Replace engine or replace truck??

Yep, I blew up my 2008 4.0 Taco engine. I'm the only owner of this truck and it had 186,xxx miles on it when the catastrophic failure happened. I've considered all the reasons why it happened, and it could have been multiple reasons but I need to decide what to do now. So I wanted anyone's input on my predicament.

Replace the engine, or replace the truck? That's the big question...

Replace engine - It appears that I will be paying between 6.5k and 7.5k to have a rebuilt or re-manufactured engine installed in my truck. I've been looking at Remann's and it seams like they are a good company to go through to get an engine. Does anyone have any experience dealing with them? Does anyone have experience buying from another company, if so, how was it? Of course that amount is not just for the engine, it's for the labor as well. I might be able to do it for a little cheaper but from everything that I have researched, that is a pretty accurate ball park figure.

Replace truck - At a 6.5k to 7.5k repair price. I know I can find an awesome truck at that price for what I'm doing, and if I were to buy another truck, I would go with an extended cab and standard transmission instead of the double cab automatic transmission that I have. But if I bought another truck, I wouldn't really have a need for mine and would want to sell it, does anyone have experience selling a damaged Taco? If I were to sell it, how much do you think I should expect for it? It has some minor cosmetic issues but no rust and the rest of the drivetrain is awesome, interior is good as well. Also, it's pretty easy to research where to buy and repair your truck, but it's not so easy to research where to sell your damaged truck. Where would you start if you wanted to sell a truck that needed an engine?

So with that, what route would you take? Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Paul.

P.S. if anyone has a totaled out Taco with a running 4.0, let me know.

 

You should be able to install a warrantied used motor for 1/2 the numbers you are using. DIY, and even much less.

When you say yours is blown up, exactly what does that mean?

 

Where are you? Locally I'd call the junk yards to see who installs used engines. Around here it'd be around $1000-1500 to buy and have it installed.

 

I would honestly think it would cost around half of what your saying to do an engine swap on your truck (including the cost of a used engine). I'd probably be looking at junkyards and talking to your friends about doing it on a weekend if you have any that are mechanically inclined. The engines on these trucks are stupid cheap from my experience.

 

You could:

1. Sell it for scrap. Usually you get only $300-$400.

2. Go buy another truck. Mention you "might have a trade in" after you cut a deal. Then let them know you didn't bring it but you can drop it off the next day. They'll probably give you $1000 sight unseen. If they ask you if it runs don't lie...but if they don't ask...then you never said it ran. In the old days all you had to do is "drag, push or pull" your trade in to the dealership.

3. Part it out on ebay, Craigslist etc... I've always wanted to do this but my homeowners assoc would not be pleased where I live.

4. Get a used/rebuilt motor and put it in your truck. Your old engine should have trade in value of some sort.

 

Look at it this way.

Option A: spend $7000 for a New engine in an otherwise solid truck and you have a new truck. Should be good for another 300k.

Option B: buy a used Tacoma with whatever number of miles with whatever service history and you might only get 10k miles out of before you are in the same place.

Seems clear to me. And if you want a manual tranny, now would be the time to do the swap. A DC will have more resell value than an AC (I drive an AC).

Option C: Have you seen the vultures here in TW? Part your old truck out and buy a new one for the money you could make off the parts. Dash clock? $100. Center console? $200. Right side door? $500. Tailgate? $300. See what I'm saying?


If it was me, I'd re-engine the truck I have. At 211,000 miles on my 2006, I'm already considering doing just that.

 

I think we were typing responses at the same time. LOL.

 

Find a good used motor from http://car-part.com/. Around $2000 depending on area. Then install it(if you are able to) or pay a shop to put it in.

 

Yeah you're right. It took me about 30 minutes to get my thoughts straight and construct that post because I was watching Emerald City. I don't multi-task very well.

 

OP I'm sorry for your loss. It is never easy when a family member moves on.

Replace the engine, but look harder for a better deal.

What killed it?

 

Well, I'm very happy I posted this. I guess I need to look for a better deal on an engine. You guys make it sound pretty dang cheap so I'll check it out. Thank you very much for all the suggestions. I'm pretty sure I threw a rod because I have a hole in the engine block. :/.

 

I don't know where you live, but in the southeast you can get a used engine with 50K miles or less for three grand. I'd think it'd be 1500 to get a shop to do the install so probably 5k by the time all said and done allowing for other parts that may need to be purchased.

 

OP, where do you live? I'm sure some guys on here (me included) would look around for ya. The more sets of eyes you have e looking the more you'll find.

 

I'm in Nevada. It would be nice to get an engine with a warrenty.

 

I would look around for used engines, rebuild and replace all the major components, should be a lot cheaper than $6000-$7500.

 

Get a new truck but 05-15 no 3rd gen lol

 

There is a large supply of them on ebay for around 2k.

 

Back in 2012 the engine blew in my 2008. It only had 86,000 kms. Toyota wouldn't cover it, as they said it was a rad cap failure that caused it. I bought a used engine for $1700 CAD (with 142,000 kms), and had the dealer replace the engine along with the rad, water pump, hoses, etc. It cost $5000 total. They did give me a rental.

I immediately traded it in on a fully loaded new 2012. I negotiated $3K off of sticker, and had them throw in the ECP 160K km/7 year bumper to bumper warranty for free ($2200 CAD). They also accidently threw in the leather protection, paint protection, and rust protection plans for free. That was another $4700 CAD value.

They bought out my loan and transferred it to my new truck. I walked (drove) away with a new fully warrantied truck for the same monthly payment, full warranty, and piece of mind until 2019.

They sold the 2008, as advertised with a drive train warranty to 100,000 km.

Go figure.

 

Replace the truck. An engine should not fail with that low of mileage.

 

How did you blow your engine?