Help needed

[Wellcraft290]

Ok so thinking of buying a 4r to use in the snow and to be a reliable highway cruiser. So been reading lots on here about the downfalls of the v6 3.0 with head issues. I found one a 94 but has just had the head gasket fixed and timing belt etc. How often and how concerned would you be about it happening again?

Also for a bit more money would you just buy a newer 4runner with the 3.4l?

 

[the_dingman]

If it's a new gasket, you should be able to get at least 80k to 100k out of it. Make sure the head is retorqued at 500 miles.

As for going newer, you'll get a lot of opinions on that one. Personally, I'd look for a 1st gen (84-89) with a 22RE (4 Cyl) and 5 Speed. Though the same engine is available in the 2nd gen as well.

Reliability > Power IMO (plus the 3VZE isn't much more powerful).

 

[Wellcraft290]

Ok the one I am lookig at is a 94 with auto v6. Seems clean by the pics but I have to inspect further

 

[Ricky B]

Ok the one I am lookig at is a 94 with auto v6. Seems clean by the pics but I have to inspect further

Fwiw, I took a small/medium sized gamble and bought this '91 last Friday (without going through my normal car-buying tests, like compression tests et al), just 'cuz it has a great body with zero rust, only 3 previous owners in the last 182k miles, has the 3.0, auto tranny and 4x4, sunroof, nice stereo. near new BFG's and custom rims and an extremely clean interior. Got her for $1600.00 ('bout a grand less than what he was asking). Though I got absolutely no help from the kid I bought it from (repair records or receipts) I had that gut feeling that I'd still be ahead of the game, even if I had to drop a new crate engine in her. Anyways early this morning I drove 30 miles to the address of the Asian guy who had owned it previously since '06, just to see what he could tell me about the history of repairs & maintenance and what not. And thank gawd I did, because he had replaced not only the timing belt just 6k miles ago, but both head gaskets as well. Needless to say I am a very happy camper this evening............

 

[Wellcraft290]

That is sweet I saw receipt the heads where done. So tell me this 94 aim looking at sr5 155k miles is 3200 a decent price?