thinking of buying a used tacoma

I'm looking at buying a used 99 tacoma with 255k, is there anything I should be worried about? Seems like a nice truck but I don't know if there are any common problems with this truck.

 

watch for frame rust, some are bad and some still like new, it all depends how and where it was used and cared for.

check very close for rust around where the leaf springs attach to the frame and at 255k miles, that is a lot but not terrible.

if I were you I would look for something in the 150k miles area.

me personally I think these engines are good for 300k miles so that one might go to 400k but in my mind its getting old with that many miles.

my 99 had 120k miles and I paid $5000 even for it and the clear coat was peeling on the back corner of the roof but no rust anywhere and interior was in excellent condition.

my point is don't rush into anything and try to get one still in the 100+k miles area, then you can at least expect it to last YOU another 100k miles.

 

I think I'm going to take it to a garage and have them do some checks on it. I'll have them check around spring/frame area. The truck is from Cali, but found its way here in Ill, so rust doesn't seem to be an issue. I just want something to pick up dyi supplies from the hardware store, maybe take a small boat trailer fishing; that sort of thing. It will probably be use once or twice a month.

 

if its an auto don't forget to smell the tranny oil, it will have a "light" burn smell which is normal but it should not have a strong smoky smell which would mean it might be worn out.

as long as it passes the compression check it should be ok just don't overpay with that many miles, stick to book value or walk away

 

it is a 5spd. I'm going to have garage spend a bit of time in this area. the friction point is very soft and high. it maybe nothing and I'm used to a heavier clutch, but it is an area that I'm worried about.

 

im pretty sure they have master cylinders for the clutch and it may need bleeding or replacing but if it needs a new clutch that's not a big negative in my mind, just a negotiating point.

have then check the brakes, they are often neglected and if you need to do all 4 it can add up

 

great, thanks for the advice. hope all goes well.

 

First Gen Buyers Guide

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/156943-1st-gen-tacoma-buyers-guide.html

 

guess I was right to be leary of the clutch. The garage said it had maybe 6 months left in it, it had 255K on it already, and the car fax says the dealer ship checked it twice, once just before it was traded in. but they don't want to negotiate the price because of it, so oh well. maybe next time.

 

you will be happier when you find a better condition one with around 150k miles

if your doing ANY towing at all, even a small boat, then get the 6 cylinder, I wish I had

the 4 cylinders are just too wimpy even with small boats and you will have to drive around below the speed limit