Cracked head :(

[ASUMTNEER]

So I recently bought a 96 LE 4x4 4runner. It has high mileage, 222k, but runs and rives nicely. I noticed it was losing some coolant and my mechanic determined that it has a cracked head. Looks like I'd have to put another $1200 or so in it to keep it going. My question is, could I sell it for $2500 and get my money back? I just put new tires on it. Clean title.

 

[KidVermicious]

Did you enjoy spending $2500 for a 4Runner with a cracked head? Do you think the next owner is going to have anything good to say about you when they find out? No, you can't sell it for $2500, not if you want to retain any self respect at all, and if you tell whoever you're selling it to that it's got a cracked head you won't sell it for $2500 at all. Which is why the previous owner didn't tell you.

$2500 purchase price plus $1200 to replace the head is still under book for a clean 3rd gen in most areas. Have it fixed and count your blessings.

 

[2014 Warthog]

Assuming no rust issues or any other big problems. If you can get the head fixed for only $1200, I'd say you still have a pretty decent deal overall.

If you were to advertise a cracked head, you might only get $1000 for it :/

 

[ASUMTNEER]

Did you enjoy spending $2500 for a 4Runner with a cracked head? Do you think the next owner is going to have anything good to say about you when they find out? No, you can't sell it for $2500, not if you want to retain any self respect at all, and if you tell whoever you're selling it to that it's got a cracked head you won't sell it for $2500 at all. Which is why the previous owner didn't tell you.

$2500 purchase price plus $1200 to replace the head is still under book for a clean 3rd gen in most areas. Have it fixed and count your blessings.

Thanks for assuming I'm a d!ck, but I am going to advertise all issues with the truck. I bought it just to get through the winter and keep our 04 out of the salt. I was just curious if someone who could do the work themselves might take on the project. It's worth a shot to try since I really don't want to put anymore money into it.

 

[KidVermicious]

Thanks for assuming I'm a d!ck, but I am going to advertise all issues with the truck.

Sorry, I shouldn't post before achieving full caffeination.

Selling it as-is, I think the most you could expect would be $2000, and that's if the rest of the truck is pristine with full maintenance records. I think $2500 is completely unrealistic, sorry.

A '96 Limited in good shape is at least a $4500 truck. Even if you're just looking to pitch it at this point you'd still be money ahead to have the guy fix it before selling it.

 

[Arnezie]

I'd put the 1200 into it

 

[Doc2012]

PM me. I've got a contact in your area, Barnardsville, that will sell you a motor for 6-800, if you don't want to put it into the head.

He might even just sell you the heads.


Fix the Runner, then not worry about it again.

 

[jgue467]

Thanks for assuming I'm a d!ck, but I am going to advertise all issues with the truck. I bought it just to get through the winter and keep our 04 out of the salt. I was just curious if someone who could do the work themselves might take on the project. It's worth a shot to try since I really don't want to put anymore money into it.

Honesty. I'd go the same route if i didn't want it, someone will pick it up, its still cheap enough. Luck!

 

[ASUMTNEER]

PM me. I've got a contact in your area, Barnardsville, that will sell you a motor for 6-800, if you don't want to put it into the head.

He might even just sell you the heads.


Fix the Runner, then not worry about it again.

PM'd. Thanks

 

[shootmymime]

fix it,
you will still be ahead in resale value.

 

[kolelt]

I know your pain. I picked up a 97 with 174k for $2800, month later blew head gasket. After fixing all front end and timing belt kit. Ended up getting $1500 JDM motor.

 

[JayRolla]

There is a 140k mileage 3.4L in our local craigslist for $650 and many others priced $800 and under. You could do a swap easily and cheaper than buying a rebuild or having heads redone and this way you know you got oem toyota built.

 

[02SE]

There is a 140k mileage 3.4L in our local craigslist for $650 and many others priced $800 and under. You could do a swap easily and cheaper than buying a rebuild or having heads redone and this way you know you got oem toyota built.

Yeah, they'll have an OEM Toyota built engine alright. That's what they are looking to replace. An OEM Toyota built engine that was neglected, and now needs work or replacement.

I for the life of me will never understand why swapping in a mystery engine with 100k+ miles, is considered a great idea, but a properly rebuilt engine is frowned upon.

It's true there are apparently a lot of hacks out there claiming to be Mechanics, that aren't qualified to rebuild a LEGO® car, let alone a real car. But there are also qualified Mechanics out there that can build an engine to better than OEM specification.

If the block and rotating assembly are in good condition, I wouldn't hesitate to replace the head(s) properly, and drive on with confidence. Instead of installing a used engine, which could be on it's last legs as well.

 

[amalik]

personally, i would never get rid of that rig because of a bad head. Your exterior is in great shape, and 222k miles is not that bad.

 

[LittleCaesar]

There is some wild man out in Clayton NC with a big lathe and a knock for putting 2jzs in 4runners. It is a different experience, and may make ya want to drive the 04 in winter.

In reality, find Doc's friend and swap out the engine and hope for the best.

 

[kolelt]

2jz in 4runner. Would be SICK

 

[JayRolla]

Yeah, they'll have an OEM Toyota built engine alright. That's what they are looking to replace. An OEM Toyota built engine that was neglected, and now needs work or replacement.

I for the life of me will never understand why swapping in a mystery engine with 100k+ miles, is considered a great idea, but a properly rebuilt engine is frowned upon.

It's true there are apparently a lot of hacks out there claiming to be Mechanics, that aren't qualified to rebuild a LEGO® car, let alone a real car. But there are also qualified Mechanics out there that can build an engine to better than OEM specification.

If the block and rotating assembly are in good condition, I wouldn't hesitate to replace the head(s) properly, and drive on with confidence. Instead of installing a used engine, which could be on it's last legs as well.

I completely agree with you. But again a good set of heads will cost you more than a good running mystery motor. And a qualified motor rebuild can sometimes cost you $3-$6k on an import motor. These are not 350 chevys or 302 fords where you can get one build pretty much anywhere. You will want a good machine engine shop that specializes in toyota motors which it ends up pricey.

I will trust a low mileage used toyota motor anyday.

 

[amalik]

I completely agree with you. But again a good set of heads will cost you more than a good running mystery motor. And a qualified motor rebuild can sometimes cost you $3-$6k on an import motor. These are not 350 chevys or 302 fords where you can get one build pretty much anywhere. You will want a good machine engine shop that specializes in toyota motors which it ends up pricey.

I will trust a low mileage used toyota motor anyday.

Jay,

Getting heads re-machined though should not cost that much, relatively. Right?

 

[02SE]

I completely agree with you. But again a good set of heads will cost you more than a good running mystery motor. And a qualified motor rebuild can sometimes cost you $3-$6k on an import motor. These are not 350 chevys or 302 fords where you can get one build pretty much anywhere. You will want a good machine engine shop that specializes in toyota motors which it ends up pricey.

I will trust a low mileage used toyota motor anyday.

Actually, I would just do all of the work myself. Including any machining. So all it would cost me is time, and whatever parts I chose to replace.

Of course not everyone has the experience or access to tools to do that. For those people it will cost more, but I'd still recommend installing (or having installed) new or reconditioned heads on a short block that is in good condition, versus a completely unknown used mystery motor.

Any engine builder that truly is competent, can build any make or model engine to proper specs. Yeah, it might be hard for someone to do it right, if all they know is slapping on some heads with no verification of specs whatsoever, under the tree in their backyard.

 

[KidVermicious]

^^^ this is why I'm teaching myself to wrench my own junk. Finding the right guy to do your work for you is hard when you don't know what you're looking for, and the thought of dropping hard earned cash on the wrong guy is scary.