Buying a 1997 Tacoma - Right Call?

Hey there guys.

I've been driving a cheap 1999 Plymouth Neon for 12 years now and it has gone 217,000 miles with no major issues, something that I consider a small miracle. It is starting to show signs of slowing down, so I want to upgrade my vehicle before it dies completely.

I started my new vehicle search by attempting to figure out the toughest, longest-lasting vehicle out there. After many hours, the Tacoma fit the bill. It seems the 'taco is tougher and more reliable than anything else on the road.

The next step was figuring out if a 1st Gen is better / tougher than a 2nd Gen. I still haven't fully decided that yet (maybe you guys have input?). In the process, I have discovered a 1997 Tacoma with very low mileage (under 30k) and a single owner over its life. If I'm going 1st Gen, it seems about as ideal as possible.

So, my question is - does it really make sense to trade in a 1999 to buy a 1997 vehicle in 2015...? Even if it is a Tacoma? Will I have issues finding parts? Will it be reliable? Or should I look for something newer?

I'm not needing it to do much heavy lifting, just daily driving to and from work, the occasional camping trip, and hauling random boards and junk as needed. What do you guys think?

 

You found a 1997 Tacoma with less then 30k miles?

You need to stop what you're doing right now and go get that thing right now(considering they don't want $20k for it).

I just found a 1999 with 61k on it and I didn't even hesitate

 

Or tell me where it is cause I'm gonna go get it lol

 

for 30k miles? HECK YEAH, GET IT!!!! what are the specs onit?

 

No rust = buy now

 

Seriously, go buy the truck as soon as possible.

 

Asking $7,000. That reasonable? I didn't expect this response haha

 

2WD, Automatic

 

It can sell for over 13k. 7k is great. Stock? Pre-runner? Trd? 2.4l? 3.4l? Extra cab?

 

I really appreciate the help. Blue Book has it at like $4k so I figured something was wrong.

Stock
2.4L I4 16V
4-Speed Automatic

Do these 1st Gens have any problems on highways going 70-75MPH? I read a few folks saying they had to keep the pedal floored to maintain that speed.

 

Its a 5-lug, thats why. I would try for more like 5000. Miles?

The 2.4L will struggle with any cargo, and going up grades. Ive gotten accustomed to pulsing the gas to get the tranny to downshift when going up some streets. Just floor the gas and youll be fine.

I learned that a 2.7L maxes out at 104mph, 70mph is not a problem.

Its still a great truck, reliable as hell, just less sexy factor than a Prerunner.

 

When you say struggle with cargo, does that mean I won't be able to haul much with it? I always associated this style of Tacoma with those HiLux models, which I always see in the middle of nowhere carrying everything.

But yeah, hitting 70-75MPH just driving on the highway won't be an issue? I'm not driving in mountains.

 

Don't disclose its location, someone here will poach it from you.

Edit: 2.4, 5-lug auto.... I'd pass.

 

Haha, I won't, but I'm just looking for more information from other 1st Gen owners as far as what to expect. I'm going from a Neon to an older Tacoma, and I want to make sure it's the right call. Unfortunately, I don't know nearly as much as anyone else here. It's my first dive into the world of the Tacoma.

 

Do you need 4wd? The 2.4 is pretty gutless but if it's just going to be a daily driver you will probably like it.

Then again, if it's only a DD there's no need to get a pick up truck, IMO.

 

I guess what needs to be asked is:

How will you use this truck?
What are your needs?

 

What I'm looking to do is haul camping gear and house project stuff (boards, tools, etc), and occasionally a few buddies. Aside from that, it'll be going to and from work, about 4-5 miles each direction.

 

So when you say camping gear... what kind of trails? I have a feeling this truck is going to have minimal clearance, small gears, etc on top of no 4WD. Does that suit your needs?

Also, an xtra cab is very tight for you and your buddies. It's tight for me, my GF and 8 year old daughter.

 

I have a 96 but with manual. 322k on it now and only oil changed and tires since I've owned it. Even with the auto, go buy it now before it's gone.

 

Should be fine for what you want it to do. Camping, fishing, hauling etc.
Just have to avoid high-clearance-only roads and low-traction situations.

Hopefully, that one has coil packs. Sometime during the 1997 model year they phased out distributors.