3vz-e ticking lifters?!?!

[Toyta_Tyler_SR5]

Hey guyz, first post here. I tried to search for ticking lifters for the 3vze engine and came up empty. I hope that you can shed some light on the subject.

I'm attempting to purchase a '92 Toyta Pickup SR5 V6 4WD. The tranny, drivetrain, body, interior are all in good condition. The only problem that I'm having in deciding whether to purchase or not is the engine. It has 260k miles on it. Looks like the P/S pumps is going bad and the clutch is fading.

The truck is listed for $5980, which is about $200 above average price for that truck - that I've seen and researched about anyway. I have talked the dealership down to 4980 with the trade in of my '90 miata (in fair condition they will give me $1000). So they haven't come down on the price of the truck, just given me the trade in value of my car. I told 'em to stick it with that deal and that I needed to tech the truck for further thoughts about the price of it. The truck is a 1 owner that is about 70 yrs. old. I know the guy used it as some kind of work truck because there are the usual dings and dents in the bed (under the bedliner). The truck really looks clean otherwise. There is no oil under the truck. Minor seapage on the tranny and x-fer case. This thing looks like it's never even seen a gravel road underneath. The frame looks good. I have talked the dealer down to $5000 OTD including the TTT. After taking it home for the night, I've discovered the P/S pump going bad, the clutch fade, the engine ticking, the driver side CV-Joint is clicking, passenger side wheel bearing going our, and there is an annoyoing rattle coming from under the dash.



At speeds of 45-80MPH the trucks lifters are audible in the cab of the truck, albiet not loud and clanky, just audible. Is this normal for the 3vz3 engine to be making a lifter-tick noise? If not, are the valves hydrolic or not? I'd like to think this is a solid truck that will last at least another 2-3 years without any major repair. I'm hoping you Toyota freeks will be able to help a guy out with a good price and a good sense of reality for this truck.

Thanks in advance!

Tyler