The Toyota 4Runner began in 1984 as a clever adaptation of the Hilux pickup, featuring two doors, a fiberglass shell over the bed, and seats for rear passengers. This first generation is famous for its removable top, a feature Toyota dropped with the second generation's move to a full steel, integrated body in 1990. Through five generations, it has evolved from a compact, rugged utility vehicle into a comfortable and capable mid-size SUV.
Collectors and enthusiasts value the 4Runner for its legendary reliability and off-road capability. The first generation (1984-1989), especially the 1985 model with its solid front axle and 22R-E engine, is a highly sought-after classic. The third generation (1996-2002) is another peak for collectors, offering a perfect blend of modern reliability with the durable 3.4L 5VZ-FE V6 engine, comfortable interiors, and manageable dimensions.
The 4Runner market is incredibly broad, reflected in its average sale price of just under $17,000. This figure is influenced by the huge number of high-mileage daily drivers from the fourth and fifth generations. However, clean, low-mile examples of the first and third generations regularly sell for $25,000 to $40,000, with exceptional examples and modern TRD Pro editions reaching over $80,000.
Buying Tips
- Frame rust is the most critical issue; inspect the frame rails from front to back, paying close attention to the area around the rear suspension components.
- On 3rd-gen models (1996-2002), check for the "pink milkshake" issue where the transmission cooler inside the radiator fails. Many owners prevent this by installing a separate external transmission cooler.
- The 3.4L V6 is an interference engine, so confirm the timing belt and water pump have been replaced at the recommended 90,000-mile interval.
- For 1st-gen trucks, carefully check the condition of the removable fiberglass top and test the operation of the complex rear tailgate window.
- Be wary of extensive or poorly executed modifications. A stock, well-maintained 4Runner is often a safer bet than one with a questionable lift kit and amateur wiring.
Prices range from a few thousand dollars for high-mileage examples to over $84,000 for pristine early models and late-model special editions.
34,178 Toyota 4Runner vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 26032 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
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