is 1994 a good year for toyota 4runners?

Ryan · 08 May 2011, 11:09 pm

Eric P · 08 May 2011, 11:24 pm

It's a perfectly fine year. It's in the 2nd generation ('90-'95). The high-mounted third brake light was added in '94 for safety. The 4-cylinder is extremely reliable and low-maintenance. The V6 has had some head gasket issues and isn't known for much more power. Many people have been happy with the V6 though, especially once the head gaskets have been replaced under warranty. The V6 has a timing belt that should be replaced every 70,000 miles or so. The 4-cylinder has a timing chain that lasts longer.

The 3rd generation 4runner was introduced in '96. They made quite a few changes, such as a rear lift gate instead of a tailgate (the rear window no longer needs to be rolled down to open the back gate), more rear seat room, and a new pair of more powerful engines. Both engines in the 3rd gen have timing belts. The 3rd generation has a completely different look and feel from the 2nd. You can look at and drive one of each to see which you prefer.

DarkHind · 08 May 2011, 11:39 pm

They are not to bad get a V6

Very reliable vehicles

HOLEY MUFFLERS · 08 May 2011, 11:54 pm

easy to maintain (save the V6 t-belt), reliable, easy to diagnose due to being only OBD1.

if you plan on using it as a daily driver, not much off roading, the V6 is the way to go. it can maintain good hwy speeds and still makes for a good 4x4.

if this will be a street-able off roader, i'd go w/ the I4. lighter, lower canter of gravity and lacks no pulling power when in 4x4.

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the head gasket (asbestos) warranty issue was solved by 94 on the V6. but the issue of cooking the heads (valve seals/hoses and such) due to the routing of the right exhaust header *over* the bell housing is still a concern.

nothing to say bout the I4s. no issues......... if any, it would be that it has trouble with hwy speeds.

owner 93 toy pu 4x4 V6 200,000+ miles, no issues. same platform as the runner.

also owner 88 toy pu 4x4 I4. heavily modded.

is 1994 a good year for toyota 4runners?

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