1994 T100 with 135K - avoid the 3.0L?

[Tennesseestorm]

I have also found a 1994 T100 SR5 4wd regular cab. Being a 1994, naturally it has the 3.0L V6 and I have heard about the head gasket issues on the older 3.0Ls and wondering if I should avoid this 94 because of this.

It has only 131K miles, excellent condition, automatic, loaded. Looks like new in the pics and owner said its like new mechanical. He is asking $4900.

Consider or forget?

 

[raydouble]

I have also found a 1994 T100 SR5 4wd regular cab. Being a 1994, naturally it has the 3.0L V6 and I have heard about the head gasket issues on the older 3.0Ls and wondering if I should avoid this 94 because of this.

It has only 131K miles, excellent condition, automatic, loaded. Looks like new in the pics and owner said its like new mechanical. He is asking $4900.

Consider or forget?

I wouldn't pay that much for it.....Others might disagree but I believe getting a 3.0L is a crap shoot at best.

 

[Jacket]

From what I recall, the older 3.0's (89 or 90'ish) were better as far as the head gasket goes. They changed the gasket material at some point around 1990 or 1991, and so the newer run engines were more susceptible to HG failure.


My 1992 4Runner did fine until 160k miles, and then I sold it so I don't know how much longer it lasted. With the T100's, you can find the newer ones with a 3.4, and it would seem to that if you had a choice you could shop for a 3.4. But around here, most folks know that the 3.4's are much stronger, and ask quite a bit more for those trucks. 4900 isn't a bad price in my market.

 

[raydouble]

From what I recall, the older 3.0's (89 or 90'ish) were better as far as the head gasket goes. They changed the gasket material at some point around 1990 or 1991, and so the newer run engines were more susceptible to HG failure..

I think they had improved the design and the early ones were a problem with gasket material.

4900 isn't a bad price in my market.

Damn......

 

[Hilux]

I loved my T unlike any mini I've ever had (around 10). That said, I knew about the 3.0 and was not scared of it.

The T is just a Mini only 6" wider (IIRC). Same control arms, front diff & TBars... Just wider frame and wider axle/shafts.

I loved the interior, I loved the bed space, and I loved the safety I had towing or carrying a bed full of stuff. Very nice handling to.

Would you be saying the same thing if this was a Mini? Or would you already know the answer?

The 3.0 is NOT a bad engine, just a ROYAL PITA to work on... Even easier in a T100 engine bay, BTW.

I would have put a 4.3 in mine later on down the road though... The truck is way heavier than the Mini that came with the same motor. At the very least, if you buy it I'd put headers on it. Downey(RIP) had a "11hp gain when routed back into the stock exhaust. And a 14hp gain with radical bottom end torque when routed into Downey's 2 1/2" aluminized system"

Miss that truck...

IMO, $4900 is too much, but OTOH it does have low miles... And I wouldn't have an AT in that truck...

It quite possibly has some lower gears b/c it's AT and they are very likely almost non-rebuild-able...

Erik's Toyota Differential info