High Mileage Tacoma, possible new engine

Hi guys,

So I found a 2002 4wd manual taco with 400k miles, one owner, clean title, camper shell, no rust, CA car, runs great and looks great. Guy mentioned wanting something between $3500 and $4500 for it. Any opinions on the price? Given the high mileage, I want to take into consideration the need to buy a new engine so I was hoping someone could provide details on how much that may cost?

Thanks!

 

Mauricio,

What engine are you looking at to replace the current engine?

Take it easy,
Paul

 

Does it need a new engine or are you just planning on getting a new engine?

 

Hey Paul,

No idea to be honest. I guess I'd also want to know what engine would be suggested since I have no knowledge on this.

 

4drtaco03

I'm just planning on it since it currently has so many miles, but engine is fine as of now.

Is there a way to reply to each person individually?

 

If you push the "quote" at the bottom of the post it will look like this, and each person will know who you are replying to.

 

thanks!

 

I'm just planning on it since it currently has so many miles, but engine is fine as of now.

 

Hey Paul,

No idea to be honest. I guess I'd also want to know what engine would be suggested since I have no knowledge on this.

 

Mauricio,

This is what I would do if owned your truck. I would first figure out what you ultimately plan on doing with your Tacoma both short term and long term. I would not do anything as far as engine replacement until your current Tacoma engine bites the dust. Your particular Tacoma is a regular cab so it is not going to be as comfortable or as versatile as an extra-cab or a double cab. This is something you need to put in the equation when you start analyzing how long you plan on keeping your Tacoma.

Okay, lets tackle the engine question when it does go bad in the future. Both the Toyota 2.7 Inline 4 cylinder and Toyota 3.4 V6 have their advantages and disadvantages. The 4 cylinder motor is going to be less expensive to repair, and it is going to get better gas mileage than the V6. Your truck came stock with the 4 cylinder engine so it is going to much easier to replace your current engine with the same engine than it is going to be to replace it with the 3.4 V6. The 3.4 V6 is a more sophisticated engine than the Inline 4 because it has two heads rather than just one so it is, therefore, a more complicated and expensive engine to repair and do regular maintenance. The V6 motor is going to have a lot more power than the Inline 4 so it will do the ugly stuff like towing and pulling much easier. The 3.4 is also going to be more expensive to purchase than a 2.7.

Good Luck,
Paul

 

Check your compression and go from there

 

Thanks, Paul! I appreciate the feedback.

 

Will do, thanks!

 

Lance,

If the rig is running well at 400,000 plus miles, don't you think he should just drive the truck until the engine dies. You are correct, though, a compression check will tell him what kind of shape his motor is in.

Paul

 

I would plan on driving it until it dies but just prepping I guess

 

Mauricio,

400,000 miles is a hell of a lot miles on any rig even a Toyota. Just enjoy it until the motor bites the dust.

Take it easy,
Paul

 

If you have the 3.4 motor expect a head gasket to leak between 400-500,000 miles, it's seems the head gaskets tend to go out in that area for the 3.4, mine blew at 490,000 and I replaced the motor with a low mileage motor from a wrecked Tacoma with 100,000 for 1500.00 for the motor and all the parts extra engine parts. Also check the steering rack for leaks at that many miles and Outer tie rods, ball joints, MAKE SURE you replace them

 

Here's a question meant to be practical, not rude.

When something of significance does break, are you capable of DIY repairs? I'm guessing not, based on your question........

If you have alternate transportation, a place to park it, a place to work on it, tools to work with (or a budget for tools), and 'seasoned' DIY friends to guide you through various processes, AND you think that would be a fun way to learn, it could be a good buy.

If all you want to do is drive it and maybe change the oil and coolant occasionally, I'd look for something with lower mileage.

Assuming you want to proceed, I'd have a pre purchase professional inspection that includes a compression/leakdown test for the motor.

And I'd want a big stack of maintenance records from the seller.

Keep in mind that the seller isn't going to have a big line of buyers pounding at his door. A 400k ride is a niche market at best. He could get lucky, or he could wait a long time. Use that knowledge and the inspection results in any negotiations.

 

Spend the extra couple grand now and buy a extra cab with less than half the mileage. That wont need a motor anytime soon.

 

So a 150-200k mileage equals a well cared for vehicle?

The odds may be more in your favor, especially if you are a tire-kicker-ain't-she-purdy? style buyer.

But it doesn't mean the vehicle has been cared for.