Faults:

When I first bought my 1990 4runner SR5 3.0 L V-6 auto, it ran pretty good for it being only a 3.0 V-6.

The mileage on fuel wasn't too bad til I threw on some 31x10.5 Yokohama Geolandar treads, then the mpg along with the power lowered a noticeable amount, but it still did alright.

Then I rolled it on the freeway, which caused oil to leak into the top of the piston rings, but after removing the oil and a few days of smoke coming out of the exhaust, it still ran pretty good. Later I changed some of the parts that I thought could be damaged from the oil leaking (i.e. spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor, cap & rotor, oil & oil filter, etc...), and it eventually ran better, and is still running today almost at full power.

I think I'm averaging about 13 mpg hwy with the 31's, and around 200 +/- on a full tank.

General Comments:

I'd prefer to put a five speed in, along with a bigger V-6 and manual locking hubs on it.

Faults:

Steering parts, head and head gaskets at 200,000 sunroof failed at 200,000, air conditioning failed at 180,000.

Starting problem when hot, 5 repair facilities have never found it. Starters burn up quickly.

Bought for $7800 with 157000 miles, have put $8000 into it in the 7 1/2 years I've owned it just to keep it running.

General Comments:

Pathetically underpowered, terrible gas mileage, shines the best in the snow or mud.

Don't try keep up with traffic in the mountains, you won't. Flat-lander SUV only.

Sits up high and is narrow, which makes it nice in town, just don't swerve at high speed, my friend rolled his.

Faults:

The head gasket blew on the 4runner 3 litre V6. Sure, it is an old vehicle. But these are notorious for blowing head gaskets.

I phoned Toyota Canada and they say there is not recall on this engine. The person I spoke with could not tell me why some 1990s are recalled while others are not. She basically acted as if she did not know that Toyota had ever had a problem with head gaskets. This is an early 1990, built before the end of 1989.

So, what did Toyota do - just arbitrarily pick a date after which they would cover head gasket repairs? I doubt if there are any differences between the block, heads, and gaskets used on early or later 1990 V6s.

Has anyone managed to obtain the free repair from Toyota for a 1990? If so, could you tell me the manufacture date of your vehicle?

Is this engine worth fixing? Or is it a waste of money; can this again happen at any time?

(My other Toyota V6, a 1993 T100, was covered by a recall.)

General Comments:

Toyotas may be nice, but it seems that many have serious weak points. Once Toyota recognizes the problems, the company should stand behind their products. I have bought a few new Toyotas, but am not sure that I would do so again, especially after talking to the so-called "Customer Service" rep.