Chip Hedrick

I'm new to this forum. I'm considering a used Toyota for mounting a small plow and for light/moderate towing. My brother is a contractor and has had 6 different Toyota trucks. They've been great.

Someone in my town is advertising a '90 4Runner, V6, auto, "great shape," needs head gasket. Price is $2500 or best offer.

I'm thinking of looking it over tomorrow. If it really is in "great shape" and the only major thing it needs is a head gasket, is $2500 a good deal?

I've heard that head gaskets are a common problem on this vintage. Is it true that Toyota will repair them for free? If not, how much would head gasket replacement cost? Given the age of the vehicle (I don't yet know the mileage) is a complete rebuild in order? If so, how much would that run?

Are there any other problem areas I should look out for?

Thanks in advance for your help!!

Blair

Not unless that HG is covered. It's a $$$$$ job...$1500 - $2000, or more, depending on the damage done. Besides, the 3.0 is not so hot for towing, ploughing, etc...

mike_d

toyota will replace the head gasket for free, but only once. so get the vin and have your dealer check to see if the gasket has been done. if not, then they will fix it for free. if they don't fix it, then i'd expect in the neighborhood of $1000-1500 to do the work. in my 22re, i needed to have the timing chain replaced not to longago and they need to take the head off for that. it cost me $1100 which was mostly labor becuase they had to dismantle the engine. i'd expect the same amount of work to do a head gasket.

AgRunner06

Do NOT buy that 4runner. If you do, you will be very disappointed. While the 3.slow is low on power, the auto makes it completely gutless. For what you plan on using it for, you need to get the 5-speed. You will be very happy that you did.

As for the HG thing, if it hasn't been done already, Toyota will fix it. Most likely it has been done so you will probably be set back about $2K if the only problem is the HG. If that isn't the only problem and you need a rebuild, you will probably be set back about $3-4K. For some reason these motors are horribly expensive to replace and I have yet to figure out why.

Heed my advice. You will be happy that you did.

amusement

I wouldn't mount a plow on the front end without adding a front support truss. See Downey off-road for details. Next, wouldn't buy a 4runner 3.0 with a head gasket ALREADY blown. But, if you still want it then I would have a mechanic look it over before buying it. It's cheapter to spend a hundred dollars to check then thousands of dollars trying to fix it. 2,000 USD would be the cheapest cost to fix it if nothing else was wrong like worn piston rings cylinder, valves and guides. crank and bearings, cams and bearingss, seals and other stuff. Not counting injectors, fuel pump + regulator, ECM, sensors and other stuff (transmission + converter) wheel bearings and ADD.

Chip Hedrick

Thanks for the advice! I knew it would be a good idea to check with those in the know before making a purchase. It sounds like I should pass on this vehicle. You probably saved me a lot of grief.