1989 SR5 V6...looking to buy one, is there anything I should know?

[Barnaby]

I found what appears to be a fairly clean '89 SR5 V6, I was hoping for a 4 banger, but this one looks pretty good so I am really considering pulling the trigger on it. Is there anything inherently wrong with the V6s? It has a shade under 200K according to the ad, what's the expected rebuild mileage for them?

Thanks
Tim

 

[austintaco]

Its a crapshoot.
My 89 SR5 v6 was bought with 135K and I sold it at around 185K. It ran great when I sold it, got 20mpg on 31" tires, and everything worked. It did use some oil though.

It was sold and resold within a few months and I heard that the engine did take a dump two owners later.

Without knowing the history of the engine, you would be wise to offer a very low amount to prepare the worst.

However, if you buy it, or before buying it, check the VIN to with a Toyota dealer to see when it had the head gasket done and check the compression.

 

[fourwd1]

200K is alot, but see how it runs.
Blown Head Gaskets are the biggest problem with the 3.0.
In NM you don't have to worry about the trucks biggest problem, rust.
There is also a Service Campaign for the steering relay rod. If it hasn't been done, you can get it after you buy it.

 

[Barnaby]

Cool, I'll ask about the head gaskets. Thanks guys.

Tim