2002 Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab Limited Fix or sell for Parts?

Hi Guys im looking for advice on what to do with my truck. Either fix it or sell it for parts. My truck is a 2002 tacoma double cab limited 4x4 with 220k miles. I believe it needs an engine. #1 spark plug failed and the eraser sized piece of porcelain at the end of the plug broke off and fell into the cylinder while driving home causing what I think is a bent connecting rod. It starts and runs fine but gets noisy above 2k rpms. Got a quote to replace motor with a used one with 100k miles for $3800.00. The truck is in overall good condition . It had the frame replaced several years ago and is rust free. the interior is very good the body has a couple of small dents and scratches with very little rust. The tranny is good and never had a problem with it and the 4x4 works great. The truck has always been maintained I am the original owner and have never abused the truck. If I dont fix the truck what is a whole parts truck worth?

Thanks
Matt

 

Seems worth it to me if the shop doing it knows their stuff and it definitely needs an engine, and you don't need a new vehicle. That's a fair price for an engine swap.

However, you'd want to keep the vehicle for several years. It would still sell for a good price, too. Having 4x4 makes up for a lot.

 

I'll buy it off from you, lol

New engine

 

What would be a ball park value in your opinion?

 

yes keep it. NEW ENGINE if need be. Don't sell it you have a highly sought after truck. You will regret it if you do sell it later on.

 

$3,800 for a new engine? That is absolutely outrageous. Not so much if it includes installation.

OP these trucks are worth a lot, I would put a new engine into it. You can buy a used JDM 3.4l with less than 100k for lessthan $1,500 from a JDM importer.

 

I just bought something very similar: 2003 Tacoma SR5 TRD extracab, 4x4, manual, 3.4, 216k. It has a 4" lift (might remove) and custom rocker bars/bumpers. It has some normal issues I'm working on, but is in good shape.

Pricing can vary be region, but the guy was asking $9k, he accepted $8k. I looked daily (craigslist) all across northern CA for about six weeks. I insisted on a manual and I believe that increased the price. With gov't fees and parts I'll be into it for 10k. Am happy.

 

If the engine is completely rebuilt with new seals, piston rings, bearings and gaskets yeah sounds about right. Best tell them to put on the receipt or give a printout of parts being used and ask for warranty period.

I recall there being a completely rebuilt engine from a well known and respectable online company for 3k as well.

 

$3800.00 was for a used engine with 100k installed.

Matt

 

Used? wtf? OUT!!!!

 

I do think you have other options as far as getting a engine that doesn't require a used one with 100k on it for $3800. Where are you located OP?

 

Can a JDM just drop right in? Or do you have to do/buy anything special?

I see the 3.4L going for less than the 2.7L at a JDM seller not too far from me. It would be nice to swap my 2.7L for a 3.4L.

 

They're pretty different depending on what car it came from. Usually people have to swap the pulleys, headers, intake, sometimes even heads. Some people just have to swap the intake and some accessories.

 

You won’t be able to get another truck for $3800.

If you do sell it don’t sell it for parts. Sell it to someone who is willing to fix it. These trucks are getting more and more rare. Whether you keep it or not do your best for the preservation of the species.

 

that's installed, not just for the engine.

If the OP is not capable of doing it himself then labor and motor cost is reasonable as mentioned by @Armedine

 

Damn, what all is included? Whats being replaced before the engine is being put in?

 

most likely swapping over some current parts onto the block as most JDM are not from US vehicles.

fluids replace, wiring disconnect/connects, etc. It's not a 2-hour job. Shops will spec it out for 1-2 days of labor. Obviously if the OP can do it himself he would save most of the money. But this may be something that is a little over his head at this time.

still, $3800 vs sell a broken truck and new payments, I'd take the replacement engine every day.

 

Like Frizzman said - $3800 doesn't sound all that unreasonable. You figure the engine is about like $1200 plus a few hundred dollars for peripherals probably and labor.

I feel like I could swap an engine with enough time to plan. But...But, it would take me either 2 weekends or I'd have to take time off from work. I'd have to find a suitable location to do it and get an engine hoist. I'd rather pay the $3800 just because of the time. If I didn't work I'd be all about it.

 

I figured, after a while if thinking about engine swap/replacement, that the bulk of the labor was getting the engine out.

Never done one on a tacoma yet, god I hope I won't have to...

 

Most of it is the swap. It's a delicate process. Some makes can be a nightmare with fitting and lining up to transmission etc. Some are easy and you just remove the sub frame and drop from below after breaking it down and disconnecting crap.

I think the last swap I helped with was an older Highlander v6 which is probably most similar to what a Taco would be. Out the door $3500 to customer. Think it was around 20 hours labor.