Picking an 04 - what to look at

Hey guys, I need to get back in a truck and have been looking at 04's. There's one in particular that has my attention ...

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...mission=&max_price=&cardist=26&standard=false

and Holy God the link was not supposed to be that long, anyways since you guys seem like the pros, does something like that seem like a good buy? (as long as everything works on it) I want the double cab, and it's gonna see a lot of highway miles, I can't seem to find anything with less than 50,000 miles, but from what I hear people say the 04's are bulletproof. I've never owned a tacoma so I wanted to ask. Thanks for your time.

 

not a bad looking truck, but i wouldnt pay 17K for a 2wd truck. Maybe 15ish.

 

The listing says it's got the TRD Off Road Package and the Towing Package. Because there are no TRD decals you need to double-check to see that it indeed has the TRD package (electric locking differential, etc.).

It would also be a good idea to double-check to see that it indeed has the Towing Package (higher-output alternator; tranny fluid cooler; etc.). If it's got the factory Towing Package the engine fan clutch / shaft should be green instead of orange.

 

ah, that's good stuff to know, thanks, also I've caught some posts here and there about a frame replacement for the 01-04's, what's that about? although I like that tacoma, the link was more of just what I'm thinking of getting. are there any bad things to consider with the 01-04's?

 

nope. ive got an 04 and havent had any problems with it at all. im the one and only owner its had as well.

 

Balljoint recall was only for a handful of them

 

that truck is WAY over priced for how many miles and how old it is.....

 

Its a bit overpriced for a prerunner

 

My 01 has had no frame rust problems. However at about 110K my water pump went out. My idler pulley went out, but that was from going to deep in water

 

Yeah i can totally see that going for about 15ish