How much to repair this '96 with a cylinder misfire?

Hi everyone, one of my neighbors is selling a 1996 4Runner 2wd with 241xxx miles. They say it has a cylinder 6 misfire, and they are willing to sell it for under 2,000. Any advice?, thank you.

It started up good and still runs and drives, recently had a timing belt change, new trd wheels and tires and a brake upgrade

Any idea on how much it would cost to get repaired?

 

NICE! Get it! I had a cylinder 3 misfire and it was an injector.

 

I'd give the same advice as above. Mine was misfiring cylinder 4 and I got a used junkyard injector for 30$ CAD and it's been running flawlessly! Super easy to do it yourself I just watched a few YouTube videos and it took me an afternoon.

I suggest doing the valve cover gasket while you have it off

 

All depends on what’s needed. Diagnose it before you throw parts at it.

 

This^
Check the plugs. At the very least, have a look at the number 6 plug. Take a pic of it while you have it out. Check the wires. Swap the 1 & 3 coil packs and see if the misfire moves. (to #4) Re-assess from there.

 

To add on, he believes there might be a possible head gasket leak

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! You should get these problems diagnosed by a pro mechanic and go from there. It was/is a good deal even with problems if the rest of the vehicle is in "OK" shape... this is very do-able... you got this.

 

It could be something simple like a spark plug, injector, coil pack.

Or it could be a head gasket which would still be worth it.

Or it could be a smoked valve or bad ring in the 6 cylinder. Which may require a possible full engine swap.

Had a local acquaintance with a 2001 4Runner 2wd Limited lunch a valve and pretty much gave the rig away.

-Mike

 

Smells like head gasket. Other wise, the dude would have fixed it already.

Hell, it still may be worth it.