Getting back to Toyota! Need some advice

Hey 4Runner enthusiasts. I am new to this group, but I am in a little bit of a predicament deciding which way I will go on this project.

A little backstory; first vehicle I ever owned was an old Sequoia and I regret ever moving away from Toyota. Currently own a newer car that I haven’t put too many miles on. But I want to sell it and get a 4Runner.

The real question is; for my current car I could sell it off and fetch between 19k and 22k, and I either want to get a 3rd gen and dump all this money straight into building it up and making it as top notch as possible, or to I just dump every dollar into a 5th gen?

for the 3rd gen a buddy of mine has one and is strongly considering getting rid of it. 189k miles with surface rust underneath (90k miles in San Diego and the other 100k in AZ). Picking up this 4Runner I’d want to do it right and dump every remaining dollar into doing it right. I would like suggestions if this is the route I go, transmission and engine are fine, but wouldn’t be afraid of just starting off with rebuilding.

Would love your suggestions!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome,

I always liked the way 3rd Gens looked, but I went with a new 5th Gen.

At approx. 25 years old and 189k, the 3rd Gen will be a labor of love

 

Is he offering a very good friend's price? And have you owned a 90s car before?

If both are yes, and you're still considering it, then it might be okay. However, I'd be hesitant to pick a 25 year old car as my only daily driver...

Personally, I'd want something a little more modern, comfortable, and safer for my primary car. And more reliable, I guess. The engine and transmission on the 3rd gen may be solid, but it might also plague you with a bunch of bullshit items, like hoses, small parts and repairs, etc, that are typical for a vehicle of that age and mileage.

There are lots of 4Runners made in the last 25 years, so remember you don't have to just buy your buddy's or a brand new one.

 

Welcome to the forum!

What are you goals with the build? Hard core off roading, forest roads and camping, overlanding, rocklanding?

Without stating your goal, this may just turn into a "which generation is best?!?!" thread.

 

It is never economical to start with a flawed car (e.g., rust, mechanical issues, very high miles) if your goal is to get it perfect. You are much better off looking harder and paying more for a very clean example. I'd look for rust-free example. More so, if you buy a car from a buddy and something goes sideways, there will be ill feelings.

 

You cant go wrong with any 4Runner IMO. I wanted the V8, so my options were limited to 4th gen. As others have stated, it depends on what you want to do. If hitting the trails immediately is your thing, then a 5th gen might be too nice to scratch and or pin stripe. All depends on what you are wanting to do. A 3rd gen wont hurt as bad when you dent or scratch it. Just my $0.02

 

Yep, your goals are the key.

I was looking at 4th gens for the full-time 4WD option and the 3rd gens had it too the last couple years but I also wanted no sunroof and side airbags that didn't become standard until around 2008 and those are uncommon. 5th gen will be safer, larger, you'll get more range out of a tank than a 3rd gen. Maybe you can split the difference with a 4th but we're all just spitballing here.

 

Welcome

 

Welcome.

I feel like I should say something about financial sensibility and progress. Be sensible. Someone mentioned having this as an everyday driver. Is that sensible? Do you live where you have public transportation to and from work? Grocery store? A vehicle should make sense in not only your today life, but your future. Good luck in whatever you choose.

 

I suggest reading up on all the "safety" features implemented in 2020 by all vehicle manufactures.
I chose 2019 as the last year the 4 runner was built without these features and found a SR5 for my daughter several months ago. She and her family love it.

 

Two guys in my off-road club have 3rd gens. It'a constant battle replacing rotted and worn out parts, every suspension and cab mount bushing, every hose. They're both licensed Toyota specialist mechanics...