Going to look at an 03

I'm going to look at an 03 TRD 4wd access cab this week.

Has 80,000 miles on it and is at a local toyota dealership and they are asking 12,000 for it but it does have a color matched camper shell on the back which I would like.

Can you guys suggest or point me in a direction that might list some things to pay specific attention to?

 

I should add that its a 4cyl(which has me worried a little) auto.

 

the 4cyl is a beast it'll last for a long time

 

4 bangers are frickin bullet proof my dads has 230,000 miles on it and he drives it like shit. Go to youtube and watch how to buy a used powerstroke, the guy has a lisp, but he goes over everthing to look for when buying a used vehicle. He shows it on a diesel but it goes for most everything definently worth watching!

 

You want to read up on the frames before you talk to the dealer. Here's a link:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/6549-95-2k-rust-help-toyota.html

 

Check the suspension and ride clsoely. The TRD OEM Bilstein shocks and the coils and leafs are pretty notorious for, uh, sucking. Take it on a freeway with some bumps and curves going fast and see how well it tracks and handles. If it feels like it needs your full attention to keep it in the lane, and the rear end feels like it keeps want to drift out/roll, they are done and need replacement. You can also look at the leaf springs. Even new, they tend to be fairly flat, but they should not be "frowning." They should have a little upturn at the ends, at least. Aslo look for signs of oil leaks/grease coming down the shocks. It ain't real cheap to replace this stuff correctly (better than OEM). I just went through this on my truck with 101k miles (when I bought it). Aftermarket shocks and springs are a vast improvement.

Another consideratation: if it is 4wd, and Xtra cab, and it has a cap, that is quite a bit of weight and the 4 cyl and automatic is likely not a great power combination. I don't know this from experience with this particular truck, but I would recommend trying to find a 6 cylinder, especially if you drive in hills/mountains much. Without a V6, $12k may be a bit much, in my opinion.

Also check if the little back window latches are broken, they always break. Also check the door weatherstrip (where you would rest your arm while driving if you ahvd the windo open). These tend to get brittle and not wipe the glass, and the rubber coating over the metal trim dries up and chips off. It is very easy to fix, but still something to nitpick about.

 

I'd have them take the shell off and let you check the tops of the bed rails for damage. Make sure the shocks, locks, and windows all work on the shell. Check the frame for rust. Make sure they change every fluid before you buy it. Check everything rubber for deterioration. Especially belts, hoses, and cv boots. +1 on the suspension. $12k seems a bit high for a 4-banger but it is a Toyota dealership, after all.

 

Make sure it actually is a TRD model. Can't always go by it having a sticker. An '03 TRD will always have a button actuated rear differential locker. There will be an obvious button for this on the dash, to the left of the steering column.

 

Not if it is a 4cly auto. 4cyl manuals had the locker as a option but 4cyl autos did not. So he will not have a locker reghardless of if it is a real TRD or not.

 

I don't see how it could be a TRD model if it doesn't have the locker in it. The stickers alone, or even if it has Bilstein HD shocks, don't make it a TRD. Not in the '03 model year.

 

I agree with digiratus, i have never heard of a trd model without a locker but theres always a first for everything

 

ive got a 4 banger auto trd without a locker. its a 2000 tho idk if that makes a difference

 

well maybe trd 4cyl auto didnt have a locker, i would have never thought that

 

This.