2005 Head Gasket leaks - what would you do?

[jsimms243]

I just bought a 2005 4Runner SR5 with 206k. It's white with beige leather, sunroof, alloys and running boards. It's has some cracks in the dash but the dash is covered under the extended dash warranty.

When I bought it I knew it had a mild miss for a few seconds at start up with a check engine light (cylinder 6 misfire) I've had it checked out and I'm told it's a head gasket leak (coolant leaking into the cylinder). I was given a rough quote of $1000; they're working up an exact number right now.

I've had two different mechanics / shops check it out and they say it's TIP TOP other than the head gasket. It's a 1 owner, has new brakes, shocks and springs. It's a 1 owner and I'm the 2nd. The thing is clean as you could ever imagine. No dings, no paint work, no stains or cosmetic issues and no accidents.

I paid $6500 for it and I have the option to return it and get my money back. What would you do? What's the most your would pay, if any, under the circumstance? What do you expect this typical job to do?

I would LOVE to keep it. It's look great and drives like a dream. I'm just not sure what's the right move at this point.

Thanks.

 

[jsimms243]

...if maintained as well as the mechanics say and as well as it looks cosmetically, should / could I get another 100k miles out of it?

 

[fdbyrne]

If you like the truck, I'd at least think about fixing it. It won't be $1000, however. It'll be quite a bit more. I've priced it and I have a quote of $2350 from an independent mechanic that I trust and that was about $1000 less that what the dealership quoted. Do a quick search on this forum about that issue and you'll find that it's happened to a lot of people. Most of them usually post the cost of repair and most paid much more than I was quoted.

The good news is that if you do it and you machine the heads at the same time, you'll probably be good to go for a very long time.

 

[czastrow]

I just went through this on my 05 sport. 176k and the same misfire. Was torn whether or not to sell it..wouldn't be worth much with the issue. I went ahead and fixed it...2500 OTD with new water pump, serp belt and plugs all done at toyota. Runs like a top now and pulls great! I feel like its the girlfriend that cheated though...and I can't say trust has been fully restored. I love this thing. Only thing that would replace it, which I'm contemplating is a new trail premium or trd pro. It's a head ache for sure and takes a few days. I'd see if they would cut you a check back to have it fixed if it is in as good of shape as you say and it is what you want. Unless you go newer, v8 or know it has been done, it can be a potential problem on all 03-05 v6's.