No Service History on 99 Taco

Apologies in advance for long post!!!

Bought my 99 Taco a few weeks ago. Before vehicle purchase I purchased a Carfax report which showed it had 4 previous owners and spent all its life in FL with the exception of one year in GA. It showed there were many records of services being reported as being performed (no specific information though). It also showed there were no reported accidents, flood or salvage issues.

Frame in great condition.

Since finding TW, I checked the Toyota Owners site and entered my VIN. It shows there were no service records ever recorded for the vehicle, but it does show there is a recall for the trailer wiring harness (which I’ll get done).

Question 1. Is there somewhere else I can look to find a service history?

It’s a 99, Prerunner, 3.4L, auto.

Since purchased I put 4 new tires, alternator, MAF, 02 sensor, fuel filter, fuel pump, radiator, timing belt, water pump, changed oil and coolant and put new valve covers on it.

Thanks to TW I learned I need to grease driveshaft u-joints; doing it a few days.

Will do shocks and leafs in the future, prefer close to OEM since only off-roading I do is to drive down some dirt roads. Will only tow a utility trailer.

Question 2. Is there anything else I should do?

 

Sounds like you have done every preventative maintenance already

 

I hope so. I don’t have a history with her yet and I don’t know how she’s been treated up to this point, so I want to get her too a point where I will know when something doesn’t feel or sound right.

 

Start with a visual inspection if you haven't already and get up close and personal.

Check through this:

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

Lower Ball joints in the front suspension, drive shaft carrier bearing, wheel bearings, engine valve cover seals, and timing belt replacement are some common issues that need to be addressed on older trucks of this model.

 

Thanx for the link, wish I knew about it before purchase, but will use it as a guide moving forward.

 

I venture my truck has no service history since I have owned it.

Service history only shows up if done by Toyota dealers on Toyota Owners site

 

Add to the list, given some recent threads on compression issues, a compression and leak down test, too. those may help diagnose internal engine issues, like blown rings or valve issues.

The ball joints are also a good idea. There is a recall on some models, yours may be one. Get that done it it hasnt been done.

Typically, you can get a basic idea of the kind of maintenance the privious owner did by noting the condition of the oil when you change it, air filter, etc... all the other routine stuff people *should*be doing, especially do older trucks.

Did you buy from a dealer/car lot, or from a private seller?

 

Bought from a dealer, he said he got it at auction from Carmax since they don’t sell old vehicles. Oil, coolant and air filter looked good when I bought it. No rust anywhere. Springs are a little weak, however, she drives straight and isn’t bouncy. All boots and ball joints look good, but I’m going to save for a new suspension.

 

Lots of good resources for quality suspension components on here. Any oem parts (recommend oem balljoints, but there's a camp for those who rather buy aftermarket ones) you need you can order through @gunny1005 that works at Camelback Toyota Online and will get you the best price on oem parts.

 

Congratulations and welcome to TacomaWorld. You probably already have it covered but if not, pull the wheels and visually inspect the brakes at all four corners. These first gens have some small notoriety for leaking rear axle seals and that can sometimes contaminate the rear brake shoes with oil. Enjoy your new Tacoma!

 

Thanks for the link, I will.

 

Had my mechanic check everything, although after I had already bought it. Other than what’s already been repaired / replaced and what’s on my to do list she is running good and my confidence in her reliability grows day by day.

This forum and its member’s ROCK!

Can’t say thank you enough for everyone’s help and suggestions.

 

you could always try carfax, You can register for free to see your cars maintenance records if any have ever been reported
https://www.mycarfax.com/

 

Sometimes I wonder if people actually read a single word of the original post before replying.

 

I paid to get a report before purchase but I did just register for an actual account. Never thought to check if that was an option. Thanks for the info.

 

I believe the service history would only show up if it was serviced at a Toyota dealership. I only had a few records on my truck dating back to 2010 but I'm sure it's had more service done to it than the one Toyota has records for.

 

Its amazing huh!

 

depends on the shops its been too. My cars service history shows up on the carfax site. it was never serviced at a toyota dealer though

 

I'm sure it would show up on Carfax, but only Toyota services would show up on Toyota's website.

 

Ah i thought you were commenting about my post. But yes Toyota will only show Toyota dealer history. I doubt this happens alot but their site wont even show if a Toyota has been worked on at a Lexus dealer (unless they've changed that)