1998 TRD SR5 with 18,000 miles what should I look for?

Hello Everyone:

I am buying a 1998 TRD SR5 4x4 Tacoma for my 15 year old son. It has a V6 and a manual 5 speed transmission. 18,000 miles, mostly driving dirt roads average speed of 30 mph.

This truck has never been titled or tag and the man that uses it had it at his hunting camp\farm since it was new.

Since, I have never owned a Toyota Truck before what should I be watching for or any known problems?

Thanks,

Killer

 

You should be watching to make sure that no one on this site comes and steals your truck - you have found a true gem.

In all honesty, with vehicles like these that don't see much road time, I'd check seals, parts, etc. to make sure that they have been lubricated and haven't dried out from sitting so lmuch. Make sure the engine doesn't smoke, etc., because sometimes not running can be more damaging than running. The fact it's a manual should help. Seriously, I think you found an awesome truck.

 

+1. Couldn't have said it better myself.

Killer, welcome to TW.

 

I am kin with the guy selling the truck (older guy that is about 65) and even drove it about 2 years ago. It drove excellent then. Did not smoke or anything. I told him then, if he ever got ready to sell it to let me know.

 

also look at the tires, they might not have many miles on them, but they also might be 12 years old....

 

Great! Did you put it in 4WD? If he drove it in the country, chances are he used it in 4x4 enough to keep everything in working order, but again, just to be safe, I'd focus some time there.

 

Yes, I did put it in 4 wheel drive. It was just as easy as a new one. The guy does good maintenance on everything he owns but, he has never given the truck a bath or cleaned out the interior.

I rubbed a little area of mud off of it and the paint looks like new. I don't know if the mud preserved the paint or it is because he parked it under his camp and then sun did not have a chance to beat on it?

The tires looks great but, he told me when he first got it he put the mud gripes on it. So they are at least 11 years old.

 

Sounds like you should be good to go. Congrats again.

 

Thank you!

How much is truck like this worth?

 

Oh, on that I have no idea. I won't even venture a guess. I know the 1st gens hold their value incredibly well, and are very highly coveted. I'd check out NADA or KBB and then try and look at cars.com or autotrader.com and see what comparable ones are selling for.

 

Fresh fluid, check the air filter, brakes, and so on. Low miles but time is also there.

 

Check the fluids / change the antifreeze (some turn acidic with age) / change the tires / then drive it until somthing breaks.

It will usually let you know what it needs.


I wouldn't change the tires myself but if my wife or kid were driving it I would.

 

i can't comment on how much that truck is worth but I have an example of toyota value.

In 2003 i bought a used ext cab V6 4x4 SR5 5spd truck for $11,000 with 113,000 miles on it. In 2008 my wife totaled it in a wreck with 201,000 miles on it and the insurance company still gave me a check for $8,500. 5years time and only a loss of 2,500 was good with me

 

Offer him $10,000 and see if he will take that. That would be a good deal for both of you.

 

tire life is only about 4 years

IMO a truck that old with that low of mileage is the same as one with a lot of miles. i wouldnt expect it to be problem if its goingto be driven like a normal vehicle after its spare use over the years.

 

I would say 10k is too high...low miles are great, but the truck is still 12 years old. But I haven't checked KBB.

 

It's worth whatever you can get someone to pay for it !!!.....

 

Killer,
Don't buy that POS.

ps What is his phone number?