Looking at used 2002. Have some questions.

I found a used 02 4x4 trd v6 taco for sale at a good price. I just have a few questions as I go through the inspection process. Unfortunetly the truck is too far away for me to just stop by and check out so if I go up to see it I have one shot to look it over and then make my decision.

1) My main question is how can I tell if the belt was changed as it should have been at 90000 miles. The truck has 130,000. the previous owner doesn't think he's had it done, doesn't remember how many miles were on the truck when he bought it two years ago, and doesn't know if the previous owner has it changed.

2) he said the check engine light keeps coming on. Every time he goes to the dealer and turns it on, it comes on a little later. he said it's very sensitive, and said something like every time the spark plugs double fire or some something it comes on. Does this make any sense? Is this a normal tacoma thing?? what could the check engine light thing be? is it a cause for concern? I take it that him telling me without me even asking is a show of his honesty, however I don't know how informed he is on the issue.

3) I've never owned a 4x4 before. How would I know if the 4x4 system is in good working order? Is there any routine maintenance or common issues with the 4x4 that might have to be addressed that the owner may not be informed of or may have neglected?

4) The truck is a TRD. How can I know if the E-locker is in good working order? Is there any routine maintenance or common issues with the Locker that might have to be addressed that the owner may not be informed of or may have neglected?

5) Same question for the clutch and manual tranny.

6) Lastly: Autcocheck vs. Carfax vs. ?????

Thanks guys, could realy use your help on this

 

I dont know much but i do know that even if he has not used the locker or 4x4 system they should be fine. They do not require any regular maintainance so they both should be in good shape. If you can, i would suggest taking it to a dirt road to make sure both systems engage and still work

 

Remember this about carfax and the like: not EVERYTHING turns up on there. The Gestapo doesn't invistigate body shops. Have someone you trust who can spot body work look at the truck. That check engine light sounds awfully suspicious to me. That sounds like the kind of BS story I hear from my girlfriend because she won't take the necessary steps to correct a problem.

 

exactly. before you get too serious, have it checked out by a mechanic you trust. I got my '01 checked out by a mechanic before we bought it, for less than $50 bucks. It's worth it.

 

1. The belt most likely has not been changed if this guy doesnt even know how many miles it had on it when he bought it. Ask him for a recipt of it being changed and if he cannot provide one, haggle him down on price. I would change it when you buy it.

2. Check engine light thing seems to be pretty common. Mine has done it but the code showed an exhaust leak which is non existent. I just un hooked the battery to reset it. Hasn't come on since.

3. The only maintenance is changing the transfer case and front diff fluid. Ask him when he uses the 4x4. If he says in the rain or even on dry, grippy roads, he is probably an idiot and has damaged the system.

4. Not sure

5. Clutch should be fine unless he has no idea how to drive ie. holding the truck on inclines with the clutch instead of the breaks. excessive clutch slipping is BAD.

6. Not sure

good luck!

 

I have an 02 4wd v6 as well, bought it a couple years ago. The belt and check engine light story sounds like BS. He would know if the belt was changed or not, i'd say it wasnt because its not an easy job if he done it himself, and its definately not cheap if he took it to have it changed, I know I would remember something like that. The check engine light issue isnt normal.... Take it to an autoparts store..autozone,advance auto..they can plug it up and tell you whats causing it for free. As for the 4wd you wont really be able to tell anything unless your acutally using it, I would just engage it and drive normally and listen for any unwanted noises, it should drive the same in 4wd as it does in 2wd..I would say your go to go, tacomas dont really have allot of problems out the 4wd...or at least mine hasnt. Couldnt tell you much about the clutch..mines as auto.

 

Since he's like 9 hours away i won't be able to take it to a mechanic I know and trust, which bothers me. But maybe I'll be able to find a knowledgeable/reputable place online. According to the guy he didn't even know it was belt drive and needed changing. it was complete news to him. He wasn't really a tacoma enthusiast, he daily drove it. He said he never used the 4x4.

How many miles does the diff fluid and/or transfer case need changing? depends on usage I'd assume.

I was kinda hoping to find someone with a similar year and model taco in that area through this site that might want to come test drive the truck with me. Since I've never been in a tacoma, nor have I driven a manual transmission save for once in my life. But we'll see how that goes.

 

For the belt issue.

When I had mine changed at the dealership they put a sticker on top of the airbox with the mileage on it.

It's not much help, but it can be something to look for.

 

I would strongly suggest learning how to drive manual before buying the truck. If you have any friends or family with a beater car for you to learn on, I would drive it around until you feel comfortable with it.

 

You've obviously got some responses on this, but I'll throw in my feedback as well.

1) As was mentioned in another response, if the timing belt was changed by a dealer there will be a sticker stating the change date and mileage. Mine is on the underside of the hood. If you can't find any proof that it's been changed then do it if you buy the truck.

2) It's been my experience that most of the check engine codes you'll get with that truck will be O2 sensor or spark plug related. I could be wrong here, but I don't think the light goes on and off without resetting. I was told once that if it comes on for any reason it will stay on until reset. If the light comes on and off by itself maybe there's a problem with the internal diagnostic system itself? Try to see if some specific action causes it to come on (long idle time, uphill driving, accelerating, etc.) and talk to a mechanic and/or knowledgeable person about it. If you can get it to stay on, take it to an auto parts store for diagnosing, as mentioned in an earlier post.

3) Try it out and see if there are any problems. Many folks here recommend changing the transfer case and differental (F&R) fluids every 60k or so. If it's never been done on this truck that's no deal breaker with only 130k, but you should probably do it soon if you buy it. If you're worried though, you can always check the fluids prior to purchase. If you need help in knowing how to do this, just ask - either I or someone else on the site can give you instructions.

4) Nothing much to worry about with the e-locker & maintenance. Just try it, like the 4wd. Put the truck in 4-lo, stop, and hit the button. The light will flash until it's engaged (then stay on), and the ABS light will come on since that get's disabled when the locker is engaged. If the light doesn't stop flashing, drive forward slowly while turning the steering wheel back & forth. If it comes on you'll know it and you can assume it works fine after that.

5) Don't know - mine's an auto.

6) Any of them can be considered good info, but as noted earlier, not in any way guaranteed to have everything.

Hope this helps.

 

Well I grew up with manual transmission motorcycles, and I ride a streat bike daily, so i know a bit about manual transmissions I just don't have experience with cars. That being said Im going to try and drive my friends manual Ram, and im thinking of going down and renting a cheap manual tran car from avis or something.

thanks for all the help guys.

 

oh, well you should be fine. I rode dirt bikes before driving stick and it helped a lot.