V-6 reliability - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

eppoh · 12-09-2008, 05:04 PM

Hey,
I am looking at buying a 90 wagon with the 2.5 V6. Some friends have told me to stay away form the v-6 and look for a 4cyl. Says they have too many problems and are not very fuel efficient.

Anyone with experience on these please comment.

***toyomoho*** · 12-09-2008, 07:22 PM

Toyota used a later model 3VZ-FE engine that had blown head gasket problems perhaps due to OEM head gasket issues. This engine preceded the very popular 1MZ-FE V6.

The engine is this car, a 2VZ-FE precedes the 3VZ_FE and appears to have been used from 1988-1991.

TBayToyotaBoy · 12-09-2008, 08:55 PM

Well I'll be the first to admit that my experience with the V6 is probably not typical. I have had absolutely NO problems with my V6 in the six years I've had it now. I bought it with 215,000km in early 2003, and it's now up to 393,000km (you do the conversion to crazy imperial). It's never once left me stranded, never failed to start. Many of the junk yard V6's I've seen are over 300,000km. If you maintain the engine, it'll repay you.

If you're worried, perhaps try compression testing the engine before buying it? Inspect it for copious oil leaks, too--the seals leak after time.

As for fuel mileage, mine gets around 25mpg in the city and closer to 30mpg on the highway, but it's a five-speed so it'll be better than an auto...

Good luck, hope you buy it!

eppoh · 12-10-2008, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBayToyotaBoy

As for fuel mileage, mine gets around 25mpg in the city and closer to 30mpg on the highway, but it's a five-speed so it'll be better than an auto...

Good luck, hope you buy it!

Would those be Imperial gallons?

JMSports · 12-10-2008, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eppoh

Would those be Imperial gallons?

Imperial Gallons? Wtf?

Canadians go by the same MPG ratings we do, im pretty sure anyway.

kesando · 12-10-2008, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toyomoho

Toyota used a later model 3VZ-FE engine that had blown head gasket problems perhaps due to OEM head gasket issues. This engine preceded the very popular 1MZ-FE V6.

The engine is this car, a 2VZ-FE precedes the 3VZ_FE and appears to have been used from 1988-1991.

So if I'm not mistaken 2VZ-FE > 3VZ-FE in overall reliabilty?

***toyomoho*** · 12-10-2008, 05:04 PM

Can only state the 3VZ-FE had issues with head gaskets blowing.

The 2VZ-FE appears not to have had any problems that have become note worthy.

TBayToyotaBoy · 12-11-2008, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMSports

Imperial Gallons? Wtf?

Canadians go by the same MPG ratings we do, im pretty sure anyway.

Right. We actually go by litres/100km,but it's usually easier to use mpg. And btw, I'm pretty sure there's only one wet gallon measurement (not US vs Imperial)...check www.onlineconversion.com if you care.

eppoh · 12-11-2008, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBayToyotaBoy

Right. We actually go by litres/100km,but it's usually easier to use mpg. And btw, I'm pretty sure there's only one wet gallon measurement (not US vs Imperial)...check www.onlineconversion.com if you care.

An imperial gallon is the same as a UK not US gallon. There is 1.2 US gallons in an Imperial gallon, or 4.546 litres. A US gallon has only 3.78 litres.

That is why whenever you see mpg in Canadian ads, they are always about 20% better than US.

The have bigger gallons.

TBayToyotaBoy · 12-12-2008, 07:58 AM

Iiiiiinteresting....you learn a new thing every day.

disregard · 12-13-2008, 05:33 PM

ok so TBayToyotaBoy gets 23 28 instead of 25 30 if he were going by the us standards ??

BHSmout · 12-14-2008, 03:12 AM

Back to the original question regarding V6 reliability. I have had two Camry's with V6's that made it to 400 K or 240,000 miles plus with no engine reliability problems. The fuel mileage isn't worth quibbling over and the V6 wagon can haul you and your stuff much better than the I4, in my view.

Regards,

Brian