New guy looking to buy a used Tacoma

Good morning everyone, I figured I'd join and get some opinions here. I am looking to drop roughly 4-5 grand on a used Tacoma. I found a 1994 Tacoma, 22RE engine. Here is the ad that the owner posted on craigslist. This guy is asking for 3300$, I'd assume he'd take 3k.

So, long story short, I am looking for a sub 5k 4x4 vehicle and I've always been a fan of the Tacoma. What year should I look for in this price range? I prefer a 4cylinder, 5spd manual 4x4.

Any insight and or information would be greatly appreciated.

 

imo there is not a bad 22r/re toyota. mechanically these trucks are unbelievable. Questions for me on this one would be where did you get the motor, what cond is the body in, will it pass inspection in january. Always check the frame on these trucks they are a weel spot. All the older toyotas around here (vermont) have wood beds and welded/ re-inforced/ shortened frames. Body/ frame condition is key. I'm sure you know the deal on used vehicles buyer beware who knows why they're getting rid of it. Hope this helps. BTW that is a reasonable price around here (again VT) but i would still look up the values in your area to gauge how good a deal it is.

 

Thanks for the info! I am some what familiar with the Tacoms, my buddy had two of them, a 89 and 2002 I believe. Both, were really nice trucks and I've wanted one since.

I am aware that there were some frame issues with rust, so that is definitely something I will go over with a fine tooth comb.

So the 22re motors are solid? Are they good above 100k mile, 150k mile?

As for the transmission, is the 5spd manual solid?

Also, the 4 wheel drive, anything I should be aware of when looking at the truck? I need the 4x4, the roads where I live are all country roads, and when we get snowed on, plow trucks don't make it around much. I'll be using that 4x4 all winter long I'm sure.


I had a Dodge Dakota I picked up last year, for about 1500, the truck broke down time and time again, glad I had AAA! I'm hoping the Toyota treats me well. Are there any used Tacomas on here for sale in the North east/PA area?

 

Welcome to TW!

The 22R/RE is an amazing thing, you cannot go wrong.

 

Thanks for the reply, my only problem is, none of the guys that are selling them, are replying.
I guess the search continues...

 

As himmie said the 22r motors are nearly bullet proof as is the drive line. I know guys who run these things with 150-200k and as long as it doesn't rot around them they keep going. Mechanically the 5-spd and 4x4 are very solid. That being said if the guy before you beat the snot out of it and didn't take care of it anything is suseptible to mechanical failure. Good lick with your search

 

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/1988151178.html


Going to look at this one now, wish me luck.