First tacoma - quick question(s)

Hi everyone, new to this site. I'm 17 years old, looking to get rid of the family car in search for my own taco. My mom has a 2012 access 4wd in the nautical blue metallic, and I've loved it. We also had a 1989 taco 5spd 22re. Had to give that one up due to frame issues anyway, I don't have that much $$ to spend and as you all know tacos aren't cheap. But, I did find a 1995 xtra cab 3.4 v6 4wd with 153k miles for $4500. What should I look for when looking at it? Would you all pay that much? The guy wanted $5500. It has a little rust, but not too bad. Truck looks amazing! But like I said, any particular things other then the frame I should be looking for? Thanks in advance!

 

Welcome to TW! I'll let some first gen guys chime in on the questions. Seems like a greatt price though. GL!

 

really look the frame over good for heavy rust. The first gen tacomas had rust issues with the frames. Other than that I really don't know anything other than check everything over good and see if it has been abused or beaten.

 

Check Oil/tranny fluids for discoloration before and after test driving it.

 

Yeah, I know the frame is probably the biggest thing and obv seeing if it was abused and what not. I was told it was used just as a dd. thanks for the response!

 

Find out if the timing belt and water pump has been changed too.

 

See if he has any maintenance history. I know the timing belt/chain needs changing but I'm not sure when (I'm not well versed in that obviously haha).

Btw Tacos didn't exist in 1989.

 

Good info for you so far. I would look carefully at the major strees points for rust. These are at the crossmembers, suspension connection points, and bumper mounting points. Those are the biggest areas of concern. Unless the owner can tell you exactly when the timing belt has been changed, then if you get the truck, make that your first job: Timing belt and water pump. Make sure you replace the pulleys for the timing belt as well. GMB makes a pretty good kit.

Welcome to TW (and oh yeah, as mentioned by Ice Horse, No Tacomas in 1989. First Tacoma came out mid year of 1995.)

 

Shoot yeah, I know the tacoma name came in 1995. Haven't seen a pre-95 truck in awhile so I'm used to calling them tacomas! Thanks for the info

 

Will do! How much does that all cost, to replace timing belt and water pump? Like I said, I'm 17 so money is obv tight! Thanks for the info.

 

Look around and you can find the parts for under $200