Ready to purchase my first Tacoma...

...which would also be my first truck. Just bought a house and I really need a pickup to get things done. Options seem limited where I am...I found this one I thought would be pretty good and I like the look of the first gens. Does this seem like an okay deal?

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/735580333/overview/?aff=stemp2&CMP=stemp2

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Welcome!

I like the look of the 1st gens too, but $5k seems like a lot for that truck. Isn't the blue book value between $1k-$2k?

 

welcome to tacoma world

The first thing you'd want to check on a tacoma is for frame rust. These trucks are known to suffer from severe frame rust and rot issues, so bad they can literally break in half. The most affected trucks are those that are from cold climate areas, where winter salt and chemicals are used. Even if the trucks you are looking at aren't from there, taking a look at the undercarriage of a vehicle has never been a bad idea anyway...
Rustbuckets can be driven around and end up in uncanny places, so another good reason to look under there...

Don't count on blue book, especially for toyota trucks .These trucks hold their value like crazy.
Depending where you are located, these trucks can fetch quite a price
Clean, rust free california trucks fetch a premium ($10k+)

 

Welcome to TW! Check that frame for rust and have a trusted mechanic look under the hood.

 

Hey, thanks for all the replies!
I'm definitely gonna give it a good look with a flashlight when I go see it.
Are there any known issues that the engine could possibly have that I could check for during the test drive?

 

What are some essential mods a first gen owner should do with his new truck?

And I mean real mods, not just R.I.C.E., I do all the wrenching myself on my vehicles.

 

Do a throughal inspection frame,suspension components etc.Any maintenance records by chance?Have a trustworthy shop mechanic check out under the hood etc.and advise you on what should be replaced if necessary or upgraded.Good Luck!

 

You can never have too many D rings in the bed.

 

Welp...sad to report it was a waterhaul. The rust on the frame where the leaf springs attach was terrible...could poke through with my finger, and the steering wheel alignment was like 45° off. The engine ran and sounded great, though! I guess my search continues...

 

I've got a 2nd gen regular cab Tacoma listed in the for sale section. I love first gens but they fetch a ton of money for higher milage. As everyone else has said the frames are the only major down fall. The second gens have an open recall now.

 

are you serious? they're trying to sell this truck with a rusted out frame for $4995? Shame on them

Also, I've noticed it's missing a driver's side door handle, possibly a window and these strange scuffs.... Was it broken into or what??

 

window was there, but yeah I hadn't noticed the drivers side handle was missing. I would honestly deal with little stuff like that if it wasn't for the terribly rusted frame...ugh