1995 Toyota 4Runner sr5 3.0

Summary:

Otherwise I wouldn't trade it, unless of course it was a Sequoia

Faults:

My head gasket blew at 139,000+. Cost over 1,000 to repair.

My radiator also had a pin hole and had to repair. Cost over $400.00.

A/C is bad and Toyota certified mechanics at the dealer can't confirm what the damage or problem might be.

General Comments:

It can haul just about anything. However it has slow acceleration and takes a lot gas.

Backseats are too tight and uncomfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th June, 2004

1995 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.0

Summary:

Awesome, but drinks the gas

Faults:

I had the replace the alternator last week.

The car leaks lots of oil, 1qt. per 350 miles.

The fuel economy is horrible 12 to 13 mpg.

General Comments:

This car has had very few problems. I can be hard of a vehicle however this car is built to take jumps, hammer down bumps, and go out on the town with its beautiful looks.

I crawl under this car and the similarties to my 1947 Willis CJ3A are countless. I think the United States must have left a jeep in Japan after WWII because its obvious where got the idea from.

The interior is some what cramped however it hold up great to wear. I've never seen a 10 year old car that's driven every day with such a perfect interior.

The two largest problems with my car are: 1) its 4x2 and 2) the car is underpowered which results in lower gas mileage.

The 2wd version of this car gets stuck very easily off camber.

The only other automobile I could be talked into would be a Toyota T100, 4x4 of course. The 4runner is awesome.

Handling: I have an '85 Bronco II and I'm lucky to be alive. That car gets on 2 wheels if you take a corner with the wind blowing. The 4runner digs its claws into the pavement and tears the black-top to shreds. It doesn't not feel like an SUV while cornering.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th March, 2004

1995 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD 3.0L

Summary:

"Only good for 90 to 100K miles"

Faults:

This truck has been reliable up until a few weeks ago when the head gasket blew.

Other than that I have replaced the AC pump and radiator.

General Comments:

Like the review before mine, and almost a perfect ditto:

Apparently there were recalls on 1995 4Runners' head gaskets, so I called the corporate office only to find that my VIN # in particular is not covered.

I have maintained the vehicle regularly. It has a new timing belt.

I have had minor problems that were easily remedied in the past, but now the truck is worth nothing and very expensive to fix.

Toyota is talking 1700.-1800. to have the head gasket replaced.

I just had the Timing Belt, Radiator, AC pump, all belts, hoses, and tune-up done/replaced. I can't afford to have the head gasket replaced right now.

I was really set on trading it in on a new 4Runner until this happened. Now I'm not so sure I'll even consider buying another one, much less another Toyota.

With 4Runners no longer holding their retail value, I knew it was going to be tough to get rid of it anyway; now I'm stuck with a dead truck I still owe money on.

In any other position I would consider this just a fluke, it never overheated before, all of a sudden the head gasket's blown. "Must have been time."

But, after reading reviews on how nearly All 4Runners experience this sooner or later, compared to other cars/trucks "only blowing a head gasket when the engine gets over heated way too badly" I think Toyota stinks for not fixing this for all 4runner owners.

Very bummed, looks like it's back to Nissan's from now on.. No more Toyota's!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th February, 2004

13th Feb 2004, 11:49

It's a shame to hear of your misfortune. Our '95 4Runner has almost 200K (3.0) and not under recall. Read the Consumers Report on the '03 4Runners regarding the 3.4 with disappointing recall issues. The 4.7 is recommended. However the rear bumpers on the new models are so flimsy, the 5 mph rear crash tests caused considerate damage rating the 4Runner as "Unacceptable". The time will come to replacing the wife's 210K Camry and will be a tough choice on next long lasting model/manufacturer. We're leaning to the Nissan Pathfinder, new body design. The repair records seem to be above average for the model with more rigid bumpers than Toyota. Just hope the pricing is within reach.

28th Mar 2005, 13:48

My '95 4Runner SR5 4X4 V6 did not qualify for the head gasket recall either. The head gasket went at 103,000 miles. At that point, I started researching the issue. The number of vehicles this has happened to is amazing. Makes me question all the Toyota hype!

24th Nov 2005, 02:16

Very unfortunate that you had this problem. should have done some research before you purchased it. Just to let you know Toyota is now the #1 selling car company right now. Try using a mechanic that uses official Toyota updated head gaskets and you might not keep having this problem.

9th Feb 2006, 12:17

I also have head gasket problems. I have a 1997 Tacoma with 88031 miles on it and it is in the shop right now. I have every maintenance record and have never missed a single thing. The truck has NEVER overheated, but the head gasket blew anyway. Toyota told me my trucks Vin number did not match the recall so I'm out of luck. The part of the gasket that broke was the same problem that the recall trucks had. It is an after burn leak. In other words it leaks after the piston has fired so the water goes out the exhaust. I'm sure Toyota uses the same gasket no matter where the truck was assembled so why don't they include mine in the recall lot?

30th Nov 2010, 02:38

My friend has this truck, I cannot believe how bad it is on fuel, my V-8 gets better economy than this 3.0 engine!

They also rust out very easy, I don't think I would ever consider one of these, with the head gasket problem.

Not to mention the ridiculous prices people are asking for old rusty beat up ones!