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