I know with the 2nd gens the headgaskets are the weak point after you get higher mileage. I'm considering a 3rd Gen, but with my limited budget I'm gonna have to stick with probably a 96-97 2wd. Most I'm looking at (under $4k) have anywhere from 150-200k miles. How reliable are the 3rd gen 4runners at and over 200k? What are the weak spots or places problems are likely to occur (vehicle as a whole, not just motor)? Thanks!

 

Very reliable vehicle, scored very high on the consumer reports ratings. Not uncommon for them to get into the 300k miles plus range. I know a very small percentage 99-01 4runners had an engine sludge problem, not sure if it was the 3.0 or 3.4 that had this. My 96' has 230k logged miles and driving strong with regular maintenance (motor oil/filter, air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, spark plug wires, transmission fluid/filter, coolant, chassis grease, differential oil [w/ limited slip additive], transfer case oil, maf sensor cleaning [with no residue electrical system cleaner], belt change, throttle body cleaning, pcv valve, front wheel bearings) Hope this helps, P.S. I use full synthetic oils.

 

There are 3 things to remember with the 3rd gen as well as any vehicle,
1. maintenance
2. maintenance
3. maintenance

Keep those 3 things up to date and you will not have any real issues with a higher milage 3rd gen.

All kidding aside, the 3.4L v6 is probably one of the best motors Toyota has ever made. Find one that has been take n care of and continue that care and you will have very few major issues. there will always be issues with any vehicle, but doing th elittle things that keep it running smooth will save you big bucks down the road. some will be better then others but even one that was abused for part of its life can be 'salvaged' by returning it to a regimented maintenance schedule. I have 144K on my 98, only thing it has needed is timing belt, valve cover gaskets and rear valve cover plugs, rear axle seals and regular oil changes (started using the larger NAPA gold filter for the Ford Taurus V6). These trucks are pretty solid and you could find a 4wd version in your price range if you keep looking. Be sure to check for any and all fluid leaks, grease fittings axle seals, transmission leaks, differentials etc. If its dry and dusty then its probably just fine and may need fluid replacement, but leaks indicate neglect so look closely. good luck

 

Yeah I got a 97 4wd 3.4 with 224 when I bought it for 3500.00 I put about 1500 into it tires fluids etc and it runs like a top. X2 on the maint comment. The previous owner had done everything to it on time. Make sure whatever you buy has had the timing belt done somewhat receintly unless you want to drop 800 buck into it right away. 800 = new timing belt water pump hoses belts cam and crank seals. Luckily I have another 50k before I have to do it and at that point (280K) I'll use the money towards a new motor instead.

 

People love to brag about the longevity of the 22re and the 3.0s (despite a few issues and underpowered) and in reality the 3.4s are better built and as they age will most likely prove to be one of the better engines Toyota has built so 300k miles on a well kept 3.4 shouldn't be uncommon.

 

so it's the same fitting size? what year taurus and how much for the filter?

 

Great engine I believe it to be "The best Toyota V6 ever" But thats just me. They are very reliable i've seen the all the time with 200k miles in the shop for an oil change and tune-up. It once saw a 97 4runner 3.4 with 375k i was like WOW! Thats the most i've ever seen on a 3rd gen. course they told me they took trips to florida and back alot but still.

 

Uhh, 3.0's werent available after 95..

 

i agree i'm pushing over 325000 in my 87 22re 4runner without doing anything other than keeping up on the maintenance. it's about through and due for the overhaul, but it's still my daily driver/weekend wheeler till i can afford to do the overhaul.

 

I agree with this whole-heartedly. I've had three 3.4L's and they've never disappointed.

 

I don't mind maintenance, that's to be expected. However, I'm more concerned about how well a 4runner that's been somewhat neglected (don't know how previous owners treated it) will hold up. I'm guessing for my budget the one I get won't exactly be well maintained, although we can hope for that.

 

i (ab)use my 02 and @ 180K ive had 0 motor issues and no major issues overall.
ive done items 1, 2 & 3 though.