1995 4Runner SR5 - $4000 OBO - SE Michigan

(Long Ad Warning – TL;DR at the bottom)

Ah, the 90s. The internet boom, Jordan’s first retirement, Rugrats, OJ Simpson’s trial, Y2K fear, and most of all… iconic cars. Now this may not be a Supra, RX-7, NSX or even OJ’s white Bronco, but this 1995 4Runner screams “nostalgia” from its patterned interior to its roll-down back window.

Now this SUV may not have airbags (they weren’t standard until ’96), but it has plenty of other features:

- Power windows, including the rear (which is working – rare to find in these)
- Tailgate/drop down style rear door (not a vertical hatch or side-swing)
- Power locks
- True 4x4
- Fold-down rear seats for more cargo space
- Roof rack
- Solid running boards
- Cruise control
- Engine Kill Switch (theft-deterrent)

A 4Runner of this age will typically be full of rust holes, but this is one of the cleanest examples I’ve seen in Michigan/Ohio. Body and frame are both solid, with a full body re-spray in the factory Evergreen metallic done in 2017.

I have only owned this 4R for two+ years, but it’s been a ton of fun riding with all the windows down, and it’s gone wherever I’ve asked it to – from hauling groceries around town, to an 8+ hour drive north to the UP [Upper Peninsula of Michigan, for non-locals – it’s that sliver of land that looks like it should be part of Wisconsin.]

The Basics:
- 1995 4Runner SR5
- 3.0L V6 (3VZ) engine
- Automatic transmission
- 4x4 (true 4 wheel drive, not AWD)
- Factory Differential Lock
- 31x10.5xR15 Tires
- ~200K miles (just under – currently my daily)
- Power windows, locks, moon roof
- Rear passenger heater controls

It’s important to note that this has a salvage – rebuilt title in the state of Michigan (orange title). The previous owner had to replace the bumper and the hood (low speed impact with an object, but vehicle had low value to insurance) and it passed inspection with flying colors. Since I have owned it I have also maintained/replaced:


Air Box, EGR Vacuum Splitter

3/15/2017

190,812


Timing Belt

Radiator

Tire Rotation / Oil Change

CHMSL (3rd Brake Light)

Inner tie Rod, Idler Arm

5/24/2017

192,264



Alignment

Alternator

4 Tires: Toyo Open Country ATII (31x10x5x15

(Lifetime tire balance, rotation, flat repairs - Belle Tire)

Full Exterior Re-paint

6/9/2017



Tire Rotation / Oil Change

8/4/2017

195,511

Transmission Flush

Radiator Fan Clutch, Fan Shroud

Coolant Outlet Lines

Battery: Autocraft Gold Gr 24, 700 CCA (3 Yr. Replacement)

1/4/2018


Front Brake Pads, Rotors, Calipers

Tire Rotation / Oil Change

7/28/2018

199,399


Being that this is a 24 year old vehicle with 200K on the clock, I would highly recommend you come and inspect it, and purchase with a mindset of continued maintenance. The only issues of which I am aware are that the A/C is currently not working and neither is the front windshield washer spray. Sometimes the A/C control backlighting goes out, but changing the mode or the fan speed resolve the issue immediately; it has its quirks. I have had none of these diagnosed, so it could be as simple as a system recharge or flush, or as complicated as component replacements. Oh, and on my drive up to the UP the antenna decided to break off, but the radio still works and the signal is just fine.

Who I am:

- I am an honest, hardworking mid-20s guy who truly loves this 4Runner and had big plans for it as an offroading/overlanding “rig” or camping vehicle, but I have since acquired a TRD Pro Tacoma and just don’t drive the 4Runner as much as it needs. It’s on its way to being a classic and needs someone to love it and drive it as much as I used to.

Who A Buyer Should/May Be:

- The best buyer for this would be someone who likes casually (or professionally) wrenching on their own vehicles or has a close friend that does. This 4Runner will make an awesome baseline for someone who wants to build a highly capable ORV or wants a great-looking, pretty unique (due to age and condition) winter “beater.”

- I used this as my daily driver for months, so I know it is capable of doing so, but I would address some of the issues above first. If you are looking for a turn-key daily driver and this would be your only vehicle, I would not advise it; fuel efficiency was not a high priority in 90s SUVs.


TL;DR:

- 1995 4Runner SR5, automatic, 4WD, 200k miles
- Fully capable of daily driving/long trips (recently made an 8+ hour trip without issue)
- Re-painted in 2017
- Salvage Rebuilt title (caused by a low speed front impact – bumper and hood replaced; inspected prior to my purchasing it and passed)
- Solid Body and Frame (was a California vehicle)
- Newer battery, tires, radiator, timing belt (see above matrix)
- No A/C currently (not a huge deal since it has a ton of windows/sunroof)
- No windshield washer fluid spray currently (undiagnosed – recent development)
- Would make an awesome base for a resto-mod or offroad/overland rig

 

I had this exact ride when I was still living in Colorado. Treated me right for over 475,000 miles! GLWS

 

bump - open to offers

 

Come on guys this is a sweet ride!

 

I'm glad you and I are on the same page. Only a few nibbles on Craigslist, nothing on facebook, nothing on here
I just keep driving it and falling back in love with it; if no one wants it, I'll just keep it and fix some of the smaller issues listed.

 

Did you keep it?

 

I was able to sell it to someone at work. I should probably have this post deleted, huh. haha