I'm in the market for a 4runner made from '90-'95 and am torn on the 4 or 6 cylinder issue. It'll be my daily driver so I'd like to save on gas, but is the mileage on the 4 that much better? What's the difference in power and who's torquer? I assume I can't tow anything with the 4...

They are both good engines, both have their advantages and disadvantages. I'll try to cover them both...

4cy, 22re....

Pros:

Easy and cheap to work on
Good power, for a 4cy
Decent mileage if properly maintained, 18-22
Bulletproof if properly maintained
Parts are plentiful, and decent aftermarket support


Cons...

Poor mileage is improperly maintained, 12-18
If timing chain fails, more than likely it will cause major engine damage
If overheated too many times, head will warp/crack
Underpowered in a 2nd gen heavy 4Runner



6cy, 3vze

Pros....

Good low end power, good improvement over 4cy
Bulletproof if properly maintained


Cons...

Difficult to work on. Definetly not designed with the the mechanic in mind.
Poor fuel mileage most of the time, 12-18
Problematic head gaskets. Usually hit or miss, some have problems, some do not
No aftermarket support



If you have any more questions, ask away



The price of 3rd gen 4Runners, 96-02 have come down drastically in the past few years. You can get a decent 96/97 3rd gen for $4500-$6500. 4x4, 6v, auto. I bought my Limited 97 for 6600. In VERY good shape. Leather interior, power everything. Real nice. The newer 5vzfe V6 (and the 4cy) is leaps and bounds better than the previous v6. So smooth, good power, and much easier to work on. Rides like a caddy compared to earlier models.

Is it possible to bring an engine up to maintenance if buying the vehicle used? What specific aspects are interfering with mileage? I'm a student and it's my daily driver so efficiency is a factor. I'm also considering a diesel swap (I have an excellent mechanic to work with), What do you think of the 2L-TE engine?

My last vehicle was a '99 Isuzu Rodeo with the 3.2l 32 valve six, I'd like something more fuel efficient than that. I'm thinking of going to an older vehicle as it'll be less clean so I'll be more comfortable running around with it as well as the fact I just like the less rounded appearance. I appreciate your willingness to help.

Depends how the motor was treated previously. You want a clean fuel system, good set of spark plugs, properly adjusted TPS and clean intake system, good o2 sensor, and so on.

Diesel swap? Well, would be nice for the "cool" factor, but considering the 2lte only puts out 95hp and 177lb-ft of torque, it would be a downgrade in performance. The engine would be working pretty hard moving around a heavy 4Runner, so fuel consumption wouldnt be all that great. You might get something like 25-30. I dont think that would offset your cost for the swap. Plus replacement parts would be non-existent here in the USA since we never got that motor. You would have to get your parts overseas.

I'm telling you, get a 96/97 4Runner V6. I'm getting 18-21mpg depending on how much highway miles I put on. I absolutely LOVE the truck.

What I was considering was buying the motor and tranny (which came with the ac compressor, manifolds, etc.) and then dropping it in a clean body that I bought on the cheap with a shot engine and tranny. I'd do the work my self so I'd just be looking at the engine cost, but I agree it seems underpowered. I'd like the 1KZTE engine, but I can't find one at a price that seems cost efficient.

So if the new six gets the same mileage as the old four, what kind of mileage and power does the new four offer?

4Runners are definitely more money for the make and miles than the other Japanese trucks. I know Pathfinders went to crap after '95, but how do the Rodeos and Troopers stack up against the Toyota engines in your opinion?

The "new" (96-00, no more 4cy after 00) have power on par with the old 3.0 V6's.

I don't know much about Rodeos and Troopers. I'm sure they are good vehicles. Just not "Toyota" good We have a Mitsu and Isuzu forum here, I'd suggest reading through those forums for info. But beware, I'm sure they will be bias toward their brand, as we are here toward Toyota

Best thing to do would be to go out and test drive each of the vehicles and make a decision for yourself. I bet you go for a 96/97 4Runner V6!!!

he's lying...

i've been trying to kill mine for years... i dont know if i have been properly maintaining.....


lol... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Mine has been very reliable. Only major part replaced other than the timing belt for normal wear and tear was the alternator. Runs great, got about 20 MPG on the highway before the bigger tires, but the 3.4 is a much better engine. I wanted the fold down tailgate of the 2nd gen and at the time 3rd gens used were very expensive so I saved some money and put mods into it to make it more off road friendly. If you are looking strongly at mileage I suggest you buy an older truck with good mechanicals (cosmetics optional) and get a cheap fuel efficient car for commuting. You'll never get amazing fuel economy out of a heavy 4WD truck and most off road mods take even more economy out of it. That said, I drove my truck from El Paso to Seattle and back and was very happy other than the fact that I had no acceleration in the mountains.

I forgot to mention this. I drove both the V6 auto and 5 speed and the 5 speed trucks far and away drove better. The 3.0 with an auto is a dog!!!

I bought a month ago a Toyota 4Runner 1994, 3.0L V6 Manual
shift. This is the first time that I buy such a car. The car has
207,000 KM (130K miles). The former owner did not replace the timing
belt during the last four year. Should I replace it, and what other
parts should I replace with it.

Yes, you should replace it as soon as possible. 100k or so miles is as long as you can safely go without changing the belt.

While your in there, replace the spark plugs, PCV valve, crank/cam seals if they are leaking, idler pulley if its rough, tensioner if its rough, water pump, valve cover gaskets, and probably others I cant think of right now.