1988 Toyota 4Runner sr5 2.4 Liter 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Simply amazing!

Faults:

The wiring from the battery to the starter had some problems.

It kept getting corroded, forcing me to install 3 new starters in the time I had my car.

General Comments:

Very reliable.

Very durable.

Enough power and good gas mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th November, 2004

1988 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2.2 from North America

Faults:

During its long life, I have had to replace head gasket once at about 150,000 miles. The rear window has been a problem issue for this vehicle. I have had to replace several motors to the window, but that is the worst I can say about this wonderful SUV.

General Comments:

It has traveled all over the US and it has never let me sit. I have used it as a personal car, farm vehicle, towing vehicle, camping vehicle and just about anything else you can imaging. Would have another, but the price is now out of my range. Would absolutely recommend this vehicle. It is almost like a "good friend"...reliable and trustworthy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th August, 2004

1988 Toyota 4Runner SSRLtd 2.4 turbo diesel (2LT) from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Great Truck!! Beware the Turbo Diesel..

Faults:

Replaced the broken automatic hubs with manual Super-Winch hubs. I've found it's much safer to replace any auto hubs with manual ones regardless...

Electric door lock and passenger window switch contacts.

Rear window motor sprocket stripped its teeth. (hard not to find an identically stripped motor)

Rear leaf springs sag. Fixed by fitting extended shackles.

What's really sad is this particular Turbo Diesel (2LT) engine has a reputation for cracking its head. As a result, I am having a bit of a challenge finding a replacment...

General Comments:

Over all, this has been a great on and off-road truck. When it was running it was very economical. It'd be on par with, or do better than the Mrs.' little hatchback...

In my research, everything that has ailed mine seems to be the standard traits of this model (LN61 '86 - '88). It's just a shame that this includes the lack of integrity of this turbo diesel engine.

Otherwise Its been an awesome truck... I wouldn't buy another with the same engine again, but it may just be worth upgrading it to something more powerful anyway, could be a blessing in disguise...

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

Review Date: 8th July, 2004

4th Jan 2009, 21:15

Weld the regulator teeth, then use a dye grinder to reshape the teeth.

I had motor brushes custom made for the window motors. Are you interested?

I wish we could have gotten the diesel turbo in America.

1988 Toyota 4Runner SR5 6 Cylinder from North America

Summary:

Reliable and stable

Faults:

The shock and springs in the back end were sagging when the vehicle was originally bought. Since then I have rebuilt all the rear springs and replaced all shocks.

Oxygen sensor was recently changed, this part (if you want Bosch) was >$400.

Currently running rough, mechanic says it is the EGR (exhaust gas regulator I think)

General Comments:

I love my 4Runner. I would not trade it for anything. It has never left me stranded (except when I left the lights on).

The 4Runner follows the Jeep when 4x4ing and has never had a problem going where it wants.

Now that the springs in the back end are fixed the ride quality improved tenfold!

My 4Runner is in excellent shape and was well taken care of however I have friends who have bought 4runners that are not in that great of shape.

Friends and family like my truck so much that everyone bought Toyota 4x4's this spring (2004).

Very stable. I have never felt as though I was going to tip at all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th July, 2004

1988 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

OL' Reliable

Faults:

The bracket that holds the water pump where it goes broke. That cost me $250 for a used part.

The broken bracket above caused the timing belt to slip out of time, more money spent.

Water pump had to be replaced.

Usual maintenance that goes wrong with a high mileage vehicle.

General Comments:

This truck has gone anywhere and everywhere that I have asked it to.

This 4runner is truly great for pretty much anything ;you can haul things by putting down the back seats, the top comes off to make a nice feel of a convertible, tows quite a bit of weight for its size, hi way worthy enough not to be extremely uncomfortable on the road, an Off-roading beast.

Theres no way you could find and american built SUV from the same era or with the same miles and it still be standing after almost 200,000.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd June, 2004

28th Oct 2004, 10:40

1987 Jeep Cherokees routinely run for 300,000+ miles.

Please put your brand loyalty aside and do some research.

14th Jul 2005, 08:00

Jeep had a great 4 wheel drive. But as a overall truck I would take the 1988 Toyota 4 runner Sr5 first !!! A great example of a small SUV...

17th Nov 2005, 05:34

I have 151,000 on mine, SR5 V6, just replaced the distributor coil and battery. Wish that I had purchased a 4 cy so I could drop a turbo diesel in.. other than that, couldn't be any happier in the snow and rain of Northwest Washington. Absolutely a great car, tows anything reasonable (I mean, you can at least tow a jet ski or two snow machines over a pass at 55-60). Reliable as I can imagine...