2nd gen project car advice

[War Sprout]

I'm usually in the 3rd gen area, but I found this gem tonight and figured the classic crew could offer some advice.

1993 Toyota 4runner 4x4 Blown Head Gasket

If I was to make an offer, what would be the worst case scenario with respect to a blown head gasket? What would the options for repairs be? I see 2nd gens in junkyards all the time, so I may be able to pull parts off those and keep this one running for cheap.

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[nicnmike]

I got mine for $1500 because the dude thought it had a blown head gasket. This one looks to be in nicer condition though. I'd offer $1500. If there's no associated damage, I don't imagine you would spend more than $300 to $500 for a new gasket, head bolts and machine shop costs. worst case, you'll need a new engine. I've seen donor trucks with 3.4 L engines for $1k. I've only had my truck since may, so others with more experience may give you better advice.

 

[Footofgod]

I got mine running for $1300. This guy wants $2000 for one that doesn't? Do the math dude. Not worth it.

 

[War Sprout]

I got mine for $1500 because the dude thought it had a blown head gasket. This one looks to be in nicer condition though. I'd offer $1500. If there's no associated damage, I don't imagine you would spend more than $300 to $500 for a new gasket, head bolts and machine shop costs. worst case, you'll need a new engine. I've seen donor trucks with 3.4 L engines for $1k. I've only had my truck since may, so others with more experience may give you better advice.

This is what I was thinking. 160,000 miles 4x4 for 1500 seems like a reasonable offer. And you mentioned the 3.4, but what about the 4.7 :evil:

I got mine running for $1300. This guy wants $2000 for one that doesn't? Do the math dude. Not worth it.

Could you explain this?

 

[Footofgod]

Could you explain this?

It's easy enough to find a decent running 2nd gen for $2000 or less. Why pay anymore than $500 for one that doesn't run?

 

[Footofgod]

Blown head gasket = Doesn't run.

 

[War Sprout]

It's easy enough to find a decent running 2nd gen for $2000 or less. Why pay anymore than $500 for one that doesn't run?

Thank you for taking the time to reply. So 500 would be the most you would offer here?

 

[cdthiker]

I picked up my 95 with 170 on it the head gaskets already done in recent history and three sets of tires and rims for 2200.... then spent another 1400 in work that needed done my goal was a solid 4x4 for under five k had money left over so put a new set of shoes on her... the second gen take a lot fo work but it is still cheaper then another car payment, generly will run if you know how to tinker or are will to spend money and there is a lot of used parts on the market. ..... thats just food for thought. I could easily do another 1500 dollars of work fixing every little thing....

if the truck does not run it dont run. offer a thousand and see what happens leave you self some money to play with and you might end up with a rig that you can get years out of.... just know its a risk

 

[killzone90]

I'd say 500. I just bought a 3rd Gen in almost perfect condition for 800. Had bad front diff bearing

 

[Footofgod]

Yup, I personally would not pay more than $500 for a non-running car. I bought my Camry for $200 with a blown HG.

 

[BucknutBob]

Considering that excellent ones still go for upwards of four grand, I'd be willing to go $1000 for one with a gasket issue, as long as everything else looks good. I looked at one for around $1200, but it had too many other issues.

 

[War Sprout]

If a 3.4 swap is possible, how hard would a 4.7 swap be? I know it's been done on a 3rd gen.

 

[Greg_Canada]

If a 3.4 swap is possible, how hard would a 4.7 swap be? I know it's been done on a 3rd gen.

3.4 swaps are literally bolt in, wiring modifications are the biggest issue. the 3.0 and 3.4 share a very similar bottom end.

4.7's are completely different animals.