Want to buy a Tacoma, had some questions if you don't mind

Good afternoon, gentlemen! First time poster here. Long story short I'm in the market for a 4x4 Tacoma between the years 2000 to probably 2006 due to my budget, which is $16,000. I sold my old truck in January -Chevy 1500, and I'm looking to downsize to something a little more conservative in size. The only problem is I really don't know much about these trucks. I don't know why I'm so fascinated by Tacomas, but I am. Probably because I saw them all the time overseas, and they look liked they can take a beating. I think some of them might have been the Hilux version though.

The problem that I'm running into is the mileage. I live in Chicago and most of them have >100k mi, I don't know if this is considered a lot or not for a Tacoma. So I had some questions if you don't mind, sorry if you get these all the time or they're rookie questions:

*How long do you think these trucks can Realistically last?

*What type of BIG ticket problems could I run into at this mileage range (transmission, etc)

*Any red flags I should look out for when I go to see one in person?

I remember hearing about rust issues, but it seemed like that happened to the one's from the 90s.

*What would YOU pay for the type of mileage I'm describing?

Most of them look like they're in good shape. I found a 5 speed -which I really want, with 140k mi on it for $13,000.



Again, sorry if you get this all the time, just kind of nervous to buy a truck with the type of milage I'm seeing. Thanks for any help!

 

after you christain

 

The only thing that would concern me about buying a high mile Tacoma would be how well did the previous owner(s) take care of it. My dad once said you can usually judge that by how well the interior of the vehicle looks. If the inside is in near perfect condition they probably also cared enough to do maintenance. Also, I would never by a high mile vehicle without seeing a car fax report. I would also have a qualified mechanic check it out really good before I purchase it.

 

I agree with this...I've always babied my cars and the interior is kept immaculate. I do drive a lot however and you can't control rock chips, and exterior flaws. My truck is a 2007, 80,000 miles on it, exterior has a few minor flaws but my interior looks nearly perfect...better than when I bought it actually because I added leather

 

What year, what model - a reg cab 4x4 in great shape from a dealer might go for that much, but on the same token, if you're looking at an 04 double cab 4x4 from a private seller then $13k might be a bit low and indicating that there's some sort of an issue.

Being that you're concerned about how long these things last and what kind of "big ticket" issues you might run into, I'd highly suggest taking it to a mechanic - I don't know what they go for out there in Chicago but I've had a few mechanics charge about $75 for a pre-purchase inspection - money that's well worth it IF they do come up with something. Just think of the cost as insurance - it's something that you pay but never use (at least we all hope you never have to use it).

Personally, if you're looking at buying a truck for the "long haul" (pun both intended and not intended) then I wouldn't look anywhere else but a Toyota, and specifically their smaller pickups (1st/2nd gen Tacoma, and those from pre-95.5) It doesn't take much to take care of them, and they're rock solid

 

These are great trucks and I am sure you will love it once you find the right truck.
Mine is 10 years old and I had litterally not spent one dime on repairs untill a couple months ago when I had to replace a $78 air/fuel sensor. That averages to $7.80 per year over the last 10 years. You can't beat that. I do regular oil changes, and other than that have only replaced tires, brake pads and wiper blades.

If you find a truck in the northern parts of the country, have the chassis checked for rust.
If the truck is over 100k miles check to see if the timing belt has been replaced (mine is coming up soon). Most people replace the water pump and other belts at the same time, since they are all located in the same place. This can be a $600+ maintenance item, but other than that, there is nothing major that I have heard of.

Good luck in your search.

 

Thanks for your reply, and to everyone else!

Here's the link to the truck I mentioned, it's an '03.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...ds=25&seller_type=b&cardist=56&standard=false

 

1. These trucks will last for-fucking-ever if you take car of them (get a pre purchase inspection).

2. None. Motors and transmissions in these are pretty bulletproof. Just make sure all the typical stuff (timing belt and water pump) have been done. Once again a PPI will make sure these are ok.

3. When you go see it in person, make sure you like it, make sure youre happy with the interior condition, and if you want it get it inspected. (theres a common theme here).

4. Buy it for as much as youre willing to spend honestly. These trucks arent like domestics, they hold their value and are worth the cash. Dont cheap out and spend a few thousand less for an inferior truck. Spend a good amount and get a great truck that will last forever.




Oh yea and get it inspected.

 

Thanks for your reply!

 

Not trying to thread jack, but I have an 06 DC TRD for sale.

Link: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacoma-marketplace/196417-feeler-06-trd-dc-4x4.html

End thread jack

 

+1.... Rock solid trucks, but the 1st gen need to have the timing belt replaced.
I'm not sure about the Tacoma engines, but the Tundra 4.7 is an interference design.
The 2nd gen engines are chain driven, so just change the oil regularly and enjoy your truck for the next 200k+

I put 225k on my '94 with a 22RE. Replaced the clutch at 180k.
Had a warped exhaust manifold at around 60k. Other than that, the truck never saw the inside of a shop... I did the fluid changes myself.

 

Thanks for the reply and information!

 

You live in Chicago, you have O'hare and Midway within driving distance, so use them to your advantage.


I live in Tulsa, and I do wanted a "low miles" no rust Gen 1 Taco. So I shopped in no salt states/regions and found a truck in Colorado Springs.


You could shop in FL,GA and TX and take a weekend to drive back to Chi Town. Good luck!

 

Good idea, thanks!

 

You are welcome!

Come on, lets keep the OP to Gen1's only...

 

check for frame rust..especially if you live where they salt the roads.

for that budget..i bet you can find a great first gen.

 

Hello, ill give you my experience owning a 05 4x4. Make sure to check the front diff! there is a known issue with it on quite a few trucks.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3lB_ss6ytk Also if you are looking at 05-06 check the motor mount where it attaches to the frame. the first 1.5-2 years are not reinforced and frame damage is possible.http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/21849-05-motor-mounts-failed-failing.html Also if you plan to carry any weight in the bed or pull a trailer check the rear leafs. They are designed to offer a smooth ride not carry loads.
All and all they are great vehicles but they definitely have their issues.

 

"Haters will hate..."



LOL!

 

Gotcha, thanks for all the information!