buying a 4Runner

[smbrand1]

Hello there,
New to the forum here and I'm looking for some advice. I'm looking at getting a used 4Runner in the not-to-distant future and I'm wondering what to look for. I have my sights set on something from the mid-90's (94-98 maybe?) and I'm on a bit of a budget so I think a higher milage 4Runner is in my future. Does anyone have any thoughts as to how the 4Runner's perform around the 100,000 mile range? Are there specific things that usually start to happen to these cars that I should be on the lookout for? For example, I hear the Runner's from the mid-90's have some head gasket problems that are pretty comon. Is it possible to get a quality vehicle in that milage range or am I going to have to be ultra careful. Also, is there anything strange about the up-keep on these auto's? I'll be getting rid of a completely reliable, bomb-proof '94 Honda Accord (150K miles and I'd expect it to run for at least that many more) in order to get myself a 4Runner. I'm looking for the kind of dependability in a 4Runner that I get from my Honda. Is that expecting too much? I'd appreciate any input I can get and thank any who care to respond for their time.

[philbertgranger]

A 4Runner runs about the same at 100,000 miles as it did new, if it has been well cared for. As with any 4X4, an abused vehicle is going to have problems. If you can find an original owner who took care of regular maintenance, never wrecked it, and knows how to drive the vehicle properly on and off road, you should be fine. Take a look underneath for leaks and large dents and scrapes. A knowledgable off-roader avoids this kind of damage. I would also ask for maintenance records. Make sure you test drive it in varying driving conditions, at highway speeds, etc. Also, ask the owner to show you how everything works, incuding the 4 wheel drive. Good luck!

[AndroT100]

Check-out yotatech.com for much more info.

Good luck searching.

[MONGOOSEWS7]

hey smbrand1, i have sent you a pm about my 4runner for sale

[suv]

I'd suggest going with a '96 or newer, so you can get the 3.4 V6. A little more power, sweet reliable engine. I sold my last Tacoma with 100k on it, that thing ran like it was new. I'll agree with what was stated earlier - any 4runner that has been well maintained should be great at the 100k mark. I beat the crud out of my Tacoma, but always maintained it accordingly and it never gave me problems.

As with any vehicle with 100k on it, the following items should be looked at:

BRAKES - pads, drums, and rotors may need replacement if in hasn't been done already.

LEAKS - look at exhaust for any type of smoke (not steam, when it's cold) White smoke indicates burning coolant, possibly a head gasket leak. Blue smoke is oil, could be worn rings or bad seal/gasket. Look at the engine and trans for oil leakage.

TIRES - check for uneven wear, which would indicate bad alignment or brakes sticking.

Also check all the little gizmos to make sure they work properly. Drive it for a bit to make sure it doesn't overheat.

[smbrand1]

Hi All,

Thanks for your insights. It's much appreciated.

[corvair]

find a 96 or newer and avoid the 3.0 3.4 is a MUCH better engine and pull the oil cap and the dip stick and check for sludge. i have desludged lots of these engines. if the engine is sludged there will be sludge on the upper part of the dipstick.

[sqzdog]

I have a '99 4Runner LTD with a 3.4. I don't see any sludge on the dipstick, but a little when I take the cap off, I guess on the rocker? How do you "de-sludge" an engine? Mine has 75k on it and I just bought it last week.