Question for the 4Runners in the audience

[TeleScooby]

Had 94 (2nd Gen) Auto 3.0, now have 97 (3rd Gen) Auto 3.4 Limited- all stock
Dittos' on what most have said- go 3rd gen.
I am tallish, 200 lbs, herniated disc, jacked right knee- I love the 3rd for the room it has. I doesn't feel small like 1st and 2nd gen (maybe they tape measure out similar, but it sure seems to have more interior room) Better seats than my 98 Suburban, more adjustment. After 30 minutes in the Burban I have radiating knee and back pain which would take 4-5 hrs to develop in the 4Runner.
Plenty of power for what I do, and reasonable mileage if I keep my foot out of it. Bought it for my wife but I love it, driving it to Spokane is a pleasure (from Everett)
Hope this helps- bummer about yer knee

Helps a ton! That is exactly what I needed to hear. I've got a bulging disk down around L3 and a hole in the cartilage in my Left knee...road comfort is the thing that will decide what I get, so knowing that you can get from Everett to Spokane and be fine is great to hear!

 

[MountainBiker]

From what I understand, economy-wise, there isn't much difference between the 4 and the 6 in real world figures.

As a Taco owner, which has the same engine choices, I've followed gas mileage numbers on the boards, and I agree with Jeffry. Especially with the Auto, the v-6 will likely get very close to the same fuel economy as the 3RZ with an auto. So go with the v-6

 

[Cackalak Han]

My 3rd Gen isn't what I'd call a smooth ride (I must be getting old). I am on the stock suspension and over bumps and washboard dirt roads, it does get a bit rattly. My friend's 4th Gen rides butter smooth. I have heard that with the OME suspension (springs and shocks), it smooths it out quite a bit. I'll probably give that a try.

Also, 99-02 have a bit of upgrades that you might find more useful. Slight face lift (doesn't really matter to me), but the center consol of the 99-02 are more space efficient than the 96-98. The cupholders on the 96-98 are useless. ETC and rear window button in a weird place, etc. 99-02 are a lot better organized. Also 01-02 came with traction control, which you might find useful. And 99-00 Limited and 01-02 (all models) came with a multi-mode 4WD (AWD) which can be used on dry pavement. Helps on those days when there is partial snow coverage on the road. (I blew my transfer case seal on my old 98 having the 4WD engaged on a road like that. My 02 with AWD has no problems.)

Ditto, My wife drives the same 4runner. We have had it since new. She just passed 90,000 miles. Our only problem, 2 electric radio antennas have stopped working. The second one is still on the truck. Makes a weird noise when she starts it up but the radio still works.

Not to go off topic, but the auto antennas on the 4Runner are notorious for breaking. The gears are made of plastic and it can crack/strip. This is the noise you will hear as the plastic gear grinds on the broken teeth. Mine just went out 5k miles ago. I am going to just swap in a Tacoma fixed whip antenna. HERE is the DIY.

 

[shawkins]

With the 3.4L and 5-speed combo I can get some pretty good MPG's.

When I had my '98, I got 20-22 MPG. That was with no lift, 255/85's and 4.10 gears.

With my '91 (which has a 3.4L out of a '99 Taco) I get around 20-23 or 24 MPG if I'm careful. Thats with no lift, 32 x 11.5's and 4.10 gears.

Granted pretty much all of my driving in both rigs is highway doing 55-60 mph. Once I hit 65-70 mph, the gas mileage starts to go down. For me the sweet spot for these motors is around 55-60 mph. The RPM's cuising at that speed is just perfect with the little bit bigger tires and stock gearing.

I know someone who has a stock 3rd gen with the V6/ auto tranny they say it never gets over 18 MPG but most of their driving is city. Then my roommate has a stock '95 2nd gen, with the 3.0L and 5-speed and he is darn lucky if he gets 18 MPG on the highway.

 

[4AFK]

How do those of you with stock suspension (or anyone else who can remember having stock suspension) feel about the road ride of your 2nd or 3rd gen runners?

I have a 2nd Gen 1995 5spd with stock suspension and the ride is just fine although the drivers seat is getting a little ratty.

I drive mine on the Interstate much and its more comfortable than my wife's Saab IMHO.