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Tow Behind Rig: 1995 Toyota 4Runner

This 1995 Toyota 4Runner is a clean survivor that the seller claims has led a gentle life due to being towed behind an R/V for most of its life. Though mileage is on the high side at 171,200, the condition seems to back up the seller’s claims that it didn’t get overly used by the longterm owners. It’s also equipped with the rare five-speed manual transmission and is said to have zero rust – a major achievement for a 4Runner of this generation. Find it here on eBay with a Buy-It-Now of $9,500 and no option to submit a lower offer.

The 4Runner looks super straight up and down the sides, and retains its factory decal kit. The chrome trim strips above the fenders have a tendency to fall off over time, and their presence reinforces (for me, at least) that this 4Runner has led a charmed life. The truck doesn’t appear to have been modified in any way, retaining stock bumpers and tire/wheel fitment. I can recall these bumpers almost always rusted out up north, so it’s refreshing to see the chrome pieces intact with no signs of rot-through.

The interior is classic 90s Toyota, which is to say it’s heavy on gray cloth and matching plastic, but the switchgear at least had a high quality feel and everything typically worked. While we see lots of these with automatics, the manual is seen much less frequently, especially when compared to previous generations. The 4Runner has a cap on the dashboard, which I doubt is hiding any cracks given how rarely I see Toyotas suffering from this cosmetic blemish that affects so many others. The seller mentions power features and A/C as standard, so I’m assuming it still blows cold.

The engine bay could stand to be detailed, but it still looks fair for its recorded mileage. The seller says it “…runs like new and sounds perfect,” so do with that what you will since it’s a purely subjective opinion. Overall, I doubt you’re likely to find too many flaws associated with this clean 4Runner, but the mileage is still high enough that some evidence of maintenance should accompany it. The listing ends tomorrow; do you think someone will bite at the current asking price? And is being towed behind an R/V truly an easy existence or could the driveline suffer as a result?

Comments

  1. Avatar Bakyrdhero Member

    Real Nice old truck. This is considered an antique in the state of Massachusetts. I reckon I’d be willing to pay close to the asking price if everything Is on good order.

    Like 3
  2. HoA Howard A Member

    Great trucks, very popular. One with that many miles, even if towed, you’ll make your Toyota dealer very happy. I don’t see any evidence of a tow bar, unless it was on a dolly, I don’t buy the RV thing one bit. This truck was driven. You can buy these all day long in Colorado for half the price. There are just still so many of them.

    Like 8
  3. Avatar Ken Neal-Rosario

    Bought one of these new in 1995 when I lived in Albuquerque. Same car in gold and beige cloth. Slowest. Car. Ever. I literally thought it had a running issue until the dealer let me drive another one. Nope, just massively underpowered. Still served us well, but was an absolute traffic hazzard when we moved to DFW. The 5 speed had an override switch that allowed you to use the starter to pull the truck in gear if you got into a jam, which I did in the first heavy snow. Virtually unstoppable off road.

    Like 2
  4. Avatar art

    171K miles, towed or driven, establishes a value that does not appear to reach $9500 but, there is always a buyer out there that sees perhaps, more than meets the eye.
    Insurance value and resale value takes a hit with that odometer reading.
    These were great vehicles in their day but are very thirsty for fuel. My co-worker was thrilled to trade hers for that reason, commuting was killing her wallet.
    Nostalgia aside, I’d look for a newer and lower mile 4Runner.

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Eric

    Not high miles. Just getting broken in.

    Like 5
  6. Avatar Ike Onick

    I plead ignorance on whether or not being towed for approximately a few thousand miles is harmful.(For the truck, not me!) I look forward to becoming informed and educated by Team BF. Thanks!

    Like 0
  7. Avatar CCFisher

    Clean, manual 4Runners are not easy to find. A nationwide search across several of the major used car sites produced around 40 results for manual 4Runners across all model years. $9500 is above average, but it is not the highest-priced example I found.

    Like 2
    • Avatar JMB#7

      And there will be offers at 20% off of asking price, which puts the asking price right in line.

      Like 0
  8. Avatar CJinSD

    171K miles make this a low mileage 1995 vehicle. Average mileage for a 1995 would be…lets just say the last few thousand would be as scrap in a ship headed to China.

    This 4Runner looks pretty clean to me. I’d still like to see the R/Vs service and mileage documentation to validate the story that the Toyota was used as a tender.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Ron

    I’d say the price is fair if it’s as clean, straight and rust free as it appears to be, ‘toad’ or not, these are great vehicles and with proper maintenance will live a very long life…

    Like 1
  10. Avatar JOHN Member

    I had a 95 upgraded the interior to the Limited model (leather seats, door panels, steering wheel, console arm rest) It was a “gold” edition so it was loaded, but mine was an automatic. Nice tight vehicle,never a mechanical issue, but the mileage was pathetic. I added manual hubs and a free flowing exhaust, but it still never got over 17.5 mpg. My 95 Tahoe 2 door 4WD would get 22 MPG on the highway. This one looks better than most, but what’s up with the console? Hopefully the dash pad is in good shape. Overall, nice 4Runner, but over priced.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar DANNY VRACHAN

    Notorious for Head Gasket failure . I had a 95 That had one set Go out at 65k on the dealers nickel . That head gasket lasted until I bought the car from my girlfriend . I was barley beginning to enjoy this vehicle . Then Head Gasket #2 Failed . This time on my nickel . Needless to say I sold it like that to a eager mechanic .

    Like 0
  12. Avatar Rob

    Geez….I just bought a 2007 4Runner Limited V8 AWD with similar mileage and condition for the same price. I know the older 4Runners are popular, but this seems really high.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar Steph

    How do I find out if this is still available

    Like 0
    • Avatar JOHN Member

      It has been re-listed on ebay.

      Like 0

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