1toyota4me

I just really need some feedback about what to do with my 4runner!!!!!

It's a 1990, 132,000 original miles, I'm the second owner and I've had it for years, and put lots of love into it. It's super clean, inside and out....It recently blew a head gasket, and it had the recall done back in 98 (i think) with it's first owner.

I'm trying to decide if I should let go of it or get the head gasket problem repaired, along with all the extras and possible extras that go with it (water pump, timing belts, possibly the heads....) Plus it needs brakes and rotors.

I also have another 4runner, a 93, with 87000 original miles... it runs great but has a rust issue. The body is nice but hardly as nice as my 90. I thought maybe to sell the 93 to pay for the gasket repairs on the 90.

The last option is to sell them both and get something a little newer with a 3.4 engine.

What would you do????? I'd really appreciate any thoughts if you're willing to share.

Thanks

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

If you really like the 90, I would fix it as long as you have the mechanical ability. You already know the overall condition of it. Taking a chance on buying another one. Just my 2 cents.

MaK92-4RnR

i repaired mine, and had it done professionally. if you have the time, go for it.

1toyota4me

yeah. i do love it.... i'd have to pay someone to do it for me....

i got an estimate of about 1800 if it's just the head gasket. if the heads are cracked then 345 per head. plus the timing belt, water pump, etc... plus brakes/rotors.... the max quote was 3500. this was a second opinion.

the first opinion went something like this... "it's not worth fixing, it's a money pit, what if the transmission goes after you put all the money into it, the cooling system wasn't well taken care of, it has the original spark plug wires.... it's such an old car... blah blah blah..."

so i think the repair is gonna cost more in the higher range of the quote.

but i think it might be worth it since i know the car...

Terrys87, you made a good point about taking a chance on something new. And really, most all of these runners, even late 90's, have such high miles!!! It would be taking a chance finding something in good condition, inside and out, with original low miles.
Although i've had luck with that 3 times, with all of the runners i've owned...... you can't count on luck though.

I've been weighing the options, going back and forth.
Thanks for the advice guys!

1toyota4me

MaK92-4RnR.... how much did you repair cost?

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Location and what color interior?

:wabbit2:

anthony1

iTrader: (1)

or....sell the 93 runner, use the money for 3.4 swap. I don't know where you live but there's a guy in Fresno who will do the swap for you.

1toyota4me

waskillywabbit..... both are white with blue interior

anthony1.... that's a good idea. how much would a 3.4 swap run me?

drmix

If you can I would save up for the 3.4 swap. Its what I plan on doing when my 3.0 dies. Youll get better gas mileage, more power and they seem to be more reliable.

If you dont have the money I would just go ahead and replace the HG. Congrats on owning 2 low mile 2nd gen runners. Both of the Yotas ive had have had 200k plus.

Did you contact Toyota and see if you had the HG recall done?

john4wd

If there both 3.0 I would take good running motor from the rust issue 93 and put that motor in the 90 and put blown motor from 90 and put in 93 and then sell the 93 as a fixer upper to someone. Use the money from sold 93 fixer upper for a vacation ;}

ab_mekanik

Keep 'em both, fix the engine at a reputable shop. 3500, worst case, is still cheaper then a year of new car payments and sorry but these are awesome rigs. Everything's been figured out, sorted out, and there really aren't too many mysteries. Big plus, less electronic gidgy-gadgets to go kaboom: who wants to be told that they have to buy some module that's $800 because someone stuffed a circuit board into a fuse box? Or $1000 in labour because their immobiliser ECU stuffed in behind the heater box is bad?

my 91's fine thankyouverymuch.

JBurt

Here's one way of thinking of it. Worst case scenario is 3500 right? So if you had to scrap the 4runner and found one for sale that is just like your's except the hg isn't blown, would that one be worth 3500 to you? Now think about how well you took care of your rig. Knowing the history of a car is a big advantage.

Also I wouldn't count on having to have someone else do the work for you. I've only done one hg on an old jeep but it wasn't too bad. There are tons of guys on here who've done it and would be willing to help. Also use the search tool here. I would be money that there are several detailed write up's with pics on replacing hg's in your motor.

Whatever you choose best of luck. I've got a 97 with the 3.4 and I love it. Can't go wrong there.

briholt

+1

Seems like the smart thing... best of both worlds.