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looking at a 2003, 1gen gurus led me some advice

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by UncleFrancis, Jan 22, 2012.

  1. Jan 22, 2012 at 6:15 PM
    #1
    UncleFrancis

    UncleFrancis [OP] Active Member

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    I kind of had my hart set on a brand new 2012, I still might ( just need to wait til I sell my mustang) but I came across a very nice black 2003 tacoma TRD 4dr 3.4 4x4 auto with 89k for 3,500. I have not seen it yet but looking at the pictures it looks like its never been on the road. New tires and a recent ac compressor.

    Im basically looking to get back into a truck- and im sick of my broncos 12mpg. Im not real firmiliar with the 1gen's---- ive been readin the forum a bit but what should I look for and what major issues have you all come across/ other things I should know about....

    Heres what Ive read on the 1st gens in a nut shell:
    3.4 = indestructable engine
    17-20mpg
    Stronger tailgates??
     
  2. Jan 22, 2012 at 6:19 PM
    #2
    The Driver

    The Driver Trail Runner/Barefoot Beach Runner/Snow Skier

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    ^ Unless it's falling apart on a visual inspection, GET IT!
     
  3. Jan 22, 2012 at 6:20 PM
    #3
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    on craigslist? that price seems AWFUL low for a super clean, non-wrecked truck
     
  4. Jan 22, 2012 at 6:21 PM
    #4
    TACOMABOSS

    TACOMABOSS Well-Known Member

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    X2
     
  5. Jan 22, 2012 at 6:21 PM
    #5
    CNEDEER

    CNEDEER If ya ain't first, your last!

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    If its on craigslist, Id bet its a scam.
     
  6. Jan 22, 2012 at 6:22 PM
    #6
    JDMcQ

    JDMcQ Well-Known Member

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    What Tiger said. Sounds like a CL scam.
     
  7. Jan 22, 2012 at 6:23 PM
    #7
    Norton

    Norton Senior Member

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    This ^^
    and this ^^.

    BUYER BEWARE at that price.
     
  8. Jan 22, 2012 at 6:23 PM
    #8
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    As far as 1st gens go

    I wouldn't call the 3.4 indestructible, but with proper care and maint. it will last you well into the 250K-300K range

    I was getting far greater than 17mpg in my truck before modifications

    I believe the tailgate issue has been fixed in 2nd gens
     
  9. Jan 22, 2012 at 6:23 PM
    #9
    pyroskier

    pyroskier Well-Known Member

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    $3,500? Only 89k miles? TRD V6 DBLCB?

    100% scam, no doubt about it. Unless it has a salvage title, but even then it would be more than $3,500. If that's true, I'd fly out to wherever it was Tomorrow, and buy it....

    Scam dude, scam. Sorry...

    Edit: And they are great trucks, If you can find a "real" one, you'll fall in love. They're awesome.
     
  10. Jan 22, 2012 at 6:24 PM
    #10
    dud122

    dud122 rabble rabble rabble

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    scam.... 13.5k would be a more realistic but still good deal lol.
     
  11. Jan 22, 2012 at 6:24 PM
    #11
    UncleFrancis

    UncleFrancis [OP] Active Member

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    Yea, I just compared prices to some on Ebay and there its some thing funny about the price. Yea its a craigslist ad probably bs.
     
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  12. Jan 22, 2012 at 6:25 PM
    #12
    186000mps

    186000mps ..Slingin' up mud and we're scarying off bunnies..

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    There was one of those on Craiglslist around here...Scam all the way.
    Out of curiosity, I inquired, and there was some BS story about it being held up at a warehouse from an Ebay sale gone south. Just send the money and we'll send you the truck...wink..wink
     
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  13. Jan 22, 2012 at 6:25 PM
    #13
    PreRunner03

    PreRunner03 Hail State

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    Price is way too low. My PreRunner had 156k and it was worth $8500 but I got it for $7k (my uncle gave me a family discount)
     
  14. Jan 22, 2012 at 6:30 PM
    #14
    shampoop

    shampoop Well-Known Member

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    What tailgate issue do 1st gens have?
     
  15. Jan 22, 2012 at 6:31 PM
    #15
    UncleFrancis

    UncleFrancis [OP] Active Member

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    just for fun I emailed him, to see if it was a misprint for 13,200. He replied he would send nee the truck insured and delivered to my house for 3200.00 haha, sha ill believe that when monkeys fly out off my butt.
     
  16. Jan 22, 2012 at 6:33 PM
    #16
    UncleFrancis

    UncleFrancis [OP] Active Member

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    Not sure, someone said something about the 1st gen tailgates and beds being stronger??
    Just something I read
     
  17. Jan 22, 2012 at 6:33 PM
    #17
    The Driver

    The Driver Trail Runner/Barefoot Beach Runner/Snow Skier

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    U know, if scammers are still doing it, it's because peeps are still falling for it!
     
  18. Jan 22, 2012 at 6:35 PM
    #18
    PreRunner03

    PreRunner03 Hail State

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    Not sure about tiger's but At least on mine, I have to pull up on the handle as if I am opening the tailgate to close it. Though, I have been told that it is possible to put some wd-40 or whatever your choice would be for oil, and applying it will help with the problem. Won't remove it entirely as over time you will have to reapply but it is a temporary fix.
     
  19. Jan 22, 2012 at 6:38 PM
    #19
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    people are just scared of the composite bed...and the 2nd gens did have tailgate bending issues
     
  20. Jan 22, 2012 at 7:40 PM
    #20
    TACOMABOSS

    TACOMABOSS Well-Known Member

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    very true
     

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