03-04, what to look for when buying ???

hey gents


The 97 single cab with no AC is not gonna cut it in Phoenix for the summer and it’s pretty tonight to take 2 kids in.

I would like to upgrade to an 03-04 pre runner with 4 door. Trying to find one around 150k.

It’s a tough read sometimes going to look at vehicles and making a quick decision, especially when these trucks go so fast.

What are some of the core issues/things to look for on these trucks before buying. A lot of them may look nice but it’s a lot of miles of wear and tear you don’t no about. Sometimes just meeting the buyer can tell you a lot ....

Thanks, Paul

 

Check the frame..no rust is the goal. Other than that pretty bulletproof.

 

Being in AZ you shouldn't have to worry much about frame rust. Unless it's a transplant from a rust belt State... so you should still check.

How mechanically proficient are you? 150K miles is right at timing belt/waterpump replacement time, and possibly valve cover gaskets. The parts on those are relstively cheap... but time consuming... labor make those expensive.

 

Is there any drastic mechanical changes that differ in the 02-04 years that should be of interest, making a specific year more desirable ?

Thanks

 

If the frame is good make sure the timing belts been done if it's over 100k, check the lower ball joints if you can or replace them after buying it if they have play. Lower ball joints are the one big weakness that follows every 1st gen no matter the year, aside from rusty frames

 

The only major difference between 01-02 and 03-04 is the throttle. Earlier is by cable, later by wire.

Only reason that makes a difference is if it's a Prerunner 2wd being converted to 4wd. Everything else is identical.

 

do you also check the body panels and rockers for rot?
that is a big issue in my locale

 

There's something about (the throttle?) of after 2002(?) where instead of
replacing a $50 sensor you have to buy a new $1,000 throttle body...

-Mike "or something like that..."

 

"kick the tires" check fluids, oil, trans oil, power steering, radiator, etc. look for oil under truck, check tall pipe soot. pull carfax if you can, 1 owner = cherry. 18yr old owner = caution. maintenance records = great. used auto's, put ebrake on & put in drive. rev engine, compression should be strong. take mechanic with you if not sure.

 

I will second and third the throttle body issue... if the choice is between a drive by wire or drive by cable get the cable actuated throttle body.

 

Bought my 04 DC Prerunner with 150k. First thing I did was the timing belt, water pump and all other belts. Definitely check lower ball joints. My passenger side failed about 20k miles later.

Other than that, like all others said, check for rust and fluid leaks. And being in AZ, make sure that AC blows COLD.

Edit: Also check the driveshaft carrier bearing.

 

True, but that's not a part that fails commonly.

First gens don't have a true drive by wire system. My 2004 is still cable actuated, it just has a more integrated sensor so you can't replace just the single part. Or something along those lines.

IMO, it's not something that should really be included in the calculus of which truck you buy.

 

yeah it's the TPS sensor I think...can't be replaced on it's own you have to get a new throttle body if it goes bad. Sucks but I really don't hear of it happening that often, usually on really high mileage trucks.

 

Yes sir, give it a good going over.

 

1 owner = cherry. 18yr old owner = caution. [/QUOTE]

where would 5 prior owners fall on this scale?

 

where would 5 prior owners fall on this scale?[/QUOTE]

i'd pass! most of my autos are 1 owner including my taco. i do my homework! in my 40yrs of drive'n, can't tell you some of the dumbass sh!t people do (or lack of) to their cars. i would rather pay 10k for a 1 owner low mileage, garage keep truck vs 5k for high mileage x5 owner truck from an 18yr old try'n to convince me its been well taken care of and never abused... yeah right! i was 18 once, i had 1 thing on my mind! man the good ole days!

 

THREAD HIJACK (sorry):

What is the cable actuator called? I tried to find the part on rock auto...Mine is at the end of its adjustment and needs replaced ASAP

 

Not sure which part you're talking about. might try a new thread to get some answers.