I just hopped over from the Isuzu forum since my 86 Trooper gave up the ghost. I've been loooking for a replacement and I've pretty much decided on a 4Runner. Although I was leaning more towards a 94-95 4cyl, this one caught my eye - Someone's got a 92 V6 with a dead motor for $1200. The ad says it's a rust-free from Florida with a "mint" interior. I read about the head gasket recall on this forum and elsewhere, and I'm thinking this may be a candidate for that. I called the guy but had a hard time understanding him through his accent and a lot of background noise (apparently it's owned by a garage). He said the engine's shot because someone drove it with no oil. I couldn't get the VIN because of the accent and the noise. Maybe the head gasket failed, causing loss of oil pressure? Am I being too hopeful? In case the recall thing doesn't work out, he does have an engine from a wreck (rollover) with only 55k that he'll sell with the truck for another $800. (I didn't, and don't plan to, mention the recall to the seller.)
It's nearly 2 hours from me, so I'm debating taking a drive there later in the week to check it out.
Anyone got any opinions on the chances of Toyota replacing the engine, or tips on how to approach this? If that doesn't work out, it still seems like a pretty good deal with the 55k $800 engine. Anything I should pay particular attention to?
Thanks for reading, and for any thoughts you may have.
-Ben

I'd make sure the spare engine is running in the wreck and then do the deal with it included. When they tear down the head to see the gasket the scored cylinder walls and burnt pistons will be in plain view - you better hope one cylinder is full of antifreeze.

Drive over and pop the radiator cap - if it is milky then I'd put your odds slightly better than 50/50 but I think 92 on the recall ends this year. They remove the oldest year under the recall every new year. Better yet get the VIN and call the dealer to run the VIN. If it has been repaired once under the service campaign they won't do it again.

Buy it and slap in a 3.4L V6. Now you've got a cheap and powerful rig.

I would second the 3.4 swap. I will probably go w/ the 3.4 once mine goes. The 3.0 is also known as the 3.slow. Its really not that bad depending on what terrain your driving on.

Ditto on the 3.4L... at least I got 200K out of my 3.0 L before it dropped a cylinder. Just got a used 3.4 (they are not cheap). Everyone says they're the way to go <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> We'll see in a few months.

Hey, thanks for the replies. I decided to call the guy back and get the VIN so I could call Toyota about it before driving all the way to see it. His reply: "Of course not!" He got kind of huffy about it - acted like I was asking for his Social Security number or something. I told him I just wanted to check the history for accidents but he said I'd have to come look at it if I wanted the VIN.
So I'm not going to bother pursuing this one. I just got the feeling he wants someone to come and take it away and he doesn't want to deal with any questions. I could be wrong, but I don't want to waste 4 hours driving there and back.
If anyone is interested, you can find it on autotrader.com. It's in Providence, RI. Here's the link:
92 4Runner
I was wrong about it being at a garage, it's just at this guy's house. I think he bought it the way it is, intending to put the other engine in, but I'm not sure. If anyone goes for it I'd be interested to know how it works out.
I'll continue looking for ~94-95 4cyl's. I'm used to "slow" 4cyl SUV's anyway, after driving the old Trooper for over 7 years. My commute is 75 miles round trip and I'm looking for gas mileage that's consistently above 20mpg. I've got at least a month to find one before it's time to put my other car - a 95 Miata - to bed for the winter.
-Ben

You don't want a 3.0 V6 then.

Yeah, I know. But I was willing to compromise if it meant getting a brand new one for free.

My dead 3.0L got great gas milage compared to what I am driving while I get a 3.4L dropped in it.... try keep'n you foot out of a 427 stroker with dual throttle bodies in an F-150... passes everything but a gas station. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />
Ah, boys and their toys <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />