back in the market for a tacoma

so i sold the 06 for a 11 mustang 5.0 but as i said id need a truck eventually. so im looking for a getting a decent 1st gen. these trucks seem to last well over 200k. ive found a couple for $11k with about 100k miles on them. mostly 03-04 models.

anybody got some words of wisdom or special things to look for when checking out the trucks? is 100k miles a little much? im obviously going to need this truck to last me as long as possible so i need something reliable

 

if you're getting a v6 that has 100k miles see if the timing belt/water pump was changed. Toyota recommends that it gets changed at 90k.

Also the whole frame thing.

 

^^^ x2 on the T-belt, and should also be water pump...

I bought a late 01 last year with 101k miles (yeah, lucked out on the mileage). No, that mileage is not too much. These trucks should turn a minimum of 200k with basic maintenance (and no jumping). No regrets, other than the stock suspension sucks, so I replaced that.

You know about the frame rust issue, right?

A few minor cosmetic things will probably be worn out but are easy to fix (window trim, fender flares, etc.).

The 01s and 02 had ABS as an option, it became standard in 03, if you care one way or the other.

They fetch a premium. High demand. Be prepared, and act quickly if you see one you like. Lots of guys have had them snatched out from under them...

Good hunting.

 

i've had my '03 for two months now. this is the first i've heard of the timing belt/water pump issue. how can i check mine to see if they've been replaced?

 

on mine when i bought it on sept 3rd, the dealership had a sticker on the engine saying the timing belt was done

 

You could also check the maintenance log in the glove box, if it is still in there.

You can also register on toyotaownersonline.com and enter your VIN, and it may show the truck maint records and TSBs/recalls.

 

Oh, yeah, the 01s and I think 02s had a lower ball joint recall on some trucks. This is serious. Mine wasn't done when I bought it. When you are looking at a specific truck or have bought one, register on toyotaownersonline.com and enter the VIN, and it will tell you...dealer will do it on the spot if it is needed. It will get you a free alignment, too....

 

thanks guys. i am aware of the rust frame issue. this one im looking at specificaly is a 2004, the frame has been coated with a black, texturized paint or something. its a reg cab, 110k miles manual tranny. ill check on the timing belt and water pump. they want $12k for it. i like it alot but not sure about $12k

 

12k is too much.

I bought my 03 Xcab TRD 4x4 blah blah 5 speed with 55k on it for 13k + TTL 2 years ago.

 

wow thats a low price (insert staples guy ) at least compared to what ive looked at here

 

Yeah I got them to come down a bit in price. I went out the day that it was listed on Autotrader and put a deposit down for it.

Plus I bought it from a BMW dealer...they probably wanted to get rid of it

 

so where is the water pump and how can i see if its been replaced if theres no documentation? im not exactly a mechanic lol

 

The water pump is behind that black plastic shroud, front and center on the engine. Removing the shroud will expose it and if its is leaking you will see water/coolant stains.

Typically, when the timing belt is changed, a sticker saying so will be placed on the black shroud. However, that does not guarantee the wp was changed when the t-belt was changed.

If the stealership did it there will be documentation that you can access to by creating an account at toyotaownersonline.com. The vin # will give access ot the records in the toyota system.

 

thanks man!