StoryR

After spending $800 getting the clutch replaced last week, I was driving this week, and my head gasket blew. Which is another $700...I am thinking about putting my runner up for sale. My girlfriends Dad just put her car up for sale today, and it is almost a replica of my first car, a 1988 Toyota Corolla GT-S (AE92).
My runner within the last year has had a starter, alternator, radiator, water pump, thermostat, clutch, and now head gasket replacement. The paint is is beautiful condition with some body damage from wheeling :/
It has 242,000 miles on the odo, I bought it at 225,000 and the engine was rebuilt at 200,000.
Should I go for the Corolla, I mean, I love my 4runner, but I can't keep dumping money into it like this!

Tacoma Dude

If you were to put in the $$ to fix the HG, do you anticipate any further problems? Would be kind of sad for you to miss out just because you didn't want to fix that last problem.

Unless of course you think you might have more problems down the road?

Birdman

Sounds like somebody didn't replace the head studs the first time around, or it was never actually rebuilt. I'd keep it.

AgRunner06

If it was my vehicle I wouldn't put it up for sale after putting $1500 into it in 2 weeks. Why let someone else reap the benefits of your hard earned money? Personally I would tackle the HG myself but that's just me. Before making your decision, I think you need to consider how much money you have put into the 4runner and how much you are going to lose on the resale (ie the $1500 you just put into it, mods, other repairs). Then I would consider how much money you would need to put into the corolla to make it reliable and the way you like it. Remember it may have major problems too. It's kind of a gamble with older vehicles.

IMO

Blair

I'd say bite the bullet and keep it. You've already taken care of most of the major and minor issues and it's still got a good number of years left in it. Yes, parts are expensive, but if you can wrench at all, you'll at least save the labour.
Keep it.

SLC Punk

I kinda went through the same thing with my Celica. I went in for a timing belt replacement and found that I had a blown head gasket ($1,800). I could have sold it since it was an external leak. But I decided to fix it. During the repair, the dealership kept finding things wrong with it, mainly oil seals (which I went and verified). The rear main leaked and caused the clutch to be oil soaked. I just got it back last week with at $3,000 charge!


For me, it was worth getting everything fixed since I am not planning on selling the car. But if you are thinking of selling the truck in the near future, you may want to look at getting rid of it.


Isn't the 88 GT-S an AE-86. I thought the AE92 came out in 1990.

Toddski

Naw!!!
Wait a couple of months till the weather turns nice and you can take the top off.
There is nothing like cruzin' around with the top off.

If you need any help, my brother-in-law is an excellent mechanic. He does almost all my work and teaches me.
He lives near Puyallup if your interested. This way i can finally meet up with ya

saletel

87 was the last year for the ae-86. ae-92 is front wheel drive but has the same motor. my roomate has a 85.

GRNTACO

I would be interested in purchase if you sould decide to sell.

KevyWevy

poor poor rickey!!!! i think a few of the guys on here would love to help replace the gasket, that way it would be cheaper if you decide to fix it. but yeah, whats left that can go wrong?

StoryR

Well, I decided to stick with it. I am spending about $700 on the HG replacement, and then taking it to a body shop to get the damn dents removed.
The funny thing is, on April 1st I will have to shell out more money for new tires. The ones I have on there now are studded...I am thinking about 31"s

Thanks for all the input guys...



and I thought the AE92 was still RWD??!! Am I mistaken?

KevyWevy

good to hear that rickey! is that dent in the door area? if so you might want to try and pull the door panel off and see if you can push it out before taking it to a body shop, who will just do the same thing.