Hey Everybody,

I'm looking to trade in my 2001 Subaru Legacy (which I love) for a 1992 4Runner - (being in school is too expensive). The one I am looking at is a MIchigan vehicle (salt) and has 104,000 miles. I called a Toyota dealership to see if the head gasket was replaced - it was done in 2000 and I'm estimating at around 60-70K. Right now at the dealer, some work is being done on the lifters.

What do you guys think? (i know, i know, without seeing the vehicle)

I'm mainly concerned about a return of head gasket problems and bad previous ownership.

Thanks in advance.
Warren

P.S. it's good to see a group like this.

 

Ahhh, a newbie that does his homework! Ok, you need to tell us your price range. That will help a ton.

 

PS: Never trade in a good working vehicle.

 

The asking price is $5000.

I love the Sube. However, I am worried about the head gsket on it and unfortuantely I just can't afford it right now.


But that doesn't mean I want to spend all the money I save on repairs!

Thanks,
Warren

 

Personally, I would go for an older 4banger 4Runner at that price. But that's just me. I dont trust that V6 any farther than I can throw it.

 

Why are you worried about the HG on the Subaru?

 

this is what you should do:


i read a book that advises that if youre trading DOWN you should:
- sell the 2001 sube privately (you'll net a grand or two more.. at least)
- since youre trading down, you should take 1/3 of the money you get back from the subaru and use that to buy a 4runner.

thats just what people who are better with money than me do...!

 

To lee:
Thanks for the advice. I did think about selling the car privately but considering I live in Detroit I think it might be a little harder (domestics here rule!). However, I may still consider it.

To 96 Runner:
The 2.5L on the newer Subes have had a history of leaking HGs. I just don't want it to happen to me.

Warren

 

Maybe it's just me, but it seems too obvious.

You're running into the same problem with the 3.0 RUNNER you want to get.

 

true

youre in a jam!

 

If there is a problem with recurring head gasket problems, then yeah, the answer is obvious - Get a FORD. Just kidding. But the consensus is that there are recurring HG problems?

In the meantime I will try to sell and look for other alternatives.

Thanks for the advice guys,
Warren

P.S. Anybody looking to buy a 2001 Subaru Legacy?

 

i dont think the consensus is that there are recurring hg probs with the 3.slow.. its many other problems besides being underpowered.

im not positive what they are, but ive read around the boards that its like the most complicated engine to work on in addition to being unreliable.

 

If you sell the SUBARU privately, I'm pretty sure you can get just the right amount to go for the 3RD GEN, that being the '96-02 RUNNERS.

I might be wrong.

 

I agree with KING. The house always wins on a trade in.

 

Go for a private sale! When I find it, I'll link a post that another member put up for me when I was asking for advice on selling my truck (thanks again, Bob!)

 

Here we are!

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/trade-questions-25398/

Post #10 was Bob's advice but there's a lot of good information throughout

 

To all those bashing the 3.0...Have you ever owned one? Have you ever even driven one? I had a 3.0 in my 91 runner that had over 170K on it when I traded it off. It ran great and I abused it. The 3.0 is NOT unreliable. The headgasket problem is NOT as big a deal as it is made out to be. Most of the people that have it done 2 or 3 times are people that didn't have it done right the first time. If YOU are comfortable with the deal, and it makes YOU happy, buy the truck. I know I wish I still had my 91 almost every day, and I got rid of it 1.5 years ago. It was a great truck and it NEVER left me setting ONE TIME.

 

Yes, I have driven a 3.0 auto and it was slow compared to my 3.4.

 

I am going to try for a private sale. It really does kill me just thinking of handing over 1-2 grand to the dealer. Alls I need to do is some work.

Thanks for the advice. Tacoma Dude, that link was great.

Warren

 

I have a 92 4Runner 3.0 Liter and it has had the head gasket recall done. I have had no problems with it at all. I tow with it, off road it and use it as a daily driver. It has never let me down.

It is some what under powered for my taste but, that positive aspects far out weigh the negative.

I am a stickler for regular maintaince and upgrades when the situation allows.

The best thing to me is that it has a tail gate vs a hatch back.

It has been the least costly vehicle I have owned.

One day when the 3.0L finally gives out I'll do a 3.4 swap. Until then I'll drive the poo out of the 3.0L.

HTH