Looking at a new truck (Need help!)

Well, I sold my the truck in my sig yesterday and looking at another 1st gen taco. I have 3 I am looking into and need some advice. So here they are

#1
-1998 SR5 4x4 with 132k that was bought at an auction. the guy doesn't know if the water pump or timing belt has ever been changed. Has power locks/windows and cruise. Has tow package. Its white and there aren't any big visual defects and it looks like its been taken pretty good care of. It has the 3.4L and is an Auto. I can get it for $6000 plus tax and title at a lot near my house



#2
-2001 SR5 4x4 with 222k with ARB bumper and snorkel. Looks clean. Has manual windows and locks, no cruise. No significant damage or defects. Owner has owned for 6months but they had not ever done anything with water pump or timing belt. Has newer BFG all terrains with about 80% left. Has tow package as well. Has 3.4L and 5 speed trans. Can get it for $5800.



#3
-1999 SR5 4x4 with 179k. Its a 1 owner truck and the water pump and timing belt were done at 120k. It is green and looks to be in awesome condition. Has newer tires, running boards and cruise but manual windows and locks. Looks to most babied truck of the 3. Has the 3.4L and auto trans. Said he would take $7000 for it.


Give me your thoughts on the 3 choices. Thanks for the help!

 

98 or the 99. Less miles and they look pretty good.

 

99 without question.

 

Would really like to stay under 7k after taxes but the 99 does look to be in the nicest shape but also most expensive. Appreciate the thoughts guys

 

I say #3. 5 speed is a plus. remember, on the 1st one, there is no record of timing belt replacement. Which means you will have to have that done (add $500-1000).

 

either 1 or 3. number 2 is a no go, that snorkel was put on there for a reason, and it probably was used for that reason. but i say number 3.

 

I would take the 99 all day long. One owner and seems like it was taken good care of.

 

I'd go with 3. Good lookin truck

 

I owned a '99....that was a solid truck...loved it!

 

I think number 3 looked the best, I would try to get underneath them all, and give them a thorough inspection. I would also check all their fluids.

Good luck! maybe guy with the '99 will take 6,500?

 

I would knock 3 only because of the manual locks and windows. I don't like them but if it doesn't bug you then don't mind me lol.

Number 2, why did he own it for only 6 months? Might have been abused a bit judging by the snorkel and the front mudflap hanging half off. And I prefer autos.

I seem partial to number one cause it has a lot of the good stuff...but not knowing the history makes it tough.

So, even though I said the first thing, I guess number 3 if you can knock the price down a little. And I just noticed it appears to have manual hubs! Which is good if you plan on lifting it.

Why'd you give up your sexy blue truck?

 

I'm for #3 also because of the owner who obviously maintained it well. If you like auto trans and can get the seller down $500 I'd say go for it!

 

I would not walk, but RUN from #2. That thing looks like its had a rough life. In my opinion this shouldn't even be a question, #3 hands down.

 

Welp no new Tacoma yet. I went and looked at #1 and #3 tonight and number 1 was not in great condition paint wise and number 3 needed 2 new tires, a new intake boot, and ha a cracked windshield and he wouldn't take below 7k so I figured that after I spent money fixing these 3 things I could get a nicer truck.

 

1st gen windshields arent real expensive because they're small.. But definitely at that price keep an eye on it because others may have the same mindset as you and cause him to bring down the price