Just bought my first tacoma let me know what ya think

Well, i finally took the dive into the wonderful world of tacomas. I am a convereted Dodge Cummins Forum Member, sorta speak. And now for all practical purposes I have decided to buy something more economical. From one reliable vehicle to the next (atleast engine wise). Bought me a 2002 DCD SR5 TRD 4x4 with 118k miles. Clean as a whistle! Got it for 11,600 out the door... Good price? I think so. Let me know what yall think.
Definitely plan on adding numerous mods (as time and money allows). Thinking about lift kit, exhaust system, HID Kit, and some others. Any suggestions??? New to the world of tacomas, so not sure what brands are best for this sorta truck. Ive heard alot about the bilstien 5100's and things of that nature. Definitely want to put a lift kit and HID Kit on right away so all suggestions and ideas will be warmly received.

 

nice truck and good Deal!!!

 

very nice looking taco right there! Welcome!

 

welcome, nice looking truck. the ome kit is great i heard, billy's are good, about anything is good except spacer lift and blocks. icon's are good, kings, etc....depends on how much you want to spend basically......

 

Did you research any of this info:

Info on the 1995.5 through 2004 Toyota Tacoma frame recall for rust

The good news is Toyota is treating customer's right and buying back 1995.5 through 2000 model Tacomas with rusty frames and replacing frames of 2001-2004 Tacomas if the rust is too bad. If your Tacoma doesn't have severe rust issues, Toyota is actually resealing your frame to protect it as well, so make sure you contact your dealer as soon as possible for more information.

 

I'm not looking to spend an absolute fortune, but I do have some money to play with after i sell my 98 Civic. Having said that, I'm not cheapy when it comes to buying quality parts for my vehicles. I'm not a huge offroading fanatic, although Id like to be. Just the area in which i live in doesnt allow for numerous offroad adventures. With that said, Im looking to go for a 2-3 inch lift, plan on keep original tires on it, maybe going next size higher if that will enhance looks. So what should I be looking at regarding the Billsteins. Whats it include? And is there anything else I should buy in addition to that for all practical and functional purposes?

 

This is what you need:

Bilstein 5100's all around, fronts set to 2.5"
AAL in the back (adds about 1.5")
New UCA's (many different kinds to get)
Great for someone who goes offroading on occasion, but doesn't live offroad. Also, it still has about the same as the factory rake so you won't run into many problems like you would with a spacer lift.

Hope this helps!!

 

Nice. Welcome to TW from TX.

 

Yes, I talked to the dealer about it and they said the truck was inspected prior to coming to their dealership. Frame hadnt sufffered any severe rust issues, but i will be taking it in for the FREEE resealing.

 

Sure does help. I plan on doing this within the next month. So i will have more lift in the front than the back needless to say, correct? Also, what kind of prices are we looking at. Anybody on here know of any reputable place to purchase it?

 

That sounds great! Have fun with it and enjoy it! When I bought my 06, it was my first Toyota and I did not even know they went to the larger body till I went looking. I originally wanted one like yours. (better fuel Economy) I have enjoyed my 06, but it has given me a few headaches. Poor suspension (Broke front strut at 26K then broke rear leaf at around 50K, dealer/Toyota denied warranty work.) - I've corrected all that and now have 84K on it.
BROKEN STRUT (Junk Bilsteins!):

BROKEN LEAF SPRING:

 

Man, thats a bummer. You got a hell of a nice looking set up tho. I was acutally looking at buying a 2011 TRD OFF road package, but couldnt get monthly payments to work out. Plan on keeping the '02 for a while until i can save up enough money to buy me a brand new one...but im in no hurry.

 

That's what i HATE about Toyota Dealerships ,,, when it come to buying a vehicle new/used they are fucking vultures following you all over the lot , but when you need their help cause of any issues with your car/truck they will turn their backs on you and will used that cheap excuse that the car damage is not cover under the warranty .....always trying to screw customers but they want the customers loyalty ... fuck them .

 

I wonder how much my truck is worth ??? I have a 2006 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner Sports Package 2WD with 42350 miles ..... by the way nice truck ..... if yours has 118k miles and you pay 11,600 ,, i wonder how much mine is worth ? Dealerships are crime organizations

 

Nice choice 1st Gen FTW! Good price too. Welcome from Norcal

 

with 2.5" front a 1.5" back, it should be level or a little factory rake, I suggest you spend the extra money for kings front and rear, the ride with my 5100 is not as good as I had hoped!

 

Hmm. I'm not all that mechanically savy. By kings, do you mean shocks? or UCA's err???? or something else lol

 

Thanks. Look forward to interacting with yall!

 

Dude, Nice truck!!! .....Im a gen 1 fan, trapped in a Gen 2 body. You got yourself a good deal. 118k is just broken in.

 

Nice truck, looks clean. I got my 2005 Tacoma 4wd, STANDARD cab, with a century topper, and 76,000 miles. I paid 11,300 for the truck which I think now is a pretty darn good deal. But like I said I have the standard cab, which can be frustrating at times.