Engines, how many miles and how much to rebuild?

Hi, I am looking to buy a 4Runner. I am considering a 3rd 4th or 5th gen.

All of the ones I find seem to have 200k miles on them.

I am looking for something that will be reliable. How many miles do these engines last? and which engine options are best?

If an engine is worn out, what do you suggest? rebuild? replace? What does that run?

Any other issues I should look for when buying a used one?
Thanks in advance.

 

I love 3rd gens but the newer the better. Certain year early 4th gens have head gasket issues. The older the vehicle the more crap you need to replace. How much do you like to wrench/how capable are you?

 

Actually the “newer” the more crap they added that will break. More emission stuff and the quality of steel used has gotten cheaper over the years.
Just my 2 cents.

 

Engine life in directly contributed to how it is/was maintained...
Case in point, I have an 03 Tundra 2wd with 360K on the 4.7 V8 that is dry as a bone (no leaks) and it has about -5-7% leak down on all cylinders ( which is pretty dang good) and still gets 17MPG in town. I was the second owner, 1st traded in with 48k on it in 07, and I have done all the maintenance on it since Ive owned it, excluding the timing belt at 110k and 230K. My oil gets changed every 5k and I do the tranny every other oil change. Diff is done every 45K.
I would not hesitate to take this vehicle, in any climate, at any time of the year, to any drivable location in the western hemisphere ( sorry Hawaii) because I know it has been taken care of...
If you are looking for a used vehicle, get it looked over by a reputable mechanic that you trust. These engines will go for dang near ever.... if they are taken care of that is. Look at the service records, where it was serviced, was the maintenance done and if it was done properly and at the correct time. I have seen many vehicles "claiming" to be well taken care of... changing the oil once a year and washing it does not meet mu deffinition of "well taken care of!"

 

Also, its a 50/50 game on a replacement/ rebuild of an engine. Most placed you get a rebuild from will include a warranty ( 12mos/ 15k or something like that) as well as a shop that does the install or rebuild. But its about cost. A new ( refurbished or yard engine) will more than likely be a bit cheaper than a rebuild on your current engine. Plus the time you are without it will be less. But, as I wrote in the above post, how well maintained is that new engine or are you just going to be in the same spot in a couple years...