New member from Montana

Hello to all, hoping to do a father daughter 4Runner project soon and thought I’d get expert advice lol. Was thinking I’d do as simple a project as possible for her sake of learning and her first car. I’ve done several car restorations and some hot rod stuff so get it but I’ve never owned a Toyota truck! Was hoping to get some input on generations and where they start and stop making financial sense? Which do you think would be a good candidate for my desired goals of fun project and a safe first car with character. My budget is to 10k I think but I can spend as much as iam interested in. I’ve also rebuilt several engines and have access to machine shops ect. I’ve also done alot of welding and auto body so I come prepared. Just looking now and realize I don’t know what Iam looking at. Thanks Charlie in Bozeman Montana.

 

For a $10k budget you're gonna be looking at a 3rd or 4th gen.
If it were me, use the auto sales websites and refine your search criteria to find something you like.
If it were me, i'd be looking for a 2006-2009 4th gen 4Runner and get the lowest miles you can afford.
These are safe and virtually bulletproof.
There are things on them nearing 20 years old so things will wear out, be prepared for small maintenance items like AC evaporator and fan clutch and gasket leaks

 

Use the left side tool bars to refine the search, 2wd or 4wd, what color, ect ect. Then you can refine in a radius from how far away your home is. These two sites can narrow a bunch and find REAL listings at dealers that you can buy in confidence. The FakeBook Marketplace is a good way to find local stuff but its also becoming a scam bucket as well.

https://www.cars.com/shopping/resul...pe=used&year_max=2009&year_min=2006&zip=75701

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...ippableBaseline=0&startYear=2006&endYear=2009

 

This is a baller of a vehicle for the price. Need to look into the service history and see what the maintenance was, low ball them down to $8,500 or $9,000 and you got a real NICE dependable vehicle. Put a Toyota timing belt kit on it if you cant find any mainenance papers and this thing will last you another 10+ years and only cost you brakes and tires.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/86d2b1d5-f9d9-4535-b456-7940b161b59f/

 

Welcome

 

Welcome

 

Cool thanks for your replies. Should I start a thread about it or clog up the welcome page? Thanks again

 

Welcomw

 

welcome

 

Welcome

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! Bozeman isn't far from where I used to go elk hunting... Clyde Park. Charlie you live in one beautiful state! The project you're thinking about sounds great. As far as the year, I would do a 1st Generation 4Runner like an 1986. I had an '86 pickup and it was one tough truck, The down side was the sheet metal, living in Wisconsin they had to put down salt... everywhere! There are sooo many pros to each generation of 4Runners and also some cons with each generation. I would sit down with your daughter, see which one looks the most appealing to your daughter, see what's around you, and go from there. I bet if she likes the appearance of a certain year, she will be more enthusiastic on building it! Good luck Charlie.. great project.

 

Welcome from Arizona!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome! What a terrific project this will be for the BOTH of you! Posts above I'm sure have given you an excellent starting point and advice. I'll just chime in that I did the same with my oldest daughter and she really took to it. In fact, we both now have 5th Gen 4Runners and have been doing similar mods, I'd like to think thoughtful for how we use our vehicles, daily drivers as well as off-the-road vehicles. She is generally "off the grid" twice a month and can manage "trail repairs" (flat tires, fan belt change, rocks in calipers, etc) on her own as well as helping others that experience minor trail issues. I wish you good fortune, a lot of fun, and money well spent! Cheers

 

Welcome from Denver, see you in few days.. (My vacation time, heading that way.)

Looks like 10K budget might even can get you a more reliable and practical 5th gen 4Runner. Since it would still be a daily driver can save money to build it as a trail rig in future as you go.

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

Welcome from So Cal.!