Average cost to replace a 1MZ-FE in 99' Solara (in SoCal)

[gioioioi]

Im buying a 140k miles TRD S/C Solara from a friend. The price is pretty reasonable, but the mileage is pretty high, especially the engine gets more stress from the S/C and my friend drives it hard. Ill test drive it next week.
So I wonder what is the average price to replace the 1MZ-FE in South Cali (around Westminster, Anaheim.. ), just in case. (parts + labor in repair shop, not dealer)
The S/C also has high mileage, so how long should it last, and cost for rebuild, or replace ?
Thank you and have a good day

[AlmightyCamry777]

This engine will probably cost you between $1500 and $2000 to get replaced. I'd do a compression check to see if it even needs replacing first? If the engine makes noise, i wouldn't buy the car.

i have a camry and a solara, both with that engine. IF the engine has had its oil changed, often - you will probably get another 100,000 miles, or more. Don't forget the 1FMZE engine is prone to sludging, so it's probably important to check for that.
You don't necessarily have to pull off the front valve cover and look, (although that might be the best plan.) Ask the owner how often he changed the oil. Also remove the oil filler cap and examine the small area you can see inside. If the engine is sludged, often it will show here.

Other then that, how does the engine run? Stick your finger in the tailpipe and look at the soot, what does the dirt look like? Tan or grey are fine, anything wet is bad news. Remove the front 3 plugs if you can and examine them: tan or grey color are good, wet and oily are not. 1FMZE are fairly good and tough engines, (except for the poor PCV design that causes the sludging). Change the oil every 3,000 and it will probably stay in the same shape it is now for a long time.