Seeking T100 - Why does CR rate 95-96 engines poorly?

Hi all,

I'm currently looking for a T100, 4x4, 3.4L V6, and have been doing a lot of research (this forum has been a huge help, btw!).

I was looking at the Consumer Reports buying guide, and the 95 and 96 T100 show up with a "4" in engine reliability (1 being no problems, 5 being many), which is a big red flag. Whats the deal with that? Oddly, the 97 and on show the engine going up to a full "1", which is the impression I've gotten from my research, that the 3.4L is a good reliable engine.

Did something big change between 96 to 97? Some recall, or major change on Toyota's end? When reviewing the service records for 95-96 T100s, is there something I should be looking for?

Thanks for your help in understanding this! Any other tips for work I should expect to have been completed or expected on a 95-96 T100 w/ over 200k on it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Sam

The more I read, the more I think it has something to do with the head gasket, which was perhaps improperly installed on the early 3.4L engines, for which there was apparently a recall...

I'm finding TONS of info about the 3.0L head gasket recall, but its very hard to find information on the 3.4L recall. Anyone know if this recall is still in effect, or if it has expiration limits? Or even just the text of the bulletin?

-Sam

I've got a 96 4wd. Just about to trip 200k. The only engine issue I've had in the 10 years I've had it is the valve covers are leaking oil. Only repairs have been brakes, shocks, exhuast, and a CV boot failure.

I've got 190k on my 96 and it runs like a top. It did have the head gasket recall done before I bought it though. I'd bet thats why CR rated it so low. what a stupid reason to give a low rating for an otherwise bullet proof motor. CR is not very accurate IMHO.

Remember CR reliability reports on used vehicles are taken from their subscriber surveys. Each year everyone the subscribes to CR gets a survey in the mail. The questions asked can be completely subjective. I have always take their used car reports with a grain of salt.

The 95 and 96 T100's had issues with head gasket failure due to aluminum head warpage. This problem was fixed in 97, hence the consumer reports rating jump.

My mechanic hated oil pump issue with T100. Bad design and can cause engine to starve oil lead to many spun out bearing. Even my 3.4 engine w/ 120kmi it will new oil pump soon. I'm waiting for the water to go out so I can replace both. I'm trying to find a better aftermarket pump that can pump more than OEM. Anyone here know?

My mechanic hated oil pump issue with T100. Bad design and can cause engine to starve oil lead to many spun out bearing. Even my 3.4 engine w/ 120kmi it will new oil pump soon. I'm waiting for the water to go out so I can replace both. I'm trying to find a better aftermarket pump that can pump more than OEM. Anyone here know?

I have been told just the opposite by several Toyota techs...they all have said that the oil pump on the 3.4 is so good and efficient that that is why the oil press guage reads in the red at idle.

Ah, the famous technician that willing to cheer you up when your engine is about to poop out. I bet when you pull up with rod knocking they'll tell ya your engine is just breaking in. Don't worry about it its Toyota.

I've never heard of a T100 loosing an oil pump, but heck what do I know? :D

Ah, the famous technician that willing to cheer you up when your engine is about to poop out. I bet when you pull up with rod knocking they'll tell ya your engine is just breaking in. Don't worry about it its Toyota.

Ok, but Im going to side with my friend and the fact that my 3.4 with 190k runs like a Lexus.

consumer reports is a bunch of crap anyway. if you know cars, you know cars. Most people that write into that thing don't know their ass from a 1/2'' drive ratchet.... and THAT is who they take their info from.

but with that said... SOME of the info is usefull. But a bad headgasket is a honorable reason to rate an engine badly. when it has been proven to run for 200-300 thousand miles otherwise untouched.