The V6 behind the 4Runner, Tacoma and FJ Cruiser — widely regarded as one of the most dependable truck engines ever built, with a reputation for routinely exceeding 300,000 miles that's backed by extensive documented evidence.
This engine's reputation among truck and off-road enthusiasts is built on genuine, extensive evidence — a timing chain design (not belt), conservative factory tuning, and an over-built bottom end combine to make 300,000+ mile examples a routine, well-documented occurrence rather than a rare exception. There is remarkably little of chronic substance to warn a buyer about, which is itself notable for an engine used so extensively in demanding off-road and towing applications.
Not a guarantee, but a pattern seen consistently across owner forums and independent-garage reporting.
Valve cover gasket seep and minor wear items become more common maintenance tasks.
Core engine internals are routinely still original and sound on examples with documented oil changes, including those used for regular towing and off-road driving.
Beyond routine maintenance history, there's genuinely little else specific to flag on this engine — one of the most confidently recommendable in this entire catalogue.
Ask about off-road and towing history, and inspect the undercarriage for related wear or damage accordingly.
A pre-purchase inspection, while always sensible, can reasonably be less exhaustive here than on many other engines in this catalogue.
Model-specific pages, with notes on how it behaves in that particular car.