89 4Runner. Worth trading?

[NWARunner]

Hi all,

First off, let me start out by saying I know most of the car forums like new members to post an intro, and info about their ride, but I don't have a Runner yet, so I can't do that.

I've actually come to ask opinions on an 89 4Runner that I may be able to trade for my 96 Accord. 3.0L V6, 205k miles, SR5, 5 spd. I've been wanting to get a 4Runner for awhile now, as I'm wanting to go offroading and camping this summer, neither of which I can do very well with my current vehicle. I also love the fact that it has a removable top. But I'm just wondering if I would be better off with something else.

The aesthetics don't bother me too much, as I will be able to slowly fix it up, and it will be an offroader anyways. The only thing that concerns me is I've heard before that the 3.0L Runners have a problem with the head gaskets blowing, and being that it has 205k, if it hasn't already blown it could soon. Is this as common an issue as I've heard? I'd love to have a 4Runner ASAP, but I don't want to rush into it and get something I'd regret. I'm still in high school and work part time, around 25 hours a week, so I have money to put into it, but after my gas, insurance, and phone bill there isn't a ton left and fixing something like a blown head gasket is just something I couldn't afford.

I haven't looked at it yet, as I wanted to get your opinions before I drive a half hour to see it. Any feedback would be much appreciated.

 

[USE911]

Welcome. Asking a 4runner forum whether you should trade a Honda for a 4runner is a bit foolish. Of course you should! You came to the perfect place for a bias opinion. 3.0l are notorious for head gasket issues, but they can also be very reliable motors if properly maintained. I think if you have wanted a 4runner, you should get it. I got my first one when I was 15 (the black one on my avatar and sig) and wouldn't get rid of it for anything.

 

[vampar77]

Chances are the head gasket has already been changed, it's a matter of when. Just go check it out.

 

[92-SR5]

Chances are the head gasket has already been changed, it's a matter of when. Just go check it out.

This!

As much as I bash the 3vze, it is still a toyota. They can be very dependable, just depends on what kind of condition it is in and how it was maintained. Oh yeah, whatever you do, do not let these engines get hot.

 

[Footofgod]

I am probably the only person to defend the 3.0. "notorious" is a strong word to describe the head gasket issue. It is the "most common" issue, but there are 1000's on the road with over 200,000 miles on the clock, so the issue is not as bad as it sounds. The 3.0 is not a powerhouse, but a solid dependable engine. I personally bash the hell out of mine and it refuses to let me down. Sometimes I wish it would so I could swap in a more powerful engine, but it jut keeps going and going and going.......

By the pic, your first issue will be to fix the rear sag. Then tune her up and she'll be ready to go.