My 2003 Tacoma needs a new engine - How much can I get for it?

Hi all.
My 2003 Toyota Tacoma Xtracab needs a new engine. We are bummed. We love this truck. It only has 203,700 miles. The mechanic says it is not worth putting in a new engine. He said engines could cost $7,000 then the cost of the mechanic.

So we are going to sell it as is. How much do you think I can get for it? Kelly Blue book says $5,000-$8,000 which seems high.
I put it on Craigslist for $3,000 and I got dozens of emails with people offering more money for it. So I figured I didn't ask for enough.
Someone is offering $4,000. Is that a good price? Or should I repost the add for a higher price?
How much can I get for it? I need to buy a new car, so we could really use the money.
Thank you for your help.



PreRunner Pickup 2D

 

What happened to the engine?

It’s going to cost you a lot more to get a new truck than to put in an engine.

Why not go with the KBB price?

 

A used engine ain’t 7k a 3rz or 5vz or 2rz are like 2500 to 3k all day everyday

 

The engine was making some noise when going up hill. It stopped running, took it to the mechanic, and he said there is no air in the 1st cylinder. But he said it looks like a can of worms in the engine and he recommended not putting more money into it.
We don't know anyone who fixes engine and I heard it is hard to even find a good engine. Is that true?

Thanks for your advice. I didn't know if the KBB price puts into consideration that it needs a new engine. I just put fair condition - needs repairs.

 

Where do you recommend we get a new engine for it? I heard some people buy old engines, repair a bit of it, then resale it. It ends up being a crap rebuild. So it's tricky to know how to buy a trusted engine. I appreciate any guidance on where to get a good engine. I also heard the 2003 engine comes in 3 parts so it can be tricky to find. Is that true?
People were also saying it's not worth putting in a new engine because soon the transmission will go out and then looking at another $5,000 to put in.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thank you.

 

there’s tons of places go to car-part.com they have junk yards all interconnected or if you want to go all fancy with all the bells and whistles hit up yota1 for a fresh rebuilt one

 

2wd with a blown engine? Take the 4k

 

I agree, take the 4k unless you absolutely love the truck and want to keep it another 20 years.
Hell you could probably squeeze another grand out of it if it was that hot

 

A new engine is most certainly NOT going to cost you $7,000. Parts and labor for a 50-100k or so mile used engine would run you like, $4,000 tops in my area. That mechanic is giving you a “I don’t want to do it” price.