i tried searching for some possible answers but couldnt find anything conclusive. I thought i might run this by you guys to see what you thought.

I found a 4runner on a used dealership lot with only 52k miles on it, and their asking price is right about at private party kbb, which is really hard to find in the bay area. carfax is clean, etc etc. but when i test drove it, there was a faint ticking noise, but it only occurred under acceleration. it persisted even when i had been driving for a good 10 minutes. note that it didn't make the noise in neutral while free-revving.

any thoughts on what the noise is, and whether i should buy this car?

 

probably a cracked exhaust manifold, the 2.7 is prone to cracking, and usually will only be heard under load, like you describe

 

how expensive of a repair is that?

 

expensive to go back to stock (stock new manifold installed)


best bet (even dealershjps sell and install these) is to p/u a set of downey headers....they're like 300 bucks and free if you install yourself otherwise a shop shouldn't charge more than a few hundred to install....

fyi-the install is not that hard....

I picked up a my 86 4cyl recently and it had a cracked manifold...100 bucks for a set of used downey headers and a few hours of my time and new upgrade for way cheaper than the other route....

To everyone, what gasket do you run on these....I'd just do stock since I've had the best luck with those on my downey headers.....

-blair

 

do you guys think it could be anything serious?

 

look up mobile mehanics or local inspectors in the yellow pages.....have it looked over or take it somewhere b4 you buy it if your worried.....carfax too


better safe than sorry....it shoul only be between 100--200 bucks to have it checked AT MOST....good investment in case there is anything MAJOR......

prob nothin though...

good luck

-Blair