Which of these two would YOU choose, and why?

'98 Tac, 4x4, V6, 200K--$4500

'99 Tac, 4x2, 2.4L, 138K--$5000

Use: Just getting around, no heavy wheeling, light and infrequent motorcycle towing, living out of, exploring. Mainly in central coast of California, and maybe a little Colorado here and there.

Would the 60K+ mileage difference sway you in one way or another? I bought an '84 FJ60 seven years ago with 200K on her and sold in October with no major probs. Does this gen have similar reliability?

For arguments sake, suppose that both trucks were well maintained with little or no modification made, 5spd, extended cab.

Opinions?

 

I'd go for the '99 if I were you. Less total mileage, better fuel economy. You don't sound like you need the 4X4, or even the V6, and with Cali gas prices... Yeah...

 

Does the '99 really have the 2.4L? Does it have 5 lug nuts on each wheel or is it a 6 lug? If its a 6-lug, its not a 2.4L.

Reliability is a non-issue. The 60K is a non-issue. I would go with the 4x4 and v6 every time. Also much more ground clearance over the 5-lug truck.

$4200 is a good price.

edit: BTW, Welcome to TW.

 

Yes, it's the 5 lug, 2.4 L. Owner doesn't want to budge on price. It's got a 6" Fabtech and Detroit Truetrac.

I think I could get the V6 for 4K or so.

Thanks for responses thusfar...

 

I'd go for the '98 for sure. The mileage isn't a concern at all. its cheaper, and....Its got 4wd! May not use it everyday but when you need it you'l be sooo glad its there.

If it was a highway commuter only I'd say the '99... my .02

 

98' for the V6

 

Both engines are very reliable in this gen. I would take the v6 4wd if I were you.

 

Putting another vote on the V6 4x4.

I had a 4cyl Taco before (granted, it was the 2.7L 4x4) and it is a DOG up steeper hills and on the interstates. If you plan to go around/through the Rockies exploring then the 4cyl may be a bit tough.

I also saw zero mileage change from the 4cyl to the 6. If anything, I get better MPGs with the V6.

 

98. 4x4 and v6

 

Hmm, is that the 3.0 V6? And is the other one a 22R-E 2.4L? I would go with the 22R-E all day long over an early 3.0. The 3.4, 4WD and cheaper price might sway me.

 

Tacoma v6 is the 3.4L

 

Get the V6 if it isnt beat to hell. Hows the body? Check for rust.

For reference Ive owned 2 of the 3.4l trucks. A 96 T100 with 380k miles, had 3 timing belt jobs. Everything else aside from brakes was stock.

My current 02 Tacoma has 214k, still on oem clutch.

 

The 98 would be a good choice. Mileage isn't too bad...my 99 has 230k+ and it's a V6. I prefer the V6 but some people like the better gas mileage and just cruising driving in the 4 bangers....depends on your style

 

V6 4x4 for sure, plus you don't want a 6" lift on a 2.7L.

 

which ever one is closer to stock

 

i would look for something under 200k with 4x4. if it snows you want it, and 200 is pretty high. but out of the 2 if i had to choose it would be the 4x4. just prepare for more maintenance and maintenance costs.

 

Soooo....went and drove the '98 V6 yesterday. Sweet little old lady handed me the keys and let me loose; it had been her husbands who passed away last month. They were a retired couple from California, in the business of, wait for it....auto parts.

Wow, so much more fun to drive than the four banger! Gave it a thorough once over, and walked away with it for 4K. Clean, clean clean and driven gently. Oh, and 199,524 on the clock, so I get to take her over the magic mark.

Will post pics shortly

Thanks for the responses!

 

Wow. awesome! It was meant to be . . .

 

Congrats on the Taco man!!! you made the "right" choice, and sounds like you got a great deal... fwiw I bought a '97 xtracab 2.7l auto w/ 235k in 2010 and paid 4k also...so you did good IMO. Do a search on recommended maitenance (ie changing fluids, plugs, wires, etc.) there are a ton of those kinda threads, and Get some pics up we need our Taco porn

 

Apples and oranges really when comparing a four wheel drive to a two wheel drive truck. Where I live I would say four wheel drive, if only for the resale value, but be prepared there are a few more maintenance issues to keep it in good shape.