Hey guys first post here. I am a member of Tacomaworld and TTORA and currently drive a 00 tacoma. Im thinking about selling the tacoma and picking up a 93 ext cab thats for sale down the street and pocketing some cash. Im thinking I can get about 9k for my truck and the guy is selling his p/u for 4k. The truck has the 3.0 5 speed with 175k on the clock, head gaskets rebuilt recently, its got a lift and 33s. Now I have a couple of questions for you guys.

I have been reading up on the 3.0 and it seems like there are mixed reviews. I do not want to end up selling my truck and dumping a bunch of money into the 93. I drove the truck and it drives great. I just do not want to end up regretting the purchase. Is the reliability really that bad on the 3.0? I like having the ease of mind that I am driving a reliable vehicle. Also I am planning on towing a 3,000 pound landscape trailer with the truck. Right now my tacoma pulls it fine, would the 3.0 be able to handle it? Im not looking for crazy power, just would like to know if I could tow the trailer and not have to worry about making it up a hill. I understand the 3.0 is not as powerful as most engines and that really does not bug me that much, I just want to make sure that I will be able to tow my trailer. Does 4k sound like a fair price for this truck?

 

Keep the Tacoma. Enough Said!

 

Why is that? I love my tacoma but I sure could use some extra money right now.

 

Also had another question. He says there is a leak and I can see some fluid underneath. He says its the clutch line. How would I be able to verify that that is what is leaking>

 

although it has (relatively) low miles. it's still darn-near 20 years old. my 92 22re is mechanically sound, all wearable parts are in spec. the non wearable stuff (wires) are what you should watch out for. 20 years in an engine-bay, moisture, heat, etc. is a long time.

as far as the 3.0, if gaskets are good, (ask about timing belt), I guess it should be ok. i think anything this old is constant work. yes, even my trusty 4cyl.

bottom line: i've been hunting problems in my truck for 2-3 years now. i used to enjoy it. now im looking very hard for a newer tacoma

 

X2. Go get a 2wd Tacoma with a 3.4 if you need something that will still pull a trailer if money's that tight. The 3.4 is light-years better than the 3.0.

 

I need 4x4 for the MN winters. This is interesting though.

 

Let me put it this way. I'd not buy or recommend anyone I know buy a 3.0. No offense to people who own and drive them, but my experience has been that they're ticking time-bombs due to the head-gasket issue. It's not a one fix and done. It's a fix and drive it until it blows again or sell it sort of program. And all the while get V8 fuel mileage with 4 cyl performance. :-/

 

Anyone else? Im leaning towards keeping the taco now that Ive heard from some current owners.

 

X2

I have to agree. Having friends with the 3.0 and hearing all the horror stories makes me NEVER want one. In fact a buddy of mine had the headgasket go for the 3rd time in 160K...

 

The Taco engines are 10 times more reliable than the previous engines, IMO. 22res are good, but I would take a 2rzfe/3rzfe or a 5vzfe any day. More power, better fuel economy, and more reliable. You would be much happier pulling 3K lbs with a 5vzfe than a 3vze. All 3vzes and 22res are going to be at least 16 years old now. Most with over 150K miles. Add to that technology designed and used in the early-mid '80s. Good engines, but Taco engines are better. Why do you think so many people swap the 5vzfe in place of the 3vze?

 

How much would an engine swap be including labor to the 3.4? And would it be reliable after that?

 

There are 100 threads on this site about doing the 3.0 - 3.4 swap. Including labor, you can plan on spending at least $4000+ IMO

 

Wow that is a lot. I didnt think it would be that much. Now I dont know what to do. The extra money would be nice but I dont want to end up in a POS that needs fixing all the time.

 

Bump. Still thinking about picking this 93 up. I got a guy who will give me 10k for my tacoma.

 

I haul tralers from time to time, And I have the 3.0 and 3.4. If you are going to be hauling the kinda weight around much at all I would keep the 3.4..less problems and a better motor. Not to mention the fact that 92dlxman made..everything under the hood is old and will need replacing.

 

if your still contemplating, and you have the time to work on it almost CONSTANTLY, do it. its fun to learn the old motors (for a little while). just be prepared to slowly drain the cash you pocketed in parts for it. . . . . .

 

I wonder why some people have problems with the 3.0 and others run it to 300k without many problems.

 

First post, but I'm not trying to hijack the thread. But, I've also been looking at picking up anywhere between a 90-94 pickup and I have choices between the 6cyl and the 4 cyl (22RE) and not sure what to do. I don't need a 4x4 as I'm using it for fire roads and daily around town stuff. Sounds like most people are recommending steering clear of the 3.0.

 

First post here as well, pleased to meet everyone. I currently own a '94 pickup with the 3vze. I bought it at 100K miles when the head gaskets had been replaced by Toyota. Today it has 188K and runs STRONG without any problems at all. 18.5MPG city and 21-22 MPG highway in the mountains of BC! I fully expect 400K+ out of it. I know quite a few people who have owned trucks with this engine as well and all of them have gone 300K+ without any major issues (including no HG problems). I think the key is to find one that has been treated well.
It is an older truck and you will have to put money aside to keep up with the maintenance. However, if you are mechanically inclined and have some time you can save lots of money by learning and doing things yourself.
I can't speak to towing capabilities but I have put 1000lb in the bed and have never had a power issue.
I have compared the costs of buying and paying (increased) insurance for a newer Tacoma and find that owning an older truck is much cheaper in the long run. I am very happy with the 3vze.

Good luck!