# Rebuilt Engine for 4Runner or New Car

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/rebuilt-engine-for-4runner-or-new-car/21490>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** gaskets, engines, toyota, 4runner\
**Created:** [November 1, 2008, 2:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rebuilt-engine-for-4runner-or-new-car/21490 "2008-11-01T14:46:07Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Hopkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/edb3f5/32.png) [@Hopkid](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Hopkid)\
**Post date:** [November 1, 2008, 2:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rebuilt-engine-for-4runner-or-new-car/21490/1 "2008-11-01T14:46:07Z")

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My beloved '97 4Runner (manual 2.7L 4-cyl) has blown a head gasket. I’ve been told it will be a minimum of $1700 to fix plus more if there is damage to the engine. They (dealer) also said I could get a rebuilt engine for $4500. To date the 4Runner has performed like a workhorse with over 340,000 miles and no major mechanical problems.  
  
  
  
 Should I get the rebuilt engine assuming it will be good for 4-5 more years or just get a new car (which would likely be a Prius)?

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**Author:** ![oldschool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e19adc/32.png) [@oldschool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldschool)\
**Post date:** [November 1, 2008, 4:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rebuilt-engine-for-4runner-or-new-car/21490/2 "2008-11-01T16:16:00Z")

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A engine that is truly “rebuilt” will give much more service than 5 years

Your concern (if you get a rebuilt engine) should be with the rest of the 4Runner

This is a job for a independant, not the Dealer, re-diagnosis and re-price the job.

If a 4Runner fit you so good you kept it for 340,000 miles I can’t see how a Prius would also fit

The Prius is best used for city, stop and go driving.

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**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\
**Post date:** [November 1, 2008, 11:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rebuilt-engine-for-4runner-or-new-car/21490/3 "2008-11-01T23:24:48Z")

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I agree that you should get a price fixing it at an independent garage. You might also say that you want a price on a rebuilt engine from them. What about the transmission? This might be a good time to get the transmission rebuilt, too.

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**Author:** ![Hopkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/edb3f5/32.png) [@Hopkid](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Hopkid)\
**Post date:** [November 3, 2008, 1:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rebuilt-engine-for-4runner-or-new-car/21490/4 "2008-11-03T01:32:23Z")

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I actually commute about 500 miles each week and while 24 mpg is great for the 4Runner, 43 mpg in a Prius would be much better. I do hate to give up the roominess and utility of the SUV though.

Thanks for the advice. I’ll definitely get a price from an independent shop.