I am currently looking to buy a "beater" car. I want something with 4WD so I can get around in the winter as well as driving on the beach during the summer.

Has anyone owned or still own a 4Runner that can give me some advice on what to look for and what year to stay away from? Im looking to get a 1996, I believe it is the first year they offered dual air bags up front.

Any input is appreciated

 

I currently own 2006 SE 4WD and it's a great car. I also had several Toyota Hilux Surf (JDM 4runner) in the past and they were all bullet proof cars. Sorry that I cant go more detail, since the one that I had were diesel powered.

But, you may find a lot more helpful information at t4r.org

Happy shopping.

 

I have owned two 4-Runners, a 95 and a 96.

The 95 was a real slug to drive. The 3.0 liter engine is too small for the vehicle. The truck would shift in and out of lockup driving on flat roads.

The 96 was entirely different. They increased the engine to 3.4 liters. The horsepower increase was about 25, and it made a world of difference.

I would highly recommend any 4-Runner after 1995. I think you will find they are some of the best performing, low maintenance vehicles you will ever find.

 

Thanks for the replies
I have found a 1996 4Runner, 112,000 miles for $4800. Was hoping to get it a little cheaper but who knows. Im sure holding the cash out in front of the guy will make him think differently.

 

Can't go wrong with a 4 runner....unless were talking really...like 80's old. Then you could run into some problems.

 

4 runners, and rodeos are the SICKEST off roading cars ever.

 

Im giving my aunt my highlander so ill be buying a 2000+/- around next year. cant wait

 

My last car was a 98 4Runner. Make sure you get 4wd. Mine was rear wheel drive with no trac control. I figure I didn't need 4wd in Texas but it sucked in the rain. Other that that, I thought it was really slow, not very rev happy. It was a very rugged truck though, I would take it places I won't even let my RX350 look at. I would have kept it but I had no place to keep two cars b/c the 4Runner had lots of things that needed to be repaired.

 

4 Runners are excellent. Although Toyota only opened its doors down here in 2002, people have been nationalizing them for years and I see all sorts of 4 Runners on the roads here. Very durable cars and fortunately people not have access to the parts network.