Hey all, looking for some advice here.

It looks like the oil pump is failing on my v6 double cab 2007 Toyota pick up. My mechanic says on the initial start up the psi from the pump is fine but gradually drops after several minutes. He suspects it’s just the oil pump (and/or the timing case) as it car hasn’t been driven since the oil pressure light came on and the engine isn’t knocking/making any noise on the start up.

I took it to a dealship here for a second opinion and they’re saying I should put a new engine in it and quoted me something outrageous (which I won’t even post here). I’m leaning toward having a mechanic friend of mine do the service (replace the oil pump and timing cover) even though it’s going to be expensive with labor and parts and there’s no guarantee it’s not going break down again down the line.

I love the truck but I’m also at the point where maybe I need to think about getting a reliable commuter. I don’t use it for work just come from a family of Tacoma owners. Full disclosure, I’m not very handy, knowledgeable with cars. But keep and maintain good maintenance on automobiles.

The truck has 180000 miles on it and has been well maintained and regularly serviced — which is even more bizarre that the oil pump would crap out like it has. Any idea what would make an oil pump begin to crap out?

Any advice would be helpful on if should get the repairs done and keep my fingers crossed it doesn’t break down again. Or start looking for another car. Thanks.