2006 Tacoma PreRunner needs Engine overhaul, Whats it Worth ?

I have a post in the new members section detailing my situation but was wanting to see what my vehicle might be worth as a project or salvage sale.
It is a 2006 Tacoma Extra Cab PreRunner SR5,4.0 v6 automatic trans, White in fair to good condition accept for the motor. No major body damage, good paint and about 185,000 miles.
Engine will start but makes a lot of noise probably due to low oil pressure and needs at least a full oil pump,timing chain replacement but no way to know if other internal damage exists. If I kept it I would probably do a full engine rebuild but the quotes I have received are anywhere from $5000.00 on up so I am thinking of just selling it to someone who maybe wants a project or needs it for parts to restore another one.
What can I expect to get if I were to sell it as is. The vehicle is located in Northern California near Reno Nevada if anyone is interested or wants to make an offer.

 

I would just put a new motor in it. or part it out. you'll only get about 5 grand for it I would think

 

The wife would have no part of parting it out and turning our place into a wrecking yard. Putting a new motor in it would be my first option but the quotes I have seen are nearly as much as it worth in running condition.
I want an idea what I might get for it in as in condition. If I could get $5 grand as is I would take it in a minute but I do not think that is what you meant or was it. Where would the best place be to advertise it for sale as is.

 

you could get 5 grand for it as is. try selling it on Craigslist or even on here. or you could sas it and put a cummins in it. if you put a new engine in it, it could be worth about 10-15 grand

 

Are you high? Nobodies gonna pay 5k for a PreRunner with a bad engine. And that truck MIGHT bring 10k with a good engine. OP,if you can do the work yourself,source a used engine and drop her in. If not you're kinda screwed.

 

From my research I might get about $8,000.00 if it was running from a private party. However local folks up here all want 4x4 trucks because we live in snow country so its not a hot item here. I have seen some salvage yard bid sites listing wrecked trucks with buy now prices all over the place.
Used engine prices generally are $2500 and up with over 100k miles on them. New or rebuilt prices are double that so far. I do not feel confident that I could do this alone and have no one to mentor me anymore so I either have to pay someone to fix it or just sell it as is. Whats killing me is I do not even know for sure the extent of damage since it will start but makes a lot of internal noise. It is possible it could be fixed but I am just not comfortable knowing it already has 185,000 miles on it spending money on a patch job.
I was thinking maybe of asking $2500.00 for it as is. I know $5000.00 is unrealistic but don't want to just give it away either?
Dave

 

Dealer just gave me $4800 trade in value on a 2006, 2.7L, regular cab, 138k miles, fair to good condition, no motor problems I am aware of, if that gives you any idea of value.

 

That engine might not be in as bad of shape as you think it is.
I've heard of oil starvation issues on earlier years of the 4.0 enough times already to be able to tell you this; the damage is likely going to be to the DRIVER'S SIDE TOP END (i.e. camshaft, valves).

It will also need an oil pump, and to be thoroughly cleaned out.
Your other thread says that you've torn engines apart before, so I would say that you are likely equipped to take this project on yourself, even if it is a much newer engine design. Since your truck's been sitting for a while, it would seem that it isnt an emergency to get it back on the road tomorrow, so just take your time with it, ask questions when you have questions to ask.

 

I agree on the surface it might not be as bad as I think but unless I tear it apart I will never know. All things considered I just do not feel confident or have the desire to try to do it myself. So I have decided to sell it. I have a Pending Sale now and will miss this truck but I have had it for 11 years with no problems till now so I feel I have gotten pretty good use out of it to date.

Thanks, Dave