Anyone drive a '95 4runner?

[stayhigh]

I am thinking about buying a 95 4runner, 4x4, v6, 5sp, ltd. Its got 120k on it, some rust sports (undercarriage looks alright), but seems to drive strong. I was wondering how she would handle in snow, any chronic maintenance problems, relative price of maintenance. Any info would be useful. Thanks.

[mntlion]

you in Canada?

http://www.mustang.bc.ca/

4runners/surfs with low KM, diesel, and no rust

[stayhigh]

Maine - those are in beautiful shape though

[homerjay]

My gf has a '95 4runner with about 110k miles on it and it runs great, those things will last forever. A bit underpowered, though (V6).

[Viva]

I briefly had a 95 4-play, V-6. Grossly underpowered with shity gas mileage. These are heavy cars. Handling improved markedly by replacing shocks with Rancho 9000s and going with tire with a heaver load rating.

Honestly, I liked the 4-play- it did great on logging roads (never did any real off roading with it), but the gas mileage was killing me and I hated the anemic power. Would have loved to have tried the 2L diesel!

Also, I checked out that Canuk site and must ask, WTF's a Toyota Blizzard?! Those things look sick!

[stayhigh]

The guy I'm buying it from claims 19-20 mpg... is he full of sh*t?

[stayhigh]

The other thing is there is a ton of rust on both the body and undercariage (more then he described on the phone). I've never really delt with this before. I dont much care about the appearance so long as there is a permanent solution to stopping it from spreading. Does bondo-rustolium combo do the trick?

[mntlion]

The other thing is there is a ton of rust on both the body and undercariage (more then he described on the phone). I've never really delt with this before. I dont much care about the appearance so long as there is a permanent solution to stopping it from spreading. Does bondo-rustolium combo do the trick?

not really, rust/cancer is forever.

[Viva]

Best that I ever got was 18 mpg. I had the 3.0L V6 and auto.

[Tom Selek's Moustache]

I had a 95 4 Runner for just over a year with similar mileage. They are incredible little off-roaders and built like tanks. Maintenance was next to none on mine (the previous owner babied it) and they are a very comfortable ride for long drives. This said they have a dinky little engine pushing a real truck chasis and thusly have next to no balls and extremely poor milage. I noticed that in the winter for city driving I got maximum 270km to a tank, and this was after taking it in and getting work done to improve milage. Highway was about 400km to a tank. I would also warn you that they can be pretty squirelly in winter conditions. Due to the high centre of gravity and very short wheelbase compared to their weight, they will spin like a top if you ever loose focus while driving on snow, ice, black ice. My main concern with it was safety. I got in a high speed crash with it and although it suffered some injury I wish it had not been built like a tank as my body took most of the impact forces rather than the truck crumpling in at specific spots as newer models are designed to do to distribute to force of the crash better. Hope this helps.

[stayhigh]

Thanks a lot for the info. The lack of power doesn't bother me; low end tourque is pretty weak, but the rest of the power distribution seems even and adequate. That is good to know about the bomber construction / crash experience. Catch 22, I guess. As far as the snow goes, was yours an automatic or 5 sp?

[flip]

The guy I'm buying it from claims 19-20 mpg... is he full of sh*t?

Yes.

I got about 15-16mpg in my '95 V6 SR5. 14mpg on winter mix. That seemed to be about right compared to other folks on yotatech.com (a really good resource).

Great truck, but terrible with gas and very little power. Everything else I loved.

If he hasn't replaced the rear springs with aftermarket ones, you will also have to do that, as all 2nd generation 4runner drag their asses, which effects the handling. While you're at it, it makes sense to do the shocks (I chose Bilsteins... they were great). Other than that, it's bombproof, reliable, and drives great for a truck.

[assgasorgrass]

GF had a 94, and I hated that rig with a passion. Severly underpowered, didn't handle that great on snow, shitty gas mileage. If this guy is claiming 19, either he can't do math, is high, or both. Oh, and they love to pop out of first gear when parked on an angle, set PB. Has this rig had the headgasket recall done? The recall period is over, but I believe that year was covered. Definitely check that out. Should be able to do it with the VIN number at a dealer. In short, I think they are over priced, underpowered and expensive to work on. O2 sensor=$450.

[Tom Selek's Moustache]

Automatic