94 toyota 4runner 4x4 dependable for college??

Hey guys, I'm lookin at a 94 4runner with only 92,xxx miles on her. It's a gorgeous suv without a doubt. I know toyotas last FOREVER and they have a rep but I just wanted to get some feedback on purchasing this because I will be having for about 4-5 years throughout college. I will not be going off road. strictly jus school, and makin trips back home. let me know what you guys think!

here's a link to the 4runner. plz no one else buy it lol

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...car::ispsearchform&cardist=338&standard=false

 

they are great cars. Ive seen a lot of people replacing head gaskets on them though..so idk, waiting for someone else to chime in.

 

Do you know the cost of replacing the head gasket? Or is the cost something that is dependent on the condition of it?

 

x2 on the head gasket... That seems to be common...

Honestly I would look for a 96 and newer. The 3.4 liter is a huge improvement.

 

Me and my brother share a 93 4runner for offroad use. my mom bought it new in 93 and it still runs like a champ. it has about 285,000 miles on it now, ive replace the head gaskets only once so far. Head gaskets are like 80 bucks and i think i payed like 75 bucks to have a mechanic replace em.

 

I would hold out till you find one with the 4 cyl. Its way better in every way imaginable.

 

bump, yea it isnt a for sure thing. i jus had my eyes on it. although the cost of the gasket isnt really too much. i'm might wait a little to see if a newer one comes about. thanks for the feedback gentlemen

 

the 3.0 V6 is complete garbage.

if you want a first or second gen runner (-95) go with the 4cyl.

third gens go with the 3.4 v6.

 

^X2!!

The 3.0 V6 (3VZE) is JUNK. It's slow (the 3.slow), gutless, gets bad mileage, and blows head gaskets. Get the 4 cyl (22RE) or get a later with the 3.4L V6. The 3.0 is the one exception to toyota's reliability reputation.

Just my $0.02

 

v6 engine in those is slow and they blow headgaskets. A buddy had one that blew the headgaskets. Toyota surfaced the heads and changed the gaskets under warranty. The repairs lasted less than one week because the top deck of the engine block was warped as well. Ended up with a new shortblock, headgaskets, surfaced heads. Toyota paid for the whole thing, there was a service campaign on them. Find out if the gaskets were done before you buy it. Be aware that many people end up having to get them done again. You do not want that to be your expense.

22re four banger is more reliable, but even slower. They will need headgasket and timing chain done sometime around 125-175k. If you do not catch these in time, it can destroy the engine.

The 3rd gen 4runners have more reliable, faster engines.

I love the 2nd gen body and I would love to have one. But I would engine swap it if I ever get one. The 3.4 v6 in the 3rd gen 4runner and 1st gen tacoma is a relatively easy swap in place of the 3.0. There is a lot of online info on this swap.

Sounds like you need something reliable, not a project. Look for a 3rd gen, they are starting to come down in price.

 

If your not offroading why buy the 4x4. That seems kinda steep for a 94. I bought my 04 Tacoma for $5000 with 54,000 miles on it. If your looking for reliability and good mileage why not look at a 4 cyl 1st gen tacoma?

 

all the first gen tacomas are extended cab and i need 4 doors. a dcab tacoma with less than 100k on the dash is outta my price range, otherwise that would definitely be what buy. i'm not looking for a 4x4, it just happened to be one i liked with less than 100k miles

i found a 96 4runner, black with tan leather seats (love leather), and she has 95,xxx miles on her. they have it listed 5,999 obo. the lady interested in my truck came by today, test drove my truck and loved it. hopefully she hears from the bank by tomorrow and i can call the dealership about this 4runner.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=283546616&dealer_id=63766945&car_year=1996&rdm=1280284660006&lastStartYear=1981&model=4RUN&num_records=100&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1996&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=500&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=TOYOTA&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=5000&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=100000&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=39564&advanced=y&end_year=2011&doors=&transmission=Automatic&max_price=10000&cardist=465&standard=false

 

Thats more like it. I say go for it.

 

x2

 

If its an auto I wouldnt get it. Those tranny's suck. The engine is a toss up. Done a few engine rebuilds to my 3.0. Some people have luck with them and some don't.

 

that second one he posted has the same drivetrain as a first gen taco. Much better than the 3.0.

 

Have to agree with you. My 3.0 has taken some abuse, but it also has been an expensive engine to work on. Its more of my weekend warrior now though. Not a daily driver anymore.

 

yea i'm gonna look for a 96+. thank you guys for all your inputs. i'll post pics later on of whatever i purchase

 

GET THE CAR!!!!! I have a 92 and it runs smooth. I keep it tuned up and it keeps me going strong. Gotta love em

 

This thread makes me laugh......

Back in 1988 when I was in college - I was 4 hours away from home and living in the dorms.

I had a 1980 Plymouth Horizon piece of shit. I forgot how many miles it had but the vehicle was a junkyard piece (literally). I managed to keep her running and did all sorts of vehicle repairs outside the dorm dock doors. By the time I graduated, the thing only ran on 3 cylinders and I finally gave it back to the junkyard from which it came.

It's all good!! If I can survive with a Plymouth Horizon, you can survive with a Toyota!!!