Comments: 1-15, 16-18
My head gaskets blew at 220,000 miles. Having owned several Toyotas, I knew there was a recall and knew that Toyota would cover me. The dealer got me a rental car, worked the engine, and even took care of some other things at no cost.
I had to rebuild my starter. That was at 260,000 miles, at a cost of fifteen dollars.
I still haven't put a clutch in it, and I am not exactly easy on clutches. Other than that, I have changed the oil.
As long as you perform maintenance on these units, they will run forever. Toyota covered repairs under warranty at 220,000 and my in-laws can't get warranty coverage on their American vehicle at 65,000.
These vehicles ride very well. The interior is a little small though.
The V-6 runs very well, though after-market exhaust (headers and a Flow-master muffler) makes a huge difference in power. As well, the manual transmission greatly increases power.
Simply put, if you want a vehicle that you can go anywhere in and not have to worry about it breaking down, Toyota is it.
Sounds a bit too good to be true, but its also been my experience. I own a 1990 Hilux Surf which is the Japanese home market version of the 4Runner.
I've owned it for 2 years now and with 122,000 kilometers on the clock, it looks and drives like a new car.
As Steven's review suggests; the Surf/4Runner is an amazingly well built car;-)
My '92 4Runner is fun to drive, has excellent handling, is safe and comfortable for everyone and is a nice-looking SUV. Of the thirty or so cars, trucks and vans I have owned and driven, both new and old, import and domestic, this one is by far the most fun, most useful, practical, all-around perfect vehicle I have ever driven. It is good as an MPV, furniture-hauler, off-road vehicle, freeway commuter, and a grocery shopper. It's easy to see 360 degrees when driving or parking in tight spots (which is important if you don't want to run anyone over) and where the road ends, this vehicle can just keep on going. Only a Toyota runs 4ever. ONLY TOYOTA.
I have a 1990 sr5 Toyota 4-runner and boy do I'm wish I had the positive comments like evrybody else. Yes, 200K, but has no power, sever gas mileage and a very bad investment! I have heard from other sources that Toyota had problems and are fixing regardless of mileage for their customers and am presently finding out. When I got this vehicle I replaced frt suspension parts and all shocks, but after one week, the rear shocks (Toyota) broke and actually broke the brake lines. Toyota replaced, but WOW! No, I'm not giving up, but unlike many other rebuild projects I've taken on, this is one that is hard to get comments from other people and or dealer. The dealer just said the 3.0 motor was crap, gutless, etc. HELP!
I have had my Toyota for 9 years, brought it with 18,000 miles. First two years had problems with the AC unit, dealer did everything under the sun to repair it (installed new unit) finally it was the accumulator valve, fixed the problems (after $1,900 of parts). Vehicle ran great until the gear in the front part of the engine went out, cost me $2,700 to redo the heads and the gear (associated with the balancer up front). These are very reliable truck, but boy are they expensive to repair. Currently have 223,0000 miles, just replaced the 3rd and 5th gear in 5 speed transmission(2nd time). Now I am having overheating problems, changed various things to solve, however, still O-H, probably looking at new block or heads. Regardless of my problems looking to buy another 4-R if the repairs get too expansive.
Good Survey.
I have a '93 Toyota 4Runner SR5 and it is an amazing car. The head gaskets finally went out at 230,000 miles. When I had that done I also put custom headers and timing belt on. The car now has 340,000 miles on it and still runs great. One thing that I can see going bad in the near future (100,000miles) is the tranny going out. But, other than that this car is great. Easy to keep up, easy to drive, easy to love. I am starting to get poor mileage though (10-14mpg) compared to what I got when it was newer (14-18mpg) and it would also be nice to have a little more power... The headers helped a lot though along with a K&N filter. But... These 4Runners are amazing.
Just bought a 1992 4runner and just notice a oil leak between the engine and tranny I believe it could of be the two nuts that hold the oil pan that is unscrew tight in, but the damn transmission is blocking the two nuts so what kind of tool to be use on a tighten spot? oh! and the tranny have a problem, at some point when you step on the gas pedal the car will not go until it change to gear 2 on a automatic tranny so that's mean I have a tranny problem? and the RPM will not go over 3000 RPM with a full gas and when at idle the RPM pointer kept moving down and up like it loosing power and the 4x4 is so weak..., so I rate this car at fair, but the driving and trail is fun... email me at jonracer@hotmail.com if you got any suggestion about my problem...
I just purchased a 1992 4runner,...what headers, muffler, and air filter, would be recommended to try to increase performance? and how much performance gain is possible?
What can be done about lousy gas mileage, 11 mpg from LA to Sacramento! just passed smog with flying colors, tuneup is less than a year old, goodyear tires are in good condition... slightly larger than oem, but not much...
thanks for any ideas!
How do you know what 1992 4runner's are covered under the head gasket recall? My head gasket just went on my 92 and I am not getting much help from the dealership.
Other than that I am really impressed by this vehicle.
I am considering a 1992 4Runner for my first car, and I appreciate the comments above. I was wondering if the 1992's have driver or passenger airbags, for insurance purposes. Could you guys help me?
My 1992 does not have airbags.
I also would like suggestions to improve the gas mileage, it now gets around 13 mpg. Also feels a little sluggish in low gears, any suggestions? I have changed the transmission fluid and the gas filter. That helped a little, but now much.
Please email me at Myrtlemike@aol.com with any suggestions. Thanks much.
Question for 1991 Hilux Surf owners - can I use plugs/filters/cap/rotor purchased for US 4runners on the Hilux?
Appreciate any tips, please write to beenerachi@hotmail.com.
Thanks a lot,
Chris.
Bought a 1992 4runner (auto) a few months ago and I've loved every minute of it!! I've taken it off road a few times and I haven't had any problems with it and the wife and kids love it too, guy I bought it from was very reliable and it was worth the 3950 I payed for it. I know its got a few recalls on it, but haven't had enough time off and don't want to give it away to fix them, lol. It does have a front rear main seal leak and a small oil leak, but I've checked my fluids and its running great, and not having any problems. Shes been the best spent money I've spent. Even though she eats gas (average about 210 miles per tank) Brother has a 90 runner and hes afraid to challenge me on the local trails I think, lol. Haven't done any upgrading as I spent all my money on her when I bought it, but would like to hear what kind of inexpensive mods I can do to it if anybody can let me know, btw I'm no where near a mechanically inclined individual. Thanks. P.S- her name is Tonya!!
I have a 1992 4Runner SR5 4x4 V6 and it has 185K on it and it hasn't had to have any major repairs. They are way more reliable than any other car that I can think of. I have kept the oil changed and bought a K&N filter system soon to buy a Tornado intake to improve mileage. If anyone has ideas on what kind of headers or exhaust or any engine, suspension, manual transmission upgrades please let me know. Email me at nitroracer2@msn.com, Thanks.
I have a 1991 4Runner, 5 speed. I love it. It has 197,000 miles on it. I just got a new FlowMaster muffler, which I understand will help with the gas mileage and power. I usually get about 17 MPG. I'm in the market for a new shifter cover, and driver's seat (as I have ripped it!). If anyone knows where to get these at a good price, please email me at Hannah@rowadventures.com.