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Trying to decide if I should buy...

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by 4XMountains, Jun 29, 2019.

  1. Jun 29, 2019 at 3:45 PM
    #21
    4XMountains

    4XMountains [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Amarillo, TX
    Lol, fair point. If the carfax maintenance record is accurate then he took care of it mechanical, but the seat did have me wondering. The maintenance record was the biggest attraction for me.


    Is there a limit on how many miles y'all would buy a truck with, or does it just all depend on price/condition? I liked the idea of under 130,000.
     
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2019
  2. Jun 29, 2019 at 3:46 PM
    #22
    1st4x4

    1st4x4 Well-Known Member

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    The condition and price of that thing doesnt look so much like it's worth it. Fly to cali and buy my truck and drive her home.
     
  3. Jun 29, 2019 at 3:55 PM
    #23
    4XMountains

    4XMountains [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I was just thinking about you 1st4x4. I'm thinking your truck might be too much off-road for me, looking more for a daily driver. I'll post some more questions on your thread, and hopefully it'll clear things up for me.
     
  4. Jun 29, 2019 at 5:13 PM
    #24
    UTTaco93

    UTTaco93 AlrightF!

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    Cold Air, OME 882 Springs Upfront, Dakar Rear Leaf, Billy's all the way around, Trail Gear Low Profile front bumper, CBI Outback rear bumper, Smitty Bilt 9500, GoodYear Duratrac 285/75/16, Demello sliders
    I have a 2004 DC and it has about same mileage, I'm 2nd owner, no accidents and in no way a rusted ugly top like that... Say NO! You need to inspect and inquire what it would take to repair the top first.
     
  5. Jun 29, 2019 at 5:16 PM
    #25
    CedarPark

    CedarPark Master of Destroying CVs

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    Pass. Be patient you’ll find much better deals
     
  6. Jun 29, 2019 at 5:17 PM
    #26
    1st4x4

    1st4x4 Well-Known Member

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    Reply sent it is definitely a offroad truck but very capable of being a daily driver. Only reason I'm selling it is because I have a kid on the way and want to use the money for a down payment on a house I can buy toys again later.
     
  7. Jun 29, 2019 at 5:44 PM
    #27
    CS_AR

    CS_AR Well-Known Member

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    How much snow do you guys get in Amarillo?
     
  8. Jun 29, 2019 at 5:49 PM
    #28
    4XMountains

    4XMountains [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Generally a handful of times in the winter.
     
  9. Jun 29, 2019 at 5:55 PM
    #29
    CS_AR

    CS_AR Well-Known Member

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    Its virtually stopped snowing where I'm located. Because of that, it didn't bother me about going 2WD. Though I've had some good experiences and fun with 4x4s in the past and have one for the northern part of the state where it still snows a few times a year.
     
    UTTaco93 likes this.
  10. Jun 30, 2019 at 7:22 PM
    #30
    4XMountains

    4XMountains [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I plan to get back living in the mountains within the next few years, so really want and need 4x4.
     
  11. Jun 30, 2019 at 7:56 PM
    #31
    Rrowdy

    Rrowdy Well-Known Member

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  12. Jun 30, 2019 at 8:21 PM
    #32
    4XMountains

    4XMountains [OP] Well-Known Member

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  13. Jun 30, 2019 at 8:36 PM
    #33
    Rrowdy

    Rrowdy Well-Known Member

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    Sorry, my bad, I forgot you were looking for a 4WD. Pre runners can be pretty capable off road though.
     
  14. Jun 30, 2019 at 8:40 PM
    #34
    4XMountains

    4XMountains [OP] Well-Known Member

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    It's all good. A good looking truck regardless. Thanks for letting me know about it.
     
  15. Jun 30, 2019 at 8:54 PM
    #35
    CS_AR

    CS_AR Well-Known Member

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  16. Jul 1, 2019 at 7:32 AM
    #36
    Rrowdy

    Rrowdy Well-Known Member

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    4XMountains[OP] likes this.
  17. Jul 1, 2019 at 11:10 AM
    #37
    Suspender

    Suspender Well-Known Member

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    Pass.

    The cost to replace the steering rack and the roof rust (to say nothing of potential rust elsewhere) puts this truck in the 7k price range.
     
    4XMountains[OP] likes this.
  18. Jul 2, 2019 at 6:09 AM
    #38
    CrippledOldMan

    CrippledOldMan Well-Known Member

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    @4XMountains , nope, you live in Texas, try googling out around Midland, or El Paso, maybe even down in the Valley where it's bone dry. 10K should get you a nice truck without body panel rust like that. Always check the frame, that's the most important part. Any truck you look at, take a small hammer with you, to tap and check for rust on the frame. From everything I've learned here on TW, they rust from the inside out. Take your time looking, I spend over 6 months looking here in NC, and found a nice 2003 with 80k miles. Granted that was 10 years ago, but keep looking, you'll find one.
     
    GQ7227 likes this.
  19. Jul 2, 2019 at 7:38 AM
    #39
    cruxofthebisquit

    cruxofthebisquit Well-Known Member

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    OME and worth every penny.
    The rust looks bad enough to me to think the roof will need to be cut off. (or just let it rot away a few more years 'til death)
     
  20. Jul 2, 2019 at 7:49 AM
    #40
    buildataco

    buildataco Well-Known Member

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    You can get a WAY better 1st gen for 10k. Do not buy that. Honestly kind of shocked that they are asking that when it has been in an accident and the roof is ready to cave in.

    I do not know if you have experience with 1st gens, but when looking be sure to check a few things:

    • Clean/non-rusted frame. These trucks are infamous for extremely rusted frames which essentially destroys the vehicle
    • If above 100k miles, amake sure the lower ball joints were changed (or make sure you plan on changing them once you get the truck). Search on this forumm "Lower Ball Joint Failure" and you will have fun scaring yourself.
    • Records of preventative maintenance on the truck.
    • Check the sag on the leaf springs and make sure they do not have a negative arch.
    Like mentioned above...patience is important when buying a car. It will be worth it once you find a nice 1st gen. Let us know if you have any questions! Good luck!!
     
    4XMountains[OP] likes this.

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