New member from Salem, MA. Loking to buy first Tacoma. Questions.

Hello everyone!

I'm a new member who lives just north of Boston and I'm looking to buy my first Tacoma.

I've posted as thread in the New Member section with a better introduction than this.

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I have a budget of 10K and am leaning towards a second gen Tacoma (prefer first gens due to the size, but are harder to find in decent shape)

Here are my preferences:

Manual Trans
Ext. Cab (perhaps Regular)
4cyl (perhaps V6)
RWD (perhaps 4WD)

I mostly planned on using this as a reliable daily driver except for the summer where I mostly drive a turbo Miata.

I would love to buy a Tacoma from a fellow member here as I plan to stick around and absorb as much information from people here as well as attend meetings.

If there is an active community I may opt for the 4WD so I may partake in any trail outings.

A local Toyota dealer has an '06 Ext Cab 4Cyl RWD I plan on checking out tomorrow but I would also be open to buying one from a member here.

They are asking for 10K.

I planned on doing a few mods, such as increasing tire size slightly and installing some off-roading front and rear bumpers with shocks so I am not sure I should pay extra for the TRD package.


If anyone has any advice I'd love to hear it!

And hello to any active local Tacoma clubs! I hope to meet your members in the near future.

 

go 4wd.... dont waste your time with 2wd... and decide how far into the rabbit hole you want to go... NEWER TRD offroads have the larger rear axle ring gear 8.75" (i believe), and rear locker. but not really necessary.. toyota tacomas are nice, but remember they are a midsized truck, so tons of weight is NOT a good thing.. once you add bumpers, sliders, armor, and larger tires.. you'll have all of 100whp equivalent.. if it is an older tacoma youre after have it checked out by an independant mechanic you trust before you sign to buy it.. if you can swing it, go for the 4.0 v6... avoid the 3.4, and 4banger

 

Thanks for the advice.

I've heard many mixed opinions on which engines I should look for though.

I was told the 3.4 was more robust than the 4.0.

The 3.4 has thicker cylinder walls allowing for a rebore if the engine were to be rebuilt.

The 4.0 has thinner walls.

Which engine has the most engines operating with 500k miles?

 

they all have their pluses and minuses, all subjective, and which body style you like.. but most prefer the v-6 for the torque, and power over the older 4cylinders 22RE, and 2.7's.... dont get me wrong the 4 bangers have their place, and some (with LOTS OF GEARING) swear by the little 22RE... you will want more power.. especially if you add any weight, gear, armour, larger tires.. etc.. I wouldnt know where to look for "on the road" statistics.. there is always google for that.. but it usually doesnt break it down by engines, but rather by year/model... from that you can look at toyotas sales statistics, and determine what engines/colors were sold in that year of production. just find something that suits you color wise, and has the drivetrain you are comfortable with driving offroad... nothing worse than getting in a tricky spot with a manual transmission, and not being comfortable with the clutch engagement, or shifting gears for that matter...

 

Welcome Staggs
Be patient the right rig will come around for ya.

 

Go with 4x4 if you can afford it. After spending a number of New England winters with a 2wd tacoma and now having a 4x4, I'd never go back.

 

If that one you are talking about is from Ira Toyota and its a blue Access cab 4 cylinder 5 speed I worked on that. It has a brand new frame but the front end components are super fucking crusty. Previous owner liked to park it on wet grass im sure. It was old man owned. I wouldnt bother buying a 2wd truck you will appreciate the added traction of a 4x4. Check facebook marketplace as well because dealers overchange for tacos way too much. Plus if you are trying to add bumpers you wont have very good luck unless its a prerunner so you maintain a Somewhat normal truck ride height, you would still have to play with suspension components too.