Hi Scotty!
Recently I found a 2006 toyota solara converible SLE, V6 with around 300,000 miles, asking for $1300, states that the waterpump is broken because of overheating, no check engine light (but I need to check whether it's cleared), after some searches, I found the 3MZ-FE on this V6 is very reliable and had a good reputation, besides the water pump seems to be handy to play with, so I'm thinking about buying it, I will have the test drive recently.
However, my knowledge about this car is limited, so I started this topic to ask that, besides the normal check items such as rust, burning oil, suspensions, etc, is there any specific problems related to this 3MZ-FE engine, or 2006 solara when ages, or any severe problems that can make this car unrepairable? I know it's a very high mileage with 300k miles, but I want to play with this specific engine, so I'm looking for suggestions from senior mechanics. Thank you so much in advance for the reply!
Ethan
Well here's the problem. Maybe the water pump is broken, but that doesn't mean that's the only problem. With that mileage off. Often. The head gaskets are blown and you couldn't check the head gasket until you run the vehicle for at least half an hour and do a test. If the engine needs that gasket. That's a small fortune to do correctly and with that mileage, who knows what the rest of the engine is like. I'd pass on that one. I only buy one of those. If it's still ran fine you could drive it. It didn't overheat if it's got problems I'd stay away with that mileage
