Kicking the tires on a Gen 1 Tacoma

Hello everyone
New member here

I have been looking into buying a truck for some time now.
For weeks I have been reading/studying what truck I want, and common issues with each make/model.

I really want a first gen Taco, but the frame rust issue really scares me off from buying one.

I need some advice before making a purchase please.

Questions:
-Are all gen 1 Tacoma frames destined to prematurely rust out?
-What options/packages were available for the 2001 - 2004 Tacoma?
-If I find a truck that's been lifted can it be easily reverted to stock suspension?

I'm looking for a silver or white extended cab 01-04 manual transmission 3.4L 4x4 grey interior model.
Assuming I can find one with less than 130k miles and in good exterior and interior shape, what should I expect to pay that would be fair for both parties?

I was reading on the 2 gen Tacoma and apparently there are problems with the manual transmissions. Are there any issues I should be aware of with the 1 gen trucks with the options I listed above?

I will be doing a ton more research so if you want to only point out an issue where I know to do a search on that subject I would appreciate any advice you could offer.

Thank you

 

I have an 02 extra-cab V6 manual 4x4. Found it with only 94k miles no rust at all... they are out there to be found. My truck was bone stock when I got it ...no problems at all in my opinion the 1st gens are the most reliable. Bulit proof trucks there are.

 

there is a search button in the top blue bar that answers all of your questions. youre welcome.

 

Welcome,

I just purchased an 01 3.4 ext cab with all power options in Nov and it has 205k on it for $5900. Not all 1st gen tacos are doomed to frame rust. Mine has zero rust on the frame and is the original one. When buying, just take a look underneath and see how it looks and ask if the frame was replaced. For what you want, expect to pay between 7k-11k, depending on the truck and year. Don't be afraid to buy one with more miles. These trucks last a long time and I didn't think twice about buying one with over 200k. I think there are 3 options for the truck. Either no power options, power options, and TRD. I'm not sure about the lift, since I'm not a fan of lifts because I already have a hard enough time getting into the thing lol. I rather buy a stock Taco because lifts will screw with alignment and I wouldn't want the headache of dealing with putting it back to stock and getting the alignment fixed, which might never be the same as stock again.

 

The drivetrains on the first gen ones are solid. The manual Transmission is very reliable and is used in a ton of other 4wd vehicles. In a taco is a R150F, in a jeep its An AX15. The taco one has a better Overdrive(5th gear) for highway cruising. One of the better medium duty transmissions out there.
The transfercases are really stout for a chain drive unit. If I were you I would actually look for a Truck with a new frame. They replace a ton of parts like fuel lines, brake lines, leaf springs, control Arms. With the amount of practice Toyota techs have gotten with frame swaps you don't run into the typical problems that pop up. They have truly mastered getting it right the first time.

 

To get one with a new frame would require buying one from a "cold weather" state, correct?

 

Before purchasing and If possible have the seller take the truck with you to a local auto repair facility and have it put up on a lift for a good undercarriage inspection. I work at a garage and we do a pre-purchase inspection with the seller and buyer in the shop. We inspect the undercarriage not only for rust issues but for any signs of engine and trans. leaks, accident damage/repairs and we only charge a $18.00 lift charge. Usually only takes about 15 mins. and if the seller has nothing to hide he should'nt have any issues having it put on a lift and checked out by you and a mechanic. These frames can rust from the inside out, i always use a screwdriver and poke at the frames. I have the same truck you described, silver 04 ext. cab 4x4 with the TRD package. Don't let mileage scare you, it's a toyota! Good luck.

 

Not necessarily, but in most cases, yes. When I was looking to buy, I too, wanted to buy one with a new frame, but the one I bought was so clean that I was ok with it and finding one locally was a challenge by itself and I was getting tired of searching. I was about to buy one on ebay, but an 01 popped up on craigslist right before I did and was only a town over. The guy drove it right to my house .

 

These are available to me semi-local

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/4224349900.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/4232123754.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/4231810002.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/4214643080.html

I notice one has manual windows and bench-bucket seats. Im guessing this is a non TRD non SR5?

Are any of these worth a look at the prices they are asking?

Im really in no hurry to buy but dont want to pass up on a good truck due to not knowing packages and options on these trucks yet.

An inspection on a lift will be a must. Thank you for recommending it.

 

See the red ^^^

 

I know what a SAS is but I need to look up what a drop bracket lift is so I can avoid that.

Thank you for the information

 

A drop bracket basically drops the front diff (if 4x4), and LCA/UCA mount points so it keeps the factory geometry.
They're mainly used for 6'' lifts.
A major manufacturer is pro comp

 

The second link to the silver 02 looks like a real good deal. If everything checks out, offer him $6700 and negotiate to 7. Just be leery of the missing pieces below the headlights, could have been in an accident. Also the hood doesn't quite line up perfect with the fenders. This doesn't mean it's not a good truck, though.

 

You're in Georgia, no? You're not going to have many frame rust problems there.

Re: that 02 on CL - are the trim pieces actually missing or are they blacked out?

 

It's hard to tell, but either way, indicates some kind of impact.

 

I notice some have colored fender flares and door handles and some dont.
Was that a package? If so, what package was it?

PS: been searching/reading a lot lately. Thanks for all the info guys.

If you have anything to add you think I ought to know before making a purchase, please tell me. I want to be as informed as possible.

 

My 03 SR5 TRD has color matched handles and flares, my cousins 04 SR5 (non-TRD) has black flares (not sure about the handles)