Hey guys, had a quick question for you toyota 4runner experts. I came across a 1997 Toyota 4Runner, automatic V6 fully loaded w/240k miles. In pretty decent shape, good tread on the tires,probably 80%, was hit in the back about 2 years ago but due to that has a brand new chrome rear bumper, hatch, very nice tow hitch, etc. Interior is a little rough it was used as a work truck but I could make it decent, leather front seats are pretty torn up. Overall condition of the vehicle I would say in in between fair and good for the year. Just recently had all new suspension and brakes done as well as the timing belt,water pump,etc. Problem is the headgasket blew, the car still runs but takes a few seconds to turn over probably from the low cylinder compression. Supposedly the transmission was rebuilt about 50k miles ago and the 4x4 all works well. The guy doesnt have the money to have a mechanic fix it and just wants to unload it cheap, asking $600 or best offer. I am think that if I can get it for $400 it would be a good deal. I would be doing the headgasket myself, but wanted to come here and ask a few questions.
1) Is this worth buying? My plan is to either keep it and use it as a winter beater/work truck, or try to flip it and make a few bucks. My main car is a 2005 Subaru Legacy GT, mildly modded.
2) Doing this repair myself, how much should I be expecting to dump into it? I've seen $300 head gasket kit, figure around $100 for head studs, what else should I be taking into account? Do you think it is necessary to have the heads machined, if so what is the average price for that? I would assume if it didnt overheat badly it should be ok, but who knows if he drove it for a long time after they went and let it overheat. Since it idles fine I think it would be OK, but wouldnt want to risk it. I am hoping that $600 would be enough to do this as a DIY project beside having the heads done, reasonable or am I dreaming? http://www.drivewire.com/vehicle/toyota-4runner/head-gasket-set/ Bottom of that page is the kit I was planning on getting.
3) How long should I expect to spend doing this (pretty good with a wrench, done motor swaps, replaced pistons, etc.). Are there any good walkthroughs or tutorials?
Any advice you guys can give me would be great, I really would appreciate it. I know I have a lot of questions, just general responses would be awesome too.
1) Is this worth buying? My plan is to either keep it and use it as a winter beater/work truck, or try to flip it and make a few bucks. My main car is a 2005 Subaru Legacy GT, mildly modded.
2) Doing this repair myself, how much should I be expecting to dump into it? I've seen $300 head gasket kit, figure around $100 for head studs, what else should I be taking into account? Do you think it is necessary to have the heads machined, if so what is the average price for that? I would assume if it didnt overheat badly it should be ok, but who knows if he drove it for a long time after they went and let it overheat. Since it idles fine I think it would be OK, but wouldnt want to risk it. I am hoping that $600 would be enough to do this as a DIY project beside having the heads done, reasonable or am I dreaming? http://www.drivewire.com/vehicle/toyota-4runner/head-gasket-set/ Bottom of that page is the kit I was planning on getting.
3) How long should I expect to spend doing this (pretty good with a wrench, done motor swaps, replaced pistons, etc.). Are there any good walkthroughs or tutorials?
Any advice you guys can give me would be great, I really would appreciate it. I know I have a lot of questions, just general responses would be awesome too.
