Replace engine on 2006 tacoma (226k miles) or new truck?

2006 Tacoma blew a head gasket and melted the radiator over the weekend (two cylinders no longer firing). I've been told it will cost 5k to replace with a refurbished engine, but also getting a lot of pushback that a truck with 226K+ miles might not be worth the money.

I'm also told I could sell to a junkyard for $500.

It has new spark plugs, was recalled for a new frame in 2015, and otherwise in good condition.

Thoughts and ideas much appreciated!

Thank you.

 

Body in good shape?

I'd shop around and get some more quotes on the engine replacement.

 

I just went thru the same thing. Had a 2006 with 288,000 miles. Ran good but I was afraid of it breaking down . I traded it and got a 2018. Just my opinion.

 

226k isn’t that many miles. Worth new engine IMHO.

Have you been maintaining the transmission? Flushes and drains and what not?

 

Find a motor. Good luck!

 

i had the same dilemma when i had my '05...mine had 230k on the clock and i didn't have the funds to fix it right then mine was quoted $3,500 for a newish motor with 80k on the clock... for me life is about reliability not constant work and worry... i just got back from the dealer for my 10k service and walking around was crazy...'18 SR5 DCSB was $37k and the '18 OR DCSB was $40k both with AT's... looking back could i have just taken a loan and fixed the other truck? yes but... would something else break as soon i got that loan paid off? who knows but i can't afford to have a truck down for service and i can afford the one i have now....good luck OP if you have another ride i would just fix the one i have since you can jump from one to another.. i only have 1 ride

 

Depends. You have a new frame, and say the rest of the truck is in good condition. If the rest of the undercarriage isn't rusted out, and the tranny is in good shape, it's a $5000 decision over maybe $35,000 one. If the overall truck is still decent, I'd get another motor and drive it another 200K. I wouldn't sacrifice it to a junkyard.

 

The real question is buying a new truck going to effect your budget ?

In other words will you be new truck broke can`t really do much because the truck payment takes all the extra money

Not being able to install the engine yourself does make it harder to decide .

If my 2000 3.4 spun a bearing I would either rebuild or go used

 

IMO, the $5K remanufactured engine will have some sort of warranty period, I think you can order them from some of the national auto part stores. If the remanufacturer used quality parts, it should go at least 200,000 - 300,00 miles with regular oil changes. A new 2018 will cost you around $40K and will also last you 300,000 miles before needing an engine overhaul. I personally would buy a remanufactured engine that has good warranty.

 

I would probably find a good used engine with low miles.

 

Get a used engine with some sort of warranty. 5k? 10k?

have you talked to anyone about rebuilding yours? Did you nuke the block?

 

It's your call, but from my experience, putting a new or should I say "different" engine in a vehicle with that kind of mileage is a real crap shoot. You now have a presumably stronger engine which is fresher than everything else on the car. The next thing to go will be the transmission/differential/who-knows-what. This will break next; that will break next. You will end up nickel-and-diming yourself to death.

Ditch the truck.

 

Maybe under normal circumstances, but it was pointed out that this vehicle has a *new frame*.