2001 SR5 inspection issues - worth keeping?

I'm new here so, hope it's OK to just jump right in...

I joined in hopes I might find some answers about my 2001 SR5.

It won't pass Texas inspection due to CAT 1, 0420 codes and some others like EVAP and whatnot. I paid $4100 for it a year and a half ago and later found out I'm the 7th owner and that it has over twice the mileage than what is on the odometer - (around 285,000 actual). The previous owner told me he changed the timing belt and the water pump. AFAIK, there's no way to verify this. Everything works on it except the cruise control and it runs and drives great. After talking to a few mechanics, looks like - and nobody can say for sure - it'll be around $1000 (maybe) to get it to pass inspection. That'll take it to $5100. My question is, being that current prices for 4Runners around Dallas for 3rd Gens is around $3500 give or take, should I keep this one and fix or sell and get another? I know that's a difficult one to answer but, just wondering what some of you, if in my shoes, would do. Like I said, everything works except the cruise control. Thanks very much for any comments!

 

Let me ask you this, if you have to replace the motor are you willing to go there? With the unknowns that you mention you may be better off selling it, but unless your going to buy new, you could end up in the same boat.

 

Good point. Another one that old may have just as many problems. No, I'm not willing to replace the motor. Really on the fence about it and I'm afraid I'm living on borrowed time.