1995 4Runner

Timing belt is not a big deal. All timing belts wear as do timing chains. Be prepared for not so great gas mileage if its a V6 with automatic transmission - even worse if 4WD and oversize tires! Shouldn't leak oil unless you do no maintenance (vavle cover, crank seal or oil plug). Tire - depends what you plan to do with it (off road, highway?) - on a used car ya don't have much option. Michelin are about the most costly with Dunlop and Chinese tires the cheaper. I'd try for a '96 up if you have to have automatice -- they tend to get better gas mileage due to change in how the transmission locks up.

The V6 shouldn't drip oil...my '96 Taco (which I just sold a couple of weeks ago) certainly never did. The service interval on the timing belt is 60K miles, although most folks tended to let it slide a bit. Non-interference engine, so it won't self-destruct if the belt breaks. With proper maintenance,

Biggest issue that year was the head gaskets on the V6 -- they were weak as hell, and there was a recall to replace them. IIRC, Toyota didn't start shipping with the upgraded gaskets until sometime in the '96 model year. I think there was also a steering rod recall that included the '95 4Runners.

Biggest change I've heard of is the increased power in the '96. Also I believe the suspension was changed. You can find this info if you spend a little time on Google.

dennis in nca

There were issues with head gaskets on the v6 engines up to '95 so, you should check the VIN number through a dealer to see if the recall was ever done. This should not be a show stopper. If it wasn't done, check and see if it is still covered, but don't have the recall work done unless it needs it.

The '95 4Runners sag in the rear. You can fix that with a set of $200 coil springs or leave it alone. If you are going to carry anything heavy or tow, you will want to change the coils out.

The v6 is also known to eat radiators. I'm on my 4th. Problem is with electrolysis and can be helped by insuring the radiator and block are grounded to each other. The first one left me just after the warranty died and the dealer on Guam would not replace it. They offered to get me one for $800. The local radiator guy, glanced at the truck, asked if it was a v6 and then told me he had no more top tanks to repair it with. Told me exactly where the leak was ,then he just stated "they do that". Replace it with a Modine and save the receipts.

I'll call bullshit on the oil leaks also. Mine has had more then one attempt made to cure the leaks from the valve covers, using different gaskets sets.

Other then what I've already mentioned, they are worth the money you spend on them.

No, I haven't drive a 96, as there are very few available in the Portland, Oregon area. It would appear, the owners are still hanging on to them. I do have a large selection of 95's to choose from, which is good. I had a feeling the 96's would be a step-up, so at least I know I was on the right track. Drat, budget limitations!

Thanks!

snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com wrote:

The radiator story is interesting, as the Landcruiser I had did the same thing with the radiator. Drove me nuts! The starter was another issue with the Landcruiser, it was eating those too.

Thanks for the heads-up >> Hey guys,

As mentioned the ead gaskets were the main problem. The steering rod recall is recent (last month).

Other than that they shouldn't leak oil and the engine should hold up. My buddy is at 150k on his . My similar 92 V6 engine is at 230k and still going strong. Gas mileage sucks but what SUV doesn't.