New Owner: 2000 Tacoma

Hello everyone,

Yesterday I traded a '95 Honda Civic for this '00 Silver Tacoma. It's got high miles at 271k but it seems in reasonable shape. The previous owner said it had a rebuilt transmission and new clutch. It also has recently replaced tires on it. It needs some TLC but I think I can get it in good, solid running order. Here is what I've noticed so far, any input is appreciated!

-Slight shudder upon take off and clunk in the driveshaft
My Civic had a bad shudder and it turned out to be the clutch/flywheel. Hopefully this isn't the case and it is a worn u-joint or something

-Loose front end/clunking while going over speed bumps
-Power steering hose leak

-Ratty Interior
I need new seats and door panels badly if anybody has a line on some I'd be interested

-Broken exterior door handles
I've shut the door once already with the window up and couldn't get in. Luckily the rear slider window was open. I can barely fit into such spaces anymore >.<

-Cracked windshield
-Needs Brakes
-Unknown maintenance

I plan to get brakes this weekend and do a complete inspection of all the suspension components, timing belt, leaks, etc. All in all I think I got a pretty good deal on the straight trade. All I was asking for the civic was $2500 so once cleaned up, I think the truck should be worth maybe 2x as much hopefully! Anyway, seems like a nice forum and I look forward to reading up!

-Gabe

 

I laughed pretty hard at the image of you squeezing through the sliding window. Don't think I can offer much advice on your repairs, my experience with 1st gens or beaters is limited, so I'll leave that to the others here. Hope you get what you need out of the forum.

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome, and best wishes with your new truck!

You should feel good about your purchase - even with all of the items on your list. You could tear the truck down and part it out for more than that.

Nice looking ARB!

 

Welcome!

 

Thank you for the warm welcome!

Once again I had to contort myself through the rear slider. I need to get those door handles :/

I'm glad to know you all feel it was a worthy trade. I've spent much of the day cleaning the filth that was abundant in this truck, replacing the front brakes and diagnosing issues. Some initial conclusions and repairs needed:

Suspension
All the strut/shocks show signs of wear and leakage. I assume the ball joints should be replaced as well. $160 - $450 depending on brand

Axle
Driver's side boot is half missing. Who knows how long the joint has been exposed. $60.

Steering Rack
Leaking everywhere. I'll replace this at the same time as the suspension and axle. $275

Timing Belt/Water Pump
Last changed at 183k. So I have about 3k miles before they are due again. $250

So a little work ahead of me but nothing too bad. If I can keep the total investment in repairs to the truck to ~$1k I'll be happy. I'll post some more pics tomorrow.

 

The new door handles and door panel should go on today!

A few photos after some cleaning: