95 4-Runner Oil Leaks

[whittap]

Hey Guys,
I'm a Newbie that has a few questions, and I would appreciate any guidance or advice on the issue.

I am currently driving a 95 Toyota 4Runner (auto,V6,4WD) with 163,000 miles on it. 3 years ago it developed some oil leaks. I got a dealership to look at it and they said the oil leaks were coming from the Rear Main Seal and the valve cover gaskets. The estimate to replace the rear main seal was $575, and cost to replace the valve cover gaskets was $351. Now, me being a poor college student, i declined the repair and decided I would just check the oil often and add if needed.

Right now, the 4runner leaks about a half quart every 2000 miles. I use Valvoline 10W30

I'm planning on getting a new vehicle next year after I graduate and I was wondering if it would make sense to have the $925 worth of repairs done to fix the leaks or just let it ride. Could an oil leak requiring this amount of service affect the resale value? I'm just thinking that paying for $925 worth of service for a vehicle worth about $5-6000 isn't worth it.
What do yall think?
Thanks

 

[wheel]

Is the body in good shape?
If you take care of it you can get you money back. Under 200mi on a 95, Wow!
Ask another shop how much they would charge, betcha can find a much lower estimate.

 

[Blurr]

My 93 4Runner has a pretty good leak in the rear of the motor as well. i have to put in a half quart every 1500 miles or so.

I personally wouldn't pay a dealer to do that kind of work. if you know of a reputable local garage that knows Toyotas well, I bet you can get that fixed for almost half of what the dealer will charge.

you are going to have this truck for another year and you'll have more peace of mind if those leaks are taken care of.

 

[mikes4runner]

Are you going to trade it in or sell private?

You would get more for it if you don't have the leaks but is it worth $925 more with them fixed, I doubt it.



Mike

 

[OSIRIS]

I would fix it. I had the same problem with mine until I heard some extra noise and a loud bang with all my oil coming out. I've got a baseball size hole in the side of the block and it doesn't turn over. hmmmmmm....... It all started with an innocent little leak at the rear main seal.

I'm going to spend $3K to correct this problem. Seems that $925 or less sounds better to me. You never know when it may go KABLOOEY!!!!

Joe.

 

[Frankjake]

I think it all depends on what you plan to do with your vehicle. If you are going to sell it soon, don't bother, you won't get the money out of it. But if you plan on keeping it for a while, have it fixed (maybe not by the dealer, someone less expensive).

I have bought a few older vehicles in the past and have put more money into them than they were worth, BUT I used them! I wasn't trying to turn a profit by fixing and selling them.

I recently bought a 1990 4Runner and so far have spent about $700 on it. No matter what kind of vehicle you have, you NEED to spend some money for regular maintenance such as brakes, timing belt, ft end alignment, tires, clutch, oil changes and more.

Even on my brand new truck I spent over $3,000 on lift kit, wheels and tires. Then all the other toys. There is no way I will ever get all that money out of it, but that's not the point. It's so I could use it the way I want to.

If you don't mind putting oil in ever so often, don't worry about it. My brother has a toyota pickup and add a 1/2 qt of oil every month or so. he's been doing it for years now, but his truck is 21 years old with well over 250,000 miles on it. I bet he hasn't spent over $1,000 on it in the last 10 years. It's a lot better than a $500 a month car payment.

 

[8ac1v1c]

Would you buy a used truck for $6000 knowing that its leaking oil and to fix it, it would be another $1000?


Your first mistake was that you went to the dealership for a quote
The kicker is that an oil seal is like a $4 part.

I would buy the parts from an aftermarket manufacturer and pay some neighbourhood mechanic to install the parts for $300 cash.


It sounds like the problem is getting worse and worse - a leaky headgasket can allow coolant to mix in - which will cause the motor to overheat - possibly crack the block then you'll be stuck having to part the car out for $500.