1993 Toyota 4Runner SR5 review from North America

I started working for Toyota in 1981. I own 3 Toyotas, and 1 Nissan.

Last week going to work early in the morning I heard a loud bang, all my dash lights came on, and the engine was dead. I got over to the side of the road. It would not turn over; the engine was locked up.

I had it towed to where I work, which is a Lexus dealership. Upon inspection we found that the head gasket blew and hydro locked the engine, breaking 2 rods. I had the recall done at 60,000 miles (short block) of course since I did work there. My 4runner is in perfect shape and always serviced. I am now selling it to my mechanic at work for $2,200 and he will repair it.

I really wonder why Toyota Motors doesn't take care of these problems, like they do for all the sludge motor's SPA's. Trust me, I see customers that don't even change their oil and they get Lexus (Toyota) to take care of it. Toyota knows they had problems and should live with it and fix it!! I really could go on forever with the stories, since I do have 23 years with Toyota.

Really hate to sell my 4-runner, but I can't bear to spend $1800 on a used engine with 133,000 miles, or buy a remanufactured engine for $2,800. My only real option is to take the money and run!!!

The only problem I've had is the motor blowing head gaskets.