I'm looking to purchase my first 4Runner, something older that I can work on and piddle around with. I "really" like the '88 or '89 4Runners and would hope to find one that is 2wd with a v6. Any thoughts or comments about that particular year?

I totally agree. In fact, when I had to get rid of my car payment due to a job change, I went looking for that exact model and found one. Its a 1989 V-6 5 spd, and I bought it with 135K on it and I am at about 160K now. Its been very reliable for the most part and though its 14 years old, it still has some style to it. Chevy tries to play up their ugly Avalanche as the first SUV that converts to a truck, but 1st gen 4runner owners know best. The biggest problem you will encounter will be rusted out bodies, but primarily on the fenders. I have some rust on mine, and I am getting ready to drop the money and have it blasted and painted. Good luck!

I second that, I'm right behind you guys, I also own a 1989 V-6 5 spd, bought it used eight yrs ago with 101k miles. Have 170K now. It spent several times stored while on my Navy days trips. No rust whatsoever, still has that nice shiny black finish. Best buy I ever done, never owned other vehicle this long. Pics posted in the photo album. Last January had the motor rebuit buy my brother. Got oversize pistons now plus a K&N air injection kit. Its quite powerful and quick, great on gas. Even if win the lottery & become rich tomorrow, I'll still keep & daily drive my "Black Widow"...

Hey, thanks for the good comments. I am really getting excited to get a 4Runner purchased, but I want to bide my time and make a good decission. I saw this at autotrader.com... it's a '90, but it looks nice.... and only 143k miles. Would prefer to find a 88 or 89, I like the idea of the removable top. 1990 SR5 4X4, V-6, 3.0 liter, 143,000 k, auto, AC, PB, PS, Tilt, NEW AM/FM compact disc player, 4 NEW speakers, custom grille guard, premium wheels, oversized off-road tires (2 new), have done 3k oil changes, several large scheduled maintainence log items done, new knock sensor w/ several new hoses, starter, speedometer cable, have records file.

This is probably a stupid question, but if we were ever planning to pull a "small" travel trailer with this, is the v6 a must? When does the 2nd gen start, 1990 with the newer body style? Does the top leak on the 88 and 89 models? How does the 4wd hold up if you are putting many hwy miles on the front end? Is there a lot of maintenance involved? Costly? Thanks

I have heard that the 90 model did have some issues and yes it is the first year for the 2nd generation. As far as the top goes, I have never had a leak in mine and its pretty solid. I am not even sure about towing capacity, but I wouldn't pull anything more than a small trailer or jet ski. I know it can handle more, but do you want to be that guy everyone has to shoot around on the highway because you are maxing your towing capacity?