Buyer's checklist: 1st gen Toyota 4Runner 1984–1989

What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.

Free while the site is being tested. Every line comes from the dossier and keeps its source, and the dossier itself stays free.

Inspection sheet Mark up every panel, what is underneath and how it drives.

Walk away if 1

Any one of these is reason enough to leave the car where it is.

Frame rustAll yearsTap the inside, outside and bottom of each frame rail with a small hammer. Look hardest above the rear axle by the fuel tank and where the frame bends up.^1,2,3

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Body rustAll yearsLook at the front fenders, inner fender wells, floors, rockers, quarter panels, A-pillars, tailgate and the top's window trim.^1,4,5,2,3
Head gasket failureV6Look for milky oil under the filler cap and on the dipstick, and for white, sweet-smelling exhaust. Ask whether the gasket was replaced.^6,2,3,7
Worn timing chain guidesFour-cylinderStart it cold and listen for a rattle at the front of the engine. Ask whether metal-backed guides have been fitted.^2,8
Worn seats and interiorAll yearsLook over the seats and upholstery.^4,9

Recalls filed for these model years. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.

Recall 88V0190001988Heat from the EGR pipe can crack a fuel hose routed too close to it, and fuel can leak. Ask for proof the recall work was done.¹⁰
Recall 05V3890001989–1995Repeated hard steering, such as full lock while stopped, can crack the steering relay rod until it breaks. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^{11,12,13,14,15,16,17}

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

3.0L V6V6A specialist quoted by Hagerty says most enthusiasts avoid it, and Hagerty ties head gasket trouble to it.^9,6
AutomaticAll yearsThree members in two threads have doubts about the automatic. Two call a 22RE with the automatic slow, though one says theirs gave no trouble, and the third says many buyers steer clear of it.^2,3

The boxes are for you: nothing you tick is sent or kept.