Really lucked out on my first Tacoma! 2004 with 22k miles!

I really lucked out with this find! I've been looking for trucks for my fiancee for several weeks and found an oddly written craigslist post. It said 2004 with 22k miles and had no pictures. Furthermore, the subject title was just a random dudes name.

Out of curiosity, I decided to check it out and happen to be the first one to show up. The owner is in his mid-80's and is getting rid of his wife's truck before they move out to their retirement home.

It's a completely stock 2004, 2.4L, xtra cab. The only thing done to it was a spray-on liner - PERFECT for what my fiancee needs! I'm picking it up on Friday.

I'm looking to upgrade a few things, so any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thing's I'm thinking about:
1 Radio and Speaker upgrade
2 Tinted Windows
3 Better brake feel (SS brake lines, perhaps?)
4 Improve steering feel (haven't researched this yet)

 

God damn that's clean

 

That thing looks mint! Even the paint and plastic trim pieces look like-new.

 

Wow, congrats. She's a beaut.

 

Damn that's sick, I saw one not too long ago in AZ with the same amount of miles except TRD 4X4 they wanted $24,000

 

1) why not wait till she says 'I wish' something regarding the radio? She might be fine just like it is. But if not, just swap to the features she wants. Not what you think it should have.

2) same thing. Does she like/want tinted windows?

3) the vehicle needs a full servicing of fluids and such. While pads/shoes rotors/drums may all be just fine, I bet the lubed parts they move on are all gummed up, the rears barely engage/need adjustment, and the whole system definitely needs fresh fluid. Suspect a good service will make the brakes feel just fine.

4) could be anything, including tire pressures, alignment, moving parts that need lubrication. Could be just you not knowing what one of these should feel like. They aren't sports cars for sure.

You got a nice find. Just take your time 'baselining' all the maintenance items so you know the full health of the truck, wait for the GF to mention something being an issue, and let your mod jets rest a while.

As you said, it may be just perfect for her.

 

1) The stereo upgrade serves two purposes. The most important purpose is bluetooth because she can't help but talk while driving. So having a handsfree option is a must. I also already have a spare head unit, so the cost is almost nothing.

2) she's terrified of UV rays / heat and we both like how it somewhat hides anything that may be inside the truck.

3-4) Good point on the fluids. Maybe I'll flush the brakes out before exploring stainless lines. Compared to my other cars, the brake pedal feels like stepping on a water balloon.

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

wow, thats insanely low mileage

 

Wow, 99% of the time it's some CL scammer. Nice score.

"found an oddly written craigslist post. It said 2004 with 22k miles and had no pictures. Furthermore, the subject title was just a random dudes name."

 

Bet its gone by Friday with a higher cash buyer. Ask seller to take ad down if you have not already. Also not too many mid 80's people know how to use craigslist so lets assume a relative that would like top dollar is getting the responses. This is just my honest opinion. If you end up with it great score indeed but would have never left the place without the truck on a trailer and cash in sellers hand.

 

Nice, I got my 04 with 24k miles a couple years ago. Nice find.

 

good score

welcome to TW

 

Man, that's a nice find. Can't hurt to replace all fluids. Replacing the mushy Firestone sedan tires with something with stiffer sidewall will help the steering feel.

 

Nice. With that mileage , the pads and rotors should be OK, so like Bill said, full brake service flush and inspection. If for some reason it would benefit from new pads and rotors, I highly recommend Centric brand, which was a huge step up from the OEM for my 01.

Regarding handling: Immediately check the lower ball joint bolts and balljoints! This has been an area of much trouble for first gens over the years, for various reasons. I think 04s were after the recall for faulty BJs, but you could still call a dealer with a VIN just to check and be sure.

Beyond that:
The stock suspension on these was mush on a good day, but the springs should be OK with that low mileage and light use. However, do check the shocks. You may also have age-degraded rubber bushings throughout the suspension
These also wee somewhat notorious for play in the steering wheel shaft. If this is an issue, usually a tac weld at that location will sort it out.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-thread-compiled-list-of-helpful-links.95271/

 

#oldpeople

 

Welcome to TW!

 

I have to admit, I read this soon after you posted it and it suddenly made me super paranoid. So I emailed the owner the next day and didn’t get a reply. He was always super responsive but all of a sudden, I don’t hear back? I call, no response. Slight panic mode, I talk to my fiancee who ensures me that the owner is probably just really busy since they are moving... I show up on friday at the time they originally told me to meet and... he has all the paper work completed, tells me he just got the truck washed... and just as I am about to start the truck l, he mentions, “I also gave you a full tank of gas!”

Thanks for the mini panic attack