1999 sr5 blew engine! Need advice

HELP
Sell or Fix?
If I sold as it, what should I list it as?
In pristine condition! Hate to sell.
Below are a few pics and a link for more detailed information and additional pics:

 

$12k is a huge stretch, even if it didn't need an engine

With that said, just get another one.

5VZ's are a dime a dozen.

 

What is a 5VZ's? 12K is what we were selling without the blown engine. That's why I'm asking for opinions. I'm not crazy - the 3rd gen market is crazy (depending on where you live). We are in CO. It's nuts here.

 

5VZ is the 3400.

I'd list it for $8k...see if you get a bite. Otherwise shop around for a new engine to be put in and then ask $14k and show the receipts. Take your original $12k when they try and haggle.

 

CA has an even stronger market for 4Runners; you don't have a nice roof rack or quality suspension (not to beat your vehicle up) but I don't see $12k.

I do hope you get what you're asking though!

 

My son custom-made the roof rack and had it powder coated. The suspension was next on his list before this happened. He isn't into 4-wheeling - he hasn't been rock crawling..... he just wanted it too look cool - instead of like his sisters 98' sr5 which he said looked girly. Those are easy add-ons if someone wanted a clean, no rust, vehicle. It's been a father-son project.
I'll be honest - I'm a 3rd gen lover. BUT it was for sale before the engine blew because I wanted my son in a new 4runner with side airbags.
Trying to figure out how to get our initial purchase $ back without putting money into a new engine. If we have to buy an engine, we'll do that.
BTW, we are a 4runner family. I have had four 3rd gens, and now a 2015 sr5. We know the market fairly well. You are correct, CA and CO have a huge 3rd gen following.

 

i have a '97 limited...only 270k...it could fetch a good price...if i put it up for sale..trouble being, there isn't a lot of decent 3/4/5 gen 4runners for sale..in my neck of the woods...the pickens are pretty slim...

 

Is it paid off??? How much would it be to get the engine replaced? Would you be replacing yourself or through a mechanic? Any other major issues with the vehicle that may need to be addressed? It looks and sounds like it’s in great shape other than the engine shitting the bed. I would keep it personally, but it’s just my opinion. It really does depend on anything else being wrong with the vehicle and the total cost to fix. For example, if you get in an accident the day after you get it running, will you get your money back?

I had this conversation with the wife just a day or so ago. Just make sure you aren’t selling something that will cost $5k to fix to “save money” and then buy a $50k - $60 replacement.

 

Myself, I would rebuild the blown engine, you can continue being a 3rd Gen. lover, and you will know exactly what you have with the rebuilt engine. The 5VZ engine is a non-interference engine so the rebuild might not be as expensive as you think, unless there are major problems with the shortblock, like holes where the rods came through the block, or cylinder walls that are tore up. Crankshafts are reasonably priced if you need a new crank.... rebuild kits are 12-1500. Rebuild it and drive on!

 

Yes, it's paid off. The shop quoted 8,800 to put in a new engine. I would like to get into a 2014-2016, with side airbags. I don't think hubby and son could tackle that also I believe the valve and head gasket shattered metal pieces into the engine.

 

$8800 is too much. You should be able to find a place that will put a good used one in for less.

...or not. Prices for everything are going crazy.

 

"The shop", is that a Toyota dealership shop? Then I can believe the un-realistic 8800 price tag on the engine. Is this a "new" engine or yours rebuilt? There has to be more options available.

 

Who told you the engine was blown? What were the symptoms? If truly blown, you would be lucky to get $5K for it. I would search around on prices.

 

The shop is a local mechanic - not a Toyota shop. Won't turn over.

 

Yeah, if it's got a shattered valve, the heads at minimum need a rebuild and probably the cylinder wall is scored so it probably needs the whole engine.

$8800 seems steep for a replacement. But at min it will be like $5k at most shops.

 

yes, that is what we were told.

 

If you had a rebuildable core this might work for you.
https://spprecision.com/products/toyota-5vz-fe-34-long-block-crate-engine-sale.html

 

SlvrSlug - I'll send this to my husband. Thanks