How are the 2nd gens? Found a low milage one

So I recently found a green 1995 4runner with 4wd. It only has 112000 miles, seller is asking $3900.

I'm planning on going to check it out but wanted to see if anyone has experience with the second gens, anything I should look for? Would it be worth getting if I can talk him down a bit to use for a light overland rig?

 

I had a 1995 4Runner. If it is the 3.0L V6, I'd pass. It's not called 3.slow for nothing. That thing likes to blow head gasket. I replaced mine at around 56K and again at about 100K then sold it. Head gasket failure is a very common and known problem for this motor. Even Toyota did a recall. If it's the 4cyl or 3.4L, go for it but $3900 is high. I've seen a 1997 4WD 4cyl with 198K and it was going for $2,500 obo.

 

Sadly for my area this is "very cheap" for the milage. A great condition 3rd gen with 175k miles goes for 8-10k. Haha

The only ones I've seen under 5k are typically wrecked ones or ones with broken tranny's.

So I guess this is a no go based on the engine?

 

I had a good experience with mine until I ruined it off-roading. I purchased it for $2,500 with 170K miles. 95 V6 3.0L Standard Tran. However it had similar issues with head gasket.

 

It's insane how cheap they are for you guys...

 

I paid $2,500 for this one. It has 234,000 miles engine was replaced at 154,000 by Toyota. 3.0 is slow but, the truck is 100% rust free and in excellent shape so it will probably get a 3.4 in the next year so so. Make them an offer if the body and frame are in great shape. It did not look like this 3 months ago.

 

We have 98 that had 247k 3.4 when we got it paid $3800 timing belt had been done

 

From a dealer or individual?

 

Individual

 

Damn, that's still cheap compared to here. I've been thinking about going up to NC to buy one and towing it back on a trailer.

They're like a good 20 to 40% cheaper there

 

I’d aim for a 3rd gen if I had a choice. Currently have a 4th gen V8. Had an 02 2wd 3.4l that was fun to drive.

Problem with 3rd gens is good luck finding one low mileage and 4wd. You’d have to fly to pick one up cause all the good ones pop up out west.

I saw some mint appearing 3rd gens for sale in Atlanta but southern dealers like to go up north to auctions and buy cheap, low mileage rust buckets, give them a good detailing and pedal them off as mint.

2nd gens are prime options if you intend to throw a 3.4l in it.

 

We have a lot of great deals up here in the mountains. Head gasket goes and they sit, usually pick them up for less than $1,000.00.