Top Things to Look For When Buying Used 1st Gen...

Hi all,

new to the forum, and its been a while since ive owned a Toyota truck, but i'm in the market for a used Tacoma. any and all insight and tips you guys have for me is greatly appreciated.

as i mentioned im looking to purchase a used 1st Gen (also early model 2nd Gens too). i'm not set on any particular trim or model, but the one must have is a M/T. my budget (<$7k) has me looking at relatively high mileage (150k+) 1st Gens, usually 2WD single cabs.

given that i've been outta the Tacoma game for some time and my prior 1st Gen didn't have any problem areas that i can remember (bought new in 98' and sold in 08') any problem areas i should know about or things i should look for when looking at potential buys?

thanks again!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-tacoma-buyers-guide.156943/

 

1. Frame rot is first and foremost on those year models (1st gen and early 2nd gen)
2. Check engine bay really well for leaks
3. If you can, get service records so you can know what has been replaced
4. You can perform a pressure test to see what condition the engine is in (Or check spark plugs for any signs of fouling)

 

Definitely frame rot, mine (bought back by Toyota) rusted from the inside out so check with a small hammer.

 

thank you! keep 'em coming!

 

Frame, signs of collision, check for replacement of high cost/high need items (ball joints, timing belt and water pump, tires, brakes, etc...), check the fluids- clean?, signs of leaks, how it drives, etc... I would get it on a rack and look underneath really well. See you are in CA- check to see where the vehicle has live most of its life....

 

Look at the owner(s). If they seem the least bit shady or negligent towards maintenance then keep looking - this will save you from having to take apart your new truck and put it together again - unless you're into that sort of thing.

 

thank you all for the tips, please keep 'em coming! and thanks to 2BeersPlease for the buyers guide, perfect!

 

If you're not into that sort of thing, maybe buying a 15-20 year old truck isn't the thing for you...



Unless you have maintenance records from the PO, I'd just assume it wasn't done. If you're looking at a rig with ~100k or (n+100k), and you don't have a receipt from a recent timing belt change, put that on your list, too. Take to a mechanic and have them check it out, if you can. A lot of sellers may not agree to that and tell you they have other buyers lined up. That's okay, as long as you know the general stuff to look for outline here and other threads. But once you get it home, either have a mechanic look it over, or just go through it with a fine tooth comb. Replace all the consumables (oil, filters, spark plugs/wires, hoses, etc...) unless you have good evidence they are in perfect (at least near perfect) condition.

As for the frame rot thing, you should be able to get a general idea just by looking at the rest of the underside, and how much rust is does or doesn't have. Be wary of fresh paint, too. Make sure they didn't just paint over rust parts...

Also, if the engine/trany/drivetrain is TOO clean, that could be a sign they're covering up some sort of leak.

 

I know this post is useless without pics, but happy to say I'm back in the Toyota family... Just not a Tacoma... I'm the proud owner of a 98' 4Runner, 78k miles, original owner, 3RZ, 5spd... only bummer is 2wd but will still allow me to do 80% of what I want.

changed her oil and brake fluid, all others look good for now till I take her to a shop next week, having her balanced and aligned right now (has been pretty much sitting for the last year), will post pics tonight/tomorrow after I wash her down and vacuum.

thanks all so much for your help. even though I'm a brother from the same mother, I'll probably spend as much time here as I will on T4R.org given my 4cyl power source.

and let me just say I'm STOKED! aside from the 2wd, it's identical to my old 98' Tacoma I sold (white with blue/grey)... who says you can never go back?!?

 

That amount of time will make a big difference when the truck is maintained properly the whole time or major things are neglected. I was telling the OP to choose wisely... unlike I did if I was buying a dd, which I wasn't. I have a big project vehicle that I'm learning a lot from, but that was the point since I've always wanted to get to the nitty-gritty on a lot of mechanical concepts and this truck is giving me the opportunity.

 

as promised!
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