Gearing up to buy a 4runner (I have so many questions!)

Hello!

So I am getting ready to buy my first 4runner. Well I say that but in reality I have just eliminated all of the other options to what I want and realized that a 4runner matches everything that I want.

I only really have it narrowed down to 3rd or 4th gen. im not sure if I need a V6 or V8. And my primary use is car camping and light/moderate offroad use. The most extreme thing I can see myself doing is Lipincott Road or Steel Pass in Death Valley. I pretty much want to run around the southwest with it. I figure Ill upgrade the shock and struts, do a 2 or so inch lift, put on skid plates, get some good tires (I have heard good things about the Terra Grappler G2). and have fun.

Im just trying to figure out what kind of price I should be looking at to get a reasonable one. I say reasonable because I am a (recently graduated) mechanic so I can do pretty much all work myself. So while I have no problem swapping out brakes, suspension, minor components. I really dont want to have to do an engine or transmission rebuild before I can go have fun.

Are there pros and cons to the V6 or V8? I dont plan on towing anything. I figure the only time Ill really need that kind of towing or pulling capacity is if I spot somebody that needs to get unstuck.

What other things should I be considering? How much would be a good price for a stock, well maintained 4runner?

Let me know!

--AIC

 

Pros of the V6:
1. Timing Chain
2. Decent Power
Cons:
1. Earlier versions 2003-05 had head gasket issues.

Never owned a V8 4Runner so others will have to chime in.

 

Ah, so I want to avoid the 2003-2005 so I dont have to deal with the head gasket issue. older years are okay?

 

Do you know if a 6ft person could sleep in the back (with the rear seats pushed down) and a sleeping bag put in?