early 3rd gen motor troubles

[ironman7]

I currently have a '90 4r and am thinking about getting a newer one with the 3.6 motor. Have been hearing rumours to avoid the first few years of this engine due to recurring troubles of some sort and go for later '90s or 2k models. Any factoids on this or is it just someones bad experience? Thanks.

 

[Snookster]

it's a 3.4L. If properly maintained these engines have been recorded to go more than 200,000 miles

 

[jeremy 4runner]

I had a 1990 with the v6 and didn't have any issues. Sold it with 145,000 and no problems. I then got a 96 that was made 12/95 and i have 96,000 miles and have only done the major stuff to do around 60,000 miles. Other than that it has been another great rig that im sure will go for a long time. Good luck.

 

[peter78]

There was a head gasket problem with the 96 & early 97 3.4 V6. It was a different problem than that of the 3.0 V6 head gasket problem. If the 3.4 V6 had a problem, it would show up before 20,000 miles. If you look at old Consumer Reports you will see the engine having some reliability problems and that is the reason why. So, if you have a older engine it should be OK. Of course a 96 engine is 11 years old, so take that with a grain of salt.

 

[ironman7]

Thanks for the replies. I guess with used vehicles it's always a roll of the dice. C'mon 7-11!