Rebuilt engine

Just got the dreaded phone call. My engine started running very rough. Mechanic says it needs a rebuilt engine, estimated to cost $8000 plus. It has 330K miles and also needs catalytic converters. She is a beautiful old girl that I have loved since I bought her in 2003 with 20K miles on her but I am looking at over $10,000 in repair bills. My wife and I are elderly and live on a fixed income so this hurts financially but I'm not sure we have a choice. With that many miles other things could go wrong as well. Should I bite the bullet and have her repaired or trade her in?

 

Personally with 330k miles and being 20 years old I would depart with her, she has served you well. If you can afford the payment I would try to get a new(er) one with the great 4.0 V6.

At 20 years old your frame is most likely looking fairly rough alone, let alone who knows what else is on its way out (tranny who knows). You have done well though with 330k miles.

Thats just my opinion though, i get it if you are elderly and on a fixed income, especially these days with inflation you must be getting hammered financially.

 

Alternatively, you could buy a JDM replacement engine to swap in for ~$2k

 

That mechanic is making a killing. The 3.4L V6 is plentiful and cheap to replace. Get a second opinion.

 

Thanks guys for taking the time to reply. I think I'm going to get a second opinion.

 

Demand to know what the COMPRESSION Test showed. If your Mechanic has NOT done a Compression test...HE IS A SHIT MECHANIC.

A compression test shows the health of the engine internals. If the numbers are GOOD (150+) then the engine is most likely FINE internally.

I honestly can't think of anything that would cause this particular engine to be junk when the compression numbers are fine.

If the numbers are BAD...then yup it's time to get another engine.

 

He said the number was 80 when it should have been 150 or more.

 

Hello and welcome. Sorry it's on sad terms. Seeking out advice here will certainly help with an informed decision.

I definitely think $8k is steeeeep. Even in these tough times, that's getting up near dealer fees.

What was mentioned earlier, if you have the 3.4, that engine is very plentiful. 4Runners, Tacomas, and Tundras all had that engine as a standard power plant. Millions of them are still running.

You could search out a local Toyota truck club and find a redneck sitting on 3 of those engines in a barn.

We have a sizeable community here in Florida, with Toyota fans that will sell you and install an engine for thousands less than the price you were quoted.

The other thing that was also mentioned is a JDM engine, which is a good option as well for getting a warranty.

Good Luck!

 

Definitely in need of a second opinion and evaluation by someone who knows 4 Runners. Additionally, the replacement cost sounds outrageous.

 

You need a new engine. Shop around.

Also, I'd get a second compression test just to be doubly sure.

 

Perhaps even be there to witness the compression check.

 

I echo similar notions....2nd opinion.