Considering a 2013 V6 with 258K - concerned about head gasket and timing chain

Hello,
I am looking to purchase a 2013 SRS with 258K miles on it. I drove it, rides great, and is in great shape. My only concern is having to replace the timing chain. I have a comprehensive set of reports from both CarFax and the dealership, but I don't see any timing chain replacement.

In looking at the report, the oil was changed on this truck every 3-8k miles at the dealership. It appears that all recommended maintenance was performed on this vehicle up to this point and it has newer tires, brakes, etc. This truck was loved.

My mechanic recommened I pass as the timing chain is just a matter of time. Having said that, he is not familiar with Toyota - he specializes in VW. I know this is a costly repair, but in looking around the forums, the consensus seems to be that if the vehicle is well maintained, the timing chain should last basically forever.

Just wanted to get opinions on this from the owners in the forum. I truly love this truck, seems ike solid deal, but I'm a bit hung up on this potential chain issue.

Thanks in advance.

 

Unless it’s an absolute steal on pricing, I’d agree with your mechanic. There are Gen5 Runners out there with a whole lot less miles. I’d probably keep looking. Be patient. Your Runner is out there. Good luck!

 

Well, what are they asking for the 4Runner? A timing chain replacement can range from $1,000 - $1,600. This is based on your area and a few other factor. But the labor rates will be high. Maybe you can negotiate the seller down to offset the cost.

But if there is no record of it being done, then do it immediately if you buy the vehicle. Oh, and take it to a place that knows Toyota's and/or 4Runners.

 

Generally speaking, I haven’t gotten an impression timing chains are part of preventive maintenance on high mileage 4runners. Replacement would be if they break, or if the guides are worn and it’s getting noisy. If oil changes has been regularly done, and it runs right, I wouldn’t worry about the timing chain specifically.

 

Are you thinking about timing belts? Those need to be replaced every 100k or so, but Toyota doesn’t use belts anymore on most of their vehicles. Timing chains are meant to last the life of the engine.

One could argue that a car with 258k miles, everything is just a matter of time. So the price should reflect that most of its life is behind it.

 

Why even buy a vehicle with that high a mileage in the first place. Timing chain lasts the life of the vehicle.

 

I was confused at first too. So I looked it up:

https://support.toyota.com/s/article/Does-my-vehicle-have-7690?language=en_US

 

Welcome

 

Asking price is $10,500. Would it pay to have the head gasket done at that point too, or is that something to not worry about? Thanks!

 

Headgaskets are a crap shoot. You could spend $5k or whatever it costs now thanks to inflation, and never stop the seeping/leaking. It's best to monitor it. Clean the engine and engine bay really well, then monitor the leak (if you get one) on a weekly/monthly basis. If it's more than a tablespoon per month...you may want to address that.

 

Welcome

 

Is your limiting factor budget?

 

Timing chain and headgaskets are on-condition, i.e. you repair when a problem occurs; nobody does it as preventative maintenance. And at that mileage, anything as costly as a headgasket job is financially unwise - better to replace with a lower-mileage salvage yard engine.

 

Not really. Want to keep it under $15k for now, as this would be my third vehicle. Thanks!

 

Unless you can do the work yourself, maybe pay more upfront for a newer, lower mileage 4Runner.

 

Borracho is hittin that AI pipe pretty hard lol. Slow down man, you’re gonna pass out!

Exactly this. It would be like replacing a working lightbulb because you’re worried it might go out sometime in the future. Except it’s more risky if the jobs are botched, and more expensive, especially if you have to do it again or if the new gasket fails and hydrolocks the engine. Totally unnecessary risks.

When vehicles get this much mileage, you’re paying for the fact they are in working order. The value is in their current state of repair. If you start tearing apart a car that works perfectly fine, you might as well buy one with less mileage for more money.

Instead of worrying about very expensive and risky headgasket and timing chain jobs, focus on things like making sure the transfer case and transmission work well, and checking ball joints bushings, and ujoints/driveshafts. Walk away from it if the transmission has not been regularly serviced. Everything else mentioned is likely to need some attention or replacement on vehicles with this much mileage.

10k for a well sorted 4runner with that mileage doesn’t seem all that bad honestly. As long as frame hasn’t rusted away. If the frame is toast, then it’s basically a parts car. So make sure to inspect it carefully.

 

I'm at 240k and mine is just breaking in really. Engine runs more freely, no use oil, no leaks. I use only Mobil 1 5W-30 synthetic high mileage, regular 100k maintenance, 10k oil changes. Runs like new. It aall depends on how much you are paying for it. Crawl under and check the frame just because I hate any rust. Nothing to do with timing chain. Should last the life of the vehicle really. Especially with synthetic oil. They disappeared from the car lots around here. Not a 5th Gen 4Runner anywhere I have seen sitting. I checked my values and I thought it was awfully low last year for as nice as a 2013 4runner is. I have never lost money totalling a 3rd Generation with 300k on it. A couple times. Insurance always paid me more than I paid for the 4Runner used as long as it is clean and taken care of. They know mileage means nothing on a 4runner.

 

I don't know enough to answer your question. I just find the phrase "should last the life of the engine" interesting. What does that mean? How do you define the life of an engine. Maybe a timing chain failing at 250K miles IS the life of the engine. Is there anything in a well maintained engine that can't be fixed or replaced, even if rediculously expensive?

 

I just maintain and repair anything myself. I mean, people go 1 million miles on the same Toyota engine and transmission just by a little proper maintenance. Toyota usually gives them a brand new vehicle. You probably have to do some maintenance at a dealership to document history some.

 

I would be more concerned about coolant replacement or lack there of. Worn out coolant can contribute to gasket failure.

 

The OP needs to realize that buying/driving a 12yr old vehicle with 260k miles on it is like dating a stripper (which you never marry!)....

She's been ridden hard for a lot of years. Even if she was taken care of, there are a lot of hidden issues that need to be fixed. Ask yourself if you really want to devote the time into:

A) Fixing it so it's better.
B) Leaving it be and ride her until the wheels fall off (Giggity).
C) Walk away because she may look good, but has too many issues for you to deal with.