One of those: "Should I pay this much?" threads

[Combat Chuck]

Hello All,
I'm new to this end of the forum, I normally hang out on the 40-series tech board, but need some sage counsel.
I'm looking into a Toyota mini-truck to purchase as a daily-driver until I finish my 40, and I've found one that I kind of like the smell of. It's an 89, 3.0 liter, 5-speed, looks in decent shape, but the head gasket is blown. The seller is asking $2000 for the rig, says it did run great, and has new tires, "the only bad is the head gasket in blown".
Is two-thousand a reasonable price for it? I'll be looking at it early tomorrow, and I'll take a close inspection.
My worry is that with the head gasket shot, coolant could have leaked into the cylinders or block, and rusted it all up, and I'm not too eager to pay 2000 for another long-term project.

 

[KLF]

I wouldn't give more than $1500 for it.

 

[Combat Chuck]

I wouldn't give more than $1500 for it.

thanks, that's what I was thinking

 

[ms018kmf]

The HG gone means the grey cake-mix sludge needs to get cleaned out of the block & heads. 1000$ max for me, 1500$ if the PM was quality.

 

[corax]

x2 on the $1500 - pull the spark plugs and try to take a look inside the cylinders at the walls & at the s. plug electrodes, that'll tell you a bit about how long it's been sitting

 

[NorCalBorn]

Keep in mind Larry's out in Santa Rosa if you want a second opinion that's close to you.

I'd have to see the truck in person before i could say $1500 vs. $2000. It all depends on the overall condition to me.

Larry Kitahara: (707)586-7840

Yodaman.net

 

[toy4xfun]

hey you can search on here 22re rebuild take a look at that thing it is still going strong after a 5 hour trip across I68 and back. so take a look and make your own mind up of what that heap is worth

 

[Combat Chuck]

Keep in mind Larry's out in Santa Rosa if you want a second opinion that's close to you.

I'd have to see the truck in person before i could say $1500 vs. $2000. It all depends on the overall condition to me.

Larry Kitahara: (707)586-7840

Yodaman.net

I forgot about him, I'll give him a shout soon. I haven't seen this one in person yet, but I will inspect thoroughly. I'm not committed to this truck just yet, I looked at seven other 40's before I settled on my current one, and I don't mind looking at alot of mini trucks before purchasing.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Check the compression on all 6 cylinders, and fire it up and drive it. A bad head gasket won't stop if from running, and if it does, it has more problems than the gasket.

 

[Linkspast]

here in oregon 2k can get you a decent running toyota
1993 Toyota Truck 2WD1990 TOYOTA TRUCK

2k for a blown Head gasket is a lot.... Plus the head could be cracked or warped. Just something to think about.

 

[Combat Chuck]

Thanks for all the help, folks, figured I'd update.
I decided to not go for the mentioned rig, instead I decided to talk to Larry Kitahara of Yodaman here in Santa Rosa. I told him what I was looking for: a mini-trick, 2 or 4wd, doesn't matter, has to be manual transmission, will be a work truck. something to haul my 40's guts around in when I have them rebuilt, and to be used when my future room mate and I work on the house we're moving into.
In return he showed me around, told me that they always inspect their pre-owned trucks, and usually rebuild the engines, and just generally impressed me with what their shop does. He told me he'd give me a shout when a rig meeting my standards comes along.

again, thanks for the help, this is why I like 'Mud.
Be blessed.
-ST

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Larry is a good guy, and a smart man to buy a truck from. You won't be disappointed!