200....i'll take it. All the fluids will be changed tomorrow, along with the cracked windshield.

Wow! Great deal! I've seen 3rd gen pickups not running go for that here!

 

[JWP58]

Yep, couldn't pass it up. I've always like T100's, and since I don't plan on going crazy with mods it should serve me well.

Now I've got to get it rigged up for hunting season.....pronto...

 

[Martinjmpr]

T100 has the same running gear as the 1st gen Taco, right? 3.4/5 speed? Should be a good combo.

 

[JWP58]

Yes it has the 3.4, but the one I bought is an auto.

Im doing the plugs and wires, oil, air filter, transfer case, both diffs. I'm wondering if I should do anything to the trans. The previous owner was not aware that it had ever been serviced. Should I just drop the trans pan and clean it (change the filter if it has one) and replace the amount of fluid that drains out???? Or just leave it be???