Ballpark price for my 1st gen?

Hello. I have a 2002 Toyota Tacoma with 280,000 miles on it. One of the cylinders has gone bad and although it runs just fine (just a little rough at idle) where I live it won’t pass inspection due to emissions control. My mechanic, who I trust, says that it’s really not worth rebuilding. Best to purchase a used engine. But I’m considering selling the truck as is since it is a pretty popular model and just invest in a newer truck. but I have no idea what the value of this truck might be in its current condition. it has a cheap custom paint job and it’s pretty beat up from the road where. Has strong air-conditioning and the interior is in great condition. it is a pre-runner V6. it is 2 Wheel Dr. It has a 6 inch lift with 35 1250 tires. Looks great and that’s just what it’s for. Looks. can somebody help me try to establish a ballpark price? I realize this is kind of hard seeing as something is only worth what someone is willing to pay.

 

Please change title. "Help" is reserved for people who need help such as broke down on a trail.

 

Most people who sell their 1st gens regret it after a while. While the 2nd and 3rd gens are neat, they just aren't the same. Having said that it is tough to put a finger on just how good the 1st gens are.

 

that's a nice looking first gen. My vote is to fix it and keep it. If you don't feel like rebuilding the engine, then I'd buy a used one from JDM and have it installed. I think you'll regret getting rid of it later down the road.

 

It's obvious you have put a lot of effort into the truck, and have made it your own. The downside to that is that your taste may not be the same as the general public, so marketability is lessened. I faced this same problem when my frame needed repair/replacement. I opted to spend the money on my truck, rather than start over on something new. I'd vote to keep. It worked out well for me.

 

If you really want to sell it then just list it at a price you're comfortable selling it for or slightly higher. You said it yourself that something is only worth what someone is willing to pay. Just be honest with the description and provide full disclosure. Also has the mechanic you trust given you a ball park number to repair the truck? It might be worth getting it repaired, and enjoy the truck fixed up until it sells for a higher price running properly.

 

thank you for all of the replies. I definitely love the truck and would like to keep it. I will look into the purchase of a used motor. Thanks.

 

this.

Just LS swap it and move on. It will be cheaper than having a reputable shop fully rebuild the engine or buying a long block from Toyota.

 

I would never do it. But you're absolutely right about that

LS swaps are cheap... i wanna say there's a guy selling stuff for one over in the marketplace


Edit: @Aces here ya go

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lc9-6l80e-and-swap-parts.672843/

 

Trust me. If I were to do it again with my truck, I would not have had my engine AND trans rebuilt and had my friend do a LS swap with a nice, big turbo.
But in CA, no turbo.

 

I rebuilt my 3rz and transmission for WAY more than an LS swap

 

Id fix it, not right to sell a truck like that, unless the buyer knows, the thing with used engines is that you dont know much about them, the engine you have niw you know what to rebuild when you crack it, so idk why that mechanic told you that, I would rebuild it, now I cant imagine that truck gets great milleage, I see your a family man, id suggest another tacoma or a tundra if you dont wana fix it

 

There are people in the DFW area that go to Japan and Buy Engines by the container load bring them back hear, and will sell them outright or installed and guarantee them, It seams that Japanese emission laws are so stringent that these engines must be replaced every forty thousand miles, there is nothing wrong with them, and they will run in trucks sold in the US.

 

Keep it, don’t do what I did and literally regret it the day after it’s gone.

 

Not knowing the Laws in your State I can only go with what we have here in Pa.

If your vehicle fails either the safety or emission inspection the worth of said vehicle drops to what some one will offer .

Maybe what the tires are worth . Then the lift kit will chase many away as was said

Not sure why your mechanic does not want to rebuild your engine unless they suspect damage so bad as to need a new block and heads till it was done. Rebuilding something they don`t get into for what ever reason

A used JDM engine sounds like a good option.

Best of Luck no matter what you decide.

 

I don’t know if I would consider the prices some of these guys are insinuating you could do an LS swap for seriously - it’s not something done cheaply. If you want to go by the breakdown of someone who has a running 5.3 in his engine bay go here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ngine-swap-thread.648542/page-7#post-24038007

Meanwhile you can buy a JDM 3.4 long block off of eBay and pay $1500 to have it swapped in. Probably be $2500-$3k. I put a long block from a running wrecked vehicle and I did it for $1300 including new belts, hoses and odds and ends but did the work myself.

 

I've only overhauled GM and Ford Motors. Always rented a cherry picker to pull the engine. Tear the motor down, label every thing, have the block bored and honed, heads rebuilt. buy new pistons, rings, bearings, bolts. ect. Yes it's hard work, but I actually enjoyed doing it. If all you have to do is swap out a JDM engine, it shouldn't be hat difficult of a task. I know from reading here on TW, that there will be parts you'll have to swap from the old engine to the new one. You might even get a couple of local TW members in your area to lend you a hand, all you have to do is put out a request for help. Your truck looks really nice, and if it suits your needs and purposes for a daily driver, off road camping truck, or family vehicle, I still vote fix it yourself and save some money.

 

I agree with most. Don't sell it. You can get a replacement engine at a reasonable price. Maybe even a low mileage one. (maybe) and get it road worthy again. With a bad engine - it will be hard and not worth your time to try and sell it. Just my .02. Nice looking 1st gen! keeeeeeeeeep it