Finding the right used 4Runner for $5k

[CameraTraveler]

Looking for a car shopping advice from the more knowledgeable people / 4Runner owners on this board.


How I plan to use the vehicle:
Overlanding, as in extended multi-month traveling. Highway and bumpy trail exploring but certainly no rock crawling. Reliability is by far the most important but at the same time I don't want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere so offroad ability comes in a close 2nd.

Budget:
$5k for vehicle with a additional $2k to $3k for rack, bumper, winch, tires and if there are must have mods needed for my purpose

I've narrowed my search to 4Runners. For the money I'm seeing '90-'94 with 90k-110kmiles starting at $3000 and '95-'00 with around the same mileage barely starting at $5000.


Questions:
1)Given the budget/years and what I plan on using the vehicle above is there any compellingly important options available in the '95-'00 year range that negate me considering the earlier models?

2)What are the known issues with 4Runners for different years? What should I visually look for and ask my mechanic to check out before I buy one?

3)V4 vs. V6? (for '90-'94 vs. '95-'00) Which is more reliable? Significant better gas mileage on the V4?

4)Auto or manual trans? More reliable? Much cheaper to replace or fix?

 

[Applejack]

.


Budget:
$5k for vehicle with a additional $2k to $3k for rack, bumper, winch, tires and if there are must have mods needed for my purpose

I've narrowed my search to 4Runners. For the money I'm seeing '90-'94 with 90k-110kmiles starting at $3000 and '95-'00 with around the same mileage barely starting at $5000.


Questions:
1)Given the budget/years and what I plan on using the vehicle above is there any compellingly important options available in the '95-'00 year range that negate me considering the earlier models?

2)What are the known issues with 4Runners for different years? What should I visually look for and ask my mechanic to check out before I buy one?

3)V4 vs. V6? (for '90-'94 vs. '95-'00) Which is more reliable? Significant better gas mileage on the V4?

4)Auto or manual trans? More reliable? Much cheaper to replace or fix?

May I also suggest padding your kit budget with an extra grand for the suspension to handle the weight of the other mods you mentioned.
That being said, from my personal experience building on a budget is going to be a game of compromises. You may walk away with exactly what you want for the money you budgeted but probably not. You may only be able to pick 2 or 3 mods for now.

Don't skimp on your foundation. If you go with a 2nd gen 4runner ('90-'95) they can be had within your price range but if reliability is your thing than I think you'll want to go with the 22RE 4 cylinder with a 5spd. I've had way too many problems (mainly head gasket issues) with the 3.0 V6 and some auto tranny problems to recommend them for this type of vehicle.

3rd gens ('96-01) offered a superb 3.4 V6 who's reliability is working out to be on par with the 22RE. And the 2.7 4 cylinder isn't bad either but I don't have any first hand experience with those. Auto or manual are both solid transmissions here. These make excellent platforms to build off of. Another thing to consider if you decide to go with a 4 cylinder model, is the money to do a gear change to handle the added weight as well.
In your price range you'll be buying a higher mileage machine NBD just make sure the timing belt and water pump have been replaced. they need to be done in about 90k intervals. Also auto transmission flushes are good to do if they've not been done or have records of being done.
The front brakes are another problem area on 3rd gens. The rotors are pancake thin and are known to warp pretty easy. Mine have been warped for the last 10k.
Other than that do your usual used car inspection (leaks, coolant, funny sounds or smells.)

 

[Martinjmpr]

I think you're going to have a tough time finding a 3rd gen in decent shape for under $5k. And any that you find for that price will likely have over 150k on them.

For reference, I bought my '99 in 2009 with 117k on it, and I considered the $8k I paid to be a bargain, as I had seen similar vehicles with similar mileage go for over $10k here in 4runner-rich Colorado.

Even today, it's not uncommon to see late model (say 2001 - 2002) 3rd gens with ~100k on them advertised for $12k if they're in nice shape.

2nd gens are certainly available in that price range but most of them will have the problematic 3.0 a/k/a "three point slow", an underpowered engine that is notorious for blowing head gaskets.

If you can't raise your vehicle budget you might want to consider another vehicle. Montero, Trooper, and Jeep Cherokee are all quite common and available in the price range you're looking at (actually, below it.) With proper maintenance they are every bit as rugged and reliable as a Toyota.

Not saying a Toyota is a bad vehicle (hey, I drive one!) but you have to be willing to pay the "Toyota Tax" if you want to get into one.

 

[OldSven]

I lucked out and snagged my 00' 4Runner SR5 which also had a supercharger on it for $6k. I don't want to think about the other $$$ that goes along with the build:Wow1:

 

[mannytranny]

I bought my 92 (V6, ran fine, 5 speed, 4x4, great condition) for $1200.

Of course I immediately ripped out the V6 and put a diesel in there, but if you search the deals are out there!

 

[RusM]

1)Given the budget/years and what I plan on using the vehicle above is there any compellingly important options available in the '95-'00 year range that negate me considering the earlier models?
The 3rd Generation models are more desirable than the 2nd Gen. So you should be looking for a 96-02.

2)What are the known issues with 4Runners for different years? What should I visually look for and ask my mechanic to check out before I buy one?
Nothing really, these are some of the most reliable cars ever built.

3)V4 vs. V6? (for '90-'94 vs. '95-'00) Which is more reliable? Significant better gas mileage on the V4?
The 4cyl will get a little bit better gas mileage at a significant cost in usable power. The 3.4 is probably a more reliable motor as well.

4)Auto or manual trans? More reliable? Much cheaper to replace or fix?
Manual's are almost impossible to find and the auto is really reliable, but it has an annoyingly deep overdrive.

My advice, buy an already built truck. You'll be able to see how it is put together and just be able to drive it away and start having fun! Also, don't spend more than your budget on a truck. There's lots of trucks out there right now that are overpriced. Don't be afraid to buy a truck with higher miles as well, I bought mine with 180k on it and it's got 202k now and I expect it to go to 400k+. :smiley_drive:

Couple of forums to check for trucks for sale.
ttora.com/forum
pirate4x4.com/forum
t4r.org/forum

 

[CA-RJ]

Most of the 2nd Gen 4Runners out there are 3.0L which you really want to avoid. It's pretty rare to find a 22RE with the 5 speed. I believe LaOutbackTrail is looking to sell his 87 22RE with a 5 speed though. You can might want to budget some repair money to bring your new vehicle up to snuff. Anything you're likely to buy is going to be high mileage and will probably need a little R&R. Don't let that scare you though, there are some really good bargins out there!

A 3rd gen is going to be really hard to find in your budget. They will either have a lot of miles (200k plus) or be 2wd. The 3.4L is a great engine and when mated to the 5 speed is pretty fun to drive. Check to see if the timing belt has been replaced (every 90k). You should also check the ball joints for wear.

If I were you, I'd up your budget a little and get a 3rd gen. With the extra weight you're going to add, you'll like the extra power that the 3.4L has. A 4 cylinder 2nd gen will really struggle with larger tires and added weight.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I realize its out of your budget but here is one to ponder:
http://www.rockymountainextreme.com/showthread.php?t=79390&highlight=ferg

 

[Martinjmpr]

You can probably find a 1st gen Xterra ('99 -04) in that price range with around 110k on it. Xterra is slightly smaller than the 4runner but otherwise is similar in terms of capabilities. There is also a lot of aftermarket support for the X.

 

[CameraTraveler]

Thanks guys for all the info. I've heard from a Land Cruiser mechanic to avoid the 3.0 engine as well so thats off the list. 3.4L '96 or newer is the focus now. I'll keep my eye out for The Deal but looks like I'll need to put aside a couple more grand to make it happen.