I might "possibly" be looking at a 3.0 V-6 truck. Just possibly, because it might be a deal I can't refuse, but I'm suspicious that the headgasket might have problems. Haven't looked at it yet. Other than looking at the inside of the oil cap, any other tips to see if the HG is going south?

I called Toyota and had them run the Vin. They claim that it never had the recall done, and in fact the old V-6 HG campaign never applied to that model.

I think it did, but either way, it appears the gaskets are original so that worries me.

1988 was a stronger headgasket then the later modles.. first year of the 3.0 and last of that head gasket. im not sure what it was aspecitos maby? somethen that was stronger then the other ones they used. even then... my 88 didnt even have a v6 third in it! i wasnt thrilled about that.

Thanks, interesting point. I will definatley check the third, if I decide to look at it.

I wouldn't lose a lot of sleep over the third. The I-4 third is stronger than you might think. As for the HG, get the cooling system pressure tested. Then, get the cylinders scoped, particularly the rearward driver's side. If all the piston tops are equally carbonized, and the cooling system is good for holding pressure, I wouldn't lose a lot of sleep over that either.

'Course, you *could* pick up a 3.4 for handy use later on... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the tips. Turns out the "too good to be true" was too good to be true. Salvaged title. But good info to keep in mind for the future. I'm not in the market for another truck, but I always keep my eyes open for that super good deal.

My 4runner is a salvage title. I still don't know why. I haven't found anything to suggest it was in an accident or has water or fire damage. But at any rate, I wouldn't be so scared of a salvage title unless you are concerned with resale value.

Mine is a salvage because of theft, that might be why yours is like that bandit. I also looked for any signs of damage and couldnt find any, straight frame, perfect body, one tiny spot of surface rust.

If I recall correctly, salvage titles occure when the cost of repairs is something like 80% of the value of the vehicle. One clue to the extent of the damage when the vehicle was damaged. In my case, the rig was an '88 model that was damaged in '91, according to Car Fax. Gotta love CAR FAX!! That means it probably cost many thousands of dollars to repair whatever was damaged. Very scary.

But on the other hand, if it was more recent, the rig might only be worth a few thousand dollars. A small fender bender or a theft where the seats and wheels were taken, might be a enough to cause a salvage title.

For me, its not worth it. I was just attracted to the truck because the extremely low miles. Considering the salvage title, the price wasn't that great. Especially if I'm not actually looking for another truck.

Phew, that was a close one Brian! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> After all the negative 3.0 facts you posted here
3.Slow vs. 22RE you would be the last person I would ever suspect of buying a 3.slow! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" /> Heck, you personally steered me away from considering them and if you caved who would take over as head 3.slow basher? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

How "good" is a good price? I'd buy a 3.0 runner with a blown HG for under 1,500 just to fix it and sell it. They go for alot in the PNW. 3 to 5 with a V6 and good detail. I've never had any problems with the 3L. I hear people complain thiers blew at 200+K, must've been defective huh?