230,000 Tacoma questions

Hey guys,

I’m looking at a 99 sr5 manual. It has ~230k on it, full service history, and is pretty clean. I could grab it for $5k. I’m just wondering what I should really expect with that kind of mileage. I’ve had a few jeeps with 200+ and a v10 excursion with 250 so I’m not expecting a “new car” feel from an old Montana truck. Just wanted to see what people would say to be aware of from their experiences with high mileage Toyotas

Thanks
Pat

 

This is pretty obvious, but you'd want to check the level of rust on it pretty thoroughly. I bought a 2000 4runner 5 years ago which had rust on it, but it was "expected" since it was from up north and had to pretty much scrap it recently because it was rusted through so bad.

 

Yea I’m in Michigan so I’m used to checking underneath before I even open the doors.

 

I bought my '00 SR5 when it had 215k miles from the original owner, and I couldn't be happier. It still has the original clutch and runs and drives like a newer truck. Even the A/C still works.

With that said, I went over the frame inch-by-inch to make sure there was no rust or rot. That was the most important thing for me. I only drove it around the block for three minutes and knew that it was mechanically sound.

 

you have never had to have the A/C recharged in 19 years?

 

I've only owned the truck since May, but the original owner didn't say anything about having it serviced and I see no evidence in the engine bay that somebody has recharged it. Even the caps on the line fittings look to be factory and untouched.

I guess I should find some wood to knock on... and fast.

 

the 4 cylinder motors will have a tendency to crack around that mileage. I drove mine for another 10k after I noticed coolant consupmtion before I put a rebuild motor in her. Mine, 2003 5 lug, has 345k on the odo atm and the people that drive her remark that you cant tell that it has that much mileage on it, it shifts great, the acceleration is great, it doesnt rattle and best of all the AC will freeze you out of the cab. Some people will take their motor in to get rebuilt and THEN they discover a cracked head... zero symptoms when it was running.

 

That’s good to know. It’s going to be inspected at a dealership before I spring for it. 345 is impressive man.

 

Find a good independent shop and skip the dealer.

All depends on the condition, not the mileage.