1997 Tacoma To Buy or Not To Buy?

Hey guys I want some opinions on a truck I found. I found a 1997 3.0L +180k miles. Its a Xtra Cab 4x4 Automatic (That will make it 2 autos in my life) Clear coat is peeling a bit and the interior looks like it will need some serious detailing to get the dirt from the seats. The owner wants $3700. I have my 04 Tacoma but want this as my build/toy truck. I am a college student so I'm stuck on wether to spend the money on an older truck or save it and get a nicer truck after college. You guys think I should buy or wait? Idk how much longer its going to last because the price is crazy in my opinion.

Thanks guys!

 

Depending on your definition and use of off-road, I personally think it is a good idea to have a fun rig, if you can not afford to break a rear end, and have spare parts to fix it at midnight on Sunday to make it to work on time Monday morning. With that, I'm an old fart compared to most of you but I remember the good times slinging mud. But know that the 3.0 is known for issues, and the major one being head gaskets. There might be good years in there and I will defer to those with more experience with that motor.

Around here, the list is long on Craig's list for trucks for sale that needs a head gasket. Plus anything else for running them after it was blown.

 

A '97 with a 3.0? You mean the 3.4 right?

Either way, you already have a first gen...why get two esp if you're still in school? Save that money for when you're out in the real world, trust me on this one!

But if you do decide to go for it (assuming it is the 3.4l V6), that is a good deal assuming it's in good shape. Might not be considering the sale price, be sure to check it out thoroughly (especially the frame for rust) if you decide to do it.

 

Went back and checked and indeed it is a 3.4. I know I have my truck but thats my gem I don't abuse that truck one bit. I have taken it to the lake a few times but has never seen any deep mud or things like that. I would like to get this other one because it is a little more beat up and I could fix it up a little and give it a revival ha. What do you think about the engine? I have seen many trucks with blown head gaskets on craigslist as well and don't have time to be repairing if this would happen?

Thanks.

 

I just want it to go out for a drive in the mud or snow. Just something to be a little more careless. I have my daily truck that I take care of and that doesn't go off road one bit.

 

The 3.4 is a bulletproof engine, arguably the best v6 Toyota has ever made. The 3.0 was notorious for head gasket issues

 

So then I should go ahead an get it. Its a nice truck overall. With a deep wash inside and out it could be a daily for me without a doubt.

 

Hmmm.. My opinion may be a bit biased since if have one. But I've had it since 2004 and 4 of the years I had it I lived in Montana and beat the living heck out of the truck and it took everything I through at it. I have a manual trans. so I can't however speak for the autos.

 

If its in good shape (be sure you look for rust on the frame, Tacomas are notorious for frame rot) then I say go for it

 

Well I live in the PNW so rust shouldn't that much of a problem. Im more concerned about the engine blowing up on me since from what I can see it hasn't been taken care well enough. There will be work needed to be done but its all maintenance.

 

Yea my 04 is auto and I'm fine with it. It isn't as quick as the manuals or have the power at my hand but I want a truck not a racing car. So if I do buy I hope it's just as long lasting as the manual.

 

Depending on how long its been on there. Say you wanna see it and take up a bit of time BS'ing with him. At the end say you want it (if its good) and offer him $2900 in cash (let him talk you up to 3k but no further). Worse he can say is no. Tell him to keep your number if he changes his mind and you might get lucky. I find 97's are not all that desirable, they stay on CL for awhile in my area. Most like the newer front ends and trucks built post 2000. Good luck. Also 3.4's are awesome even in automatic, but you might find you like driving it around more b/c of the extra power...maybe.

 

Honestly if you're a college student I wouldn't buy any toys. Just save finish school then buy what you want. ..

 

I agree with what others have said..the 3.4 5VZE engine is bulletproof if it's been maintained and is currently in good condition. I have the exact same Taco and love it. Tons of mods you can do that aren't super expensive. I go off-roading 2-3 times per year and so far I haven't lamented having an automatic vs. manual.

It's kinda turned into my DD so being automatic is exactly what I wanted in the big city.

 

Id save your money for a more fun toy. You already own a Tacoma, $3700 will go a lot farther on a Old built YJ or TJ that you can beat the crap out of and not worry about blowing the front end into pieces everytime you go out.

 

Thanks for the input guys. Its been a few weeks now and I think its gone at this point. Looking into investing that money into what I currently have.

 

I think that's a smart move, when you get out of school and settle in your career (if you haven't already), you'll be able to afford another trail rig and can invest more into a reliable one. There will be first gens for sale for years to come yet, when I was looking a few months ago I found several within a short time period with around 100k miles, some even lower (like mine )