4 Runners,any years to stay away from

[fz1boxer]

I'm looking at selling the bronco and getting a larger 4x4 suv.
everything i have seen leads me to a 4 runner.
any year to stay away from or particular problems to watch for.
i was told to avoid the 3 point slow engine?

 

[Lockout]

4.0 06 4runner i had loved it
Put 150k worry free miles

Avg 19 mpg though it was sr5 4x4 the new ones are more room and still has bulletproof 4.0

 

[Horsehat]

We have a 2013 we have put about 50k miles on. Love it.

 

[jpowell44]

Had an 01, it was great. It had 230,000 on it when we sold it and it still ran perfect.

Now we have a 2012 with 70,000. No complaints so far. The 2012 has a lot more room than the 01 did.

 

[cpark]

If it was me any 96 or newer 4Runner would be a good one to consider. I have an 01 v6 4x4 with 335k on it. Land cruisers are also great vehicles and if you want something a little larger you may want to consider one of them.

 

[bigt61]

Also Lexus gx470 are the same size as a 4runner with more luxurious features

 

[fz1boxer]

my bronco gets cramped with 3 dogs and gear in it.
currently have a durango but its 2wd and wanted 4x4 capability.
i have seen 02-06 4runners at decent prices

 

[Moondog1]

So far I really like the 3.4L V6, hope it last to 400k+. At 310,000 now.

That may be what people reference at the 3.slow?

 

[BangBang]

I was told to avoid the 3 point slow engine?

I think it was kinda hit or miss with the Toyota 3.0 engine. I've had two different vehicles with that same engine.

One was a 1989 4x4 pickup. It never had much power, but was pretty dependable for me for many years.

The other was an early 90's 2WD 4-Runner. Same 3.0 engine as my pickup (engine code 3VZE). The engine code is forever etched into my mind because I was constantly typing it into google trying to diagnose my latest problem and constantly telling it to the guy at the parts store as I dumped more money into that POS.

I'm pretty decent at working on my own vehicles and keeping them running, but I met my match with that 3.0 4-Runner. LOL! I never could get that thing to run right!

I strongly suggest you avoid the "3 point slow". It's not worth the gamble that you MIGHT get a good one when there are much better Toyota engines available.

 

[Nat]

I have a '04 4Runner with the 4.0 V6, 21 mpg. with 177k and runs like a champ. Much power for a V6.