3.4L the good, the bad, the ugly

Looking at a yota with a 3.4 and 260k on it. JUst wondering if I should be skeptical of this motor? Been around toyota since 87 and this one looks and has receipts showing very well maintained. Just can't make up my mind due to mileage. Those dollar bills keep getting harder and harder to come by, they don't stretch like they used too.Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

The one I drive now I purchased with 27x,xxx in 2008. Still driving it now near 350,xxx with regular maintenance and fixes every now and then. Not positive on exactly engine mileage, but likely the original power plant. Mine wasn't wonderfully cared for, but not neglected. It leaked oil, was a bit dirty, etc. Replace what needs it and keep up with maintenance and you're likely ok.

Even if it blows, another good running engine won't set you back that much. I'm working on a spare/back up/fun engine now.

If the price reflects the mileage why not? If it's priced like a 100k mileage truck then it's not a deal.

 

1. why is this in the FOR SALE area? 2. like any other motor 260k is 260k. anything can happen. even with proper maintenance, shit can still go wrong. or it can go to 300k. cant say.

 

If the seller complies do a compression check Its a huge indicator of engine health

 

Bingo ^

I was hesitant of buying a 100K+ mileage vehicle, but the maintenance was good, teh timing belt was replaced, and the compression test showed +/- 5 across the board.

 

Sorry magikbean 562 I just had the thought while looking at the truck. I will watch myself from now on. Thanks for helping out the Mods and keeping us lined out

 

My wife's 98 4Runner has the 3.4L in it. It has 211K miles and doesn't burn a drop of oil. We bought the 4Runner in 2001 when it had 61k miles. I have maintained it to the best of my ability since. My only fear is blowing a head gasket. I have heard that repair can cost up to $3k for parts and labor.

 

Hey fuck mr.Bean, he's a bully......

oh, hi greg !!

Or a transmission...

 

It all depends on the price, condition, and how it's been maintained. Mine's got 253k on it and I bought it with 250k a few months ago. I sold a 00 4Runner last spring with 221k on it that ran as good as it did when we bought it with 70k. If it's been well maintained it's nothing to worry about as long as you realize it's more likely you'll be wrenching on it a bit unlike a new truck.

 

Had mine till 285k never a single problem, ran strong and never burned a drop of oil. I wouldn't say it had very regular maintenance, other than oil and it ran strong. Trans and dif fluid were flushed for the first time other than at the 30k service at 280k. All original belts. Got 100k out of each set of brakes. I changed the plugs relatively regularly. I was waiting till the timing belt broke and I was stuck dead in the water, never happened.

My buddy has well over 300k, replaced the timing belt at 290 for the first time, The belt was still in great shape! His truck is also running strong.

These trucks need some attention, but even if they are neglected a little, you are probably going to be fine.

 

Can't chime in on high mileage however I have completely rebuilt mine from the ground up and I can say they are super easy to work on. I spent 2700 rebuilding mine and it was bored .20 over plus I bought headers for it.

 

pretty sure 97 is when they fixed the head gasket problem.

 

I thought it was the 3.0 with heat issues..

 

i have an 02 that i brought new. it now has 285k on it and i would drive it anywhere. i kept the oil changed on time and other tune up parts. i just did the timing belt and water pump at 250k. the 3.4 seems to be a solid motor! guess it depends on price!