Hey guys,

I currently have an 02 3.4L and may have to be looking for a cheaper ride here soon. I want to get a 4x4, but have always heard that the 3.0 engines have problems (ie. headgasket).

Is it a real bad problem, enough to stray away from the 4runners (I would probably then look for a cherokee) or are there signs that should show whether it could be problematic?

Looking to spend maybe 3k.. and I am located in SW Florida, so 4x4's are hard to come by.

 

I think it depends on how it was treated. Mine has almost 255,000 on it with original head gaskets. (or so i was told)

 

I had a 95 4runner and the head gasket went out at 145,000 miles....

 

My old '91 longbed had 298k before I replace the engine. The guy I gave it to is still running it, and no problems from what he tells me, still running strong

 

By now the headgaskets should all have been replaced (if they were going to fail) so my guess is not to worry. I bought my 3.0 4x4 with 167,000 miles and am now over 190,000 with no problems.

 

Im currently looking for my 3rd 3.0L 3VZE (if anyone knows of one for sale.... please lemme know). the first one i hydrolocked (my fault) but this last one apparently had a slow oil leak that i didnt catch/know about so it eventually ran dry on oil (the gauge was broken too) and cut out on me one day. put new oil in it and now a rods knocking loose and bent the crankshaft so.... im lookin for another since i dont have the funds for an upgrade

 

So are the headgaskets basically the most problematic part of the engine?

The quickest way to check a truck is for the milky coolant... any other ways on these trucks? Does the coolant leak out of the head at all?

I knew I should have snatched up the good condition one with all the parts needed for a headgasket job for 800!!

 

Yes, headgaskets are the biggest issue. I haven't heard of any bottom ends going on people (expect when water gets in oil). Aside from fuel economy and headgaskets, its not a bad engine.

That said, the 22RE is a good motor. More reliable than the V6.

 

whats the typical mpg of the 3.0 v6?

I get usually just below 20mpg city with my 3.4l

 

20mpg in town is a 3.0's wet dream

 

Usually I get around 17-18 city mpg, and 22-27 highway. Remember 2nd gens are heavier than 3rd gens.

Just don't get a Cherokee, they're miserable and use a tonne of gas.

 

BAHA, You said TONNE...

 

I got 8.4 mpg or thereabouts on my last tank of gas from my 3veezee, but that's with a hack job of an alignment and a lead foot. Just got my new 33s mounted and a professional alignment today, only time can tell how Ill do mileagewise.

 

Depends on what tranny you have. My '91 3.0, 5speed got 21-23mpg, freeway, with 235's. My 4Runner gets 'bout 18mpg with the auto on the freeway, with 31's

 

I dont want to resort to a cherokee... just know they are cheaper.

Looking at the Pics section for the 2nd gen to get me inspired...

Of course, there used to be tons of 2nd gens for cheap on craigslist and ebay locally... they are all gone now that I am looking. Figures.

 

were in Florida do you live?

 

That's how its spelled.

 

sheesh scuba, listen to matt16
It's derived from the word "ton" but pertains to the metric system of measurement.

ton= 2000 pounds (US), 2240 pounds (UK)
tonne= 1000 kilograms

 

I know dude, I was making a funny...

/me hides

 

...

You may also find you've spelled colour wrong, as well as doughnut amongst many others.