SWriverstone

Hi all, new member here. I have a 1994 2WD 5-speed pickup (22R-E engine) that I love. It's been a fantastic vehicle. I paid $9,000 for it in '94, have probably put another $6,000-8,000 into it over the past 12 years on regular maintenance and parts replacement, etc. I've been good about changing the oil every 6K miles (often every 3-4K miles). I'm really attached to it!

Now I've reached a crossroads: I now have 219,000 miles on the truck. It's running fine overall, no problems to speak of---not burning any oil, no bad noises, etc. It's showing the usual signs of its age (little dinks, a few small rust spots, etc.) I'm going to be receiving a nice cash windfall, enough to buy a new truck...but should I?

I'd love to keep my '94 going another 100K miles...but can I? The last time I had it thoroughly checked out by a local Toyota dealer who I trust, they said the engine appeared to be in good shape. It needs a new starter motor (the original is finally giving up) and a new clutch (the original clutch is still there after 219K!!!)

So...my bottom line is this: I love this old truck, and if spending even as much as $3,000 on a new clutch, new starter, valve job, new brake pads, etc. will get me another 50K-100K miles, then I see no reason to buy a new vehicle. ($3K is a lot less than $13K or more!)

What do you folks think?

My biggest fear is spending $2-3k on it, then having it completely drop dead for good after another 10K miles! I wish I was more of a mechanic—isn't it possible for a good mechanic to say for sure whether or not it'll go another 50K or more?

Thanks for your opinions,
Scott

seaflea

Welcome to the board Scott.

I have an 87 that has 270,000 on it now. I have been running 33" or taller tires on it for over 150,000 miles, so I see no reason youre 2wd truck won't make it.
I have had to replace a few things on it, but that is normal. The bottom end of the motor is stock and has never been touched. I think I will definately make it over 300,000 miles.

Toyotas run forever with regular maintenance.

4RocRunner92

hell yeah 219k or original clutch!! keep it!!

yes, welcome Scott.

lVlr_87

I wouldn't touch the valves if it is running fine. Usually after you start poking around in an old motor fixing things- other things start going wrong. If it aint broke don't fix it. Do the brakes, do the starter, and maybe the clutch if it needs it and drive it til the wheels fall off well after 300k. Save your money and buy a new truck after this one dies. Just my $0.02