First time Tacoma owner

So long story short, my wife’s best friend told her about her family members truck that was for sale… found out about the truck two days before I was going to the dealer to order a new 2023 Ranger (is that a bad word to say here?)

Went over their house and there sat a 1996 Tacoma extended cab 4x4, 2.7, auto with 114k original miles sitting on brand new 31x10’s Michelin LTX tires. The interior is impeccable, looks like I was stepping back into 1996 once I sat in the truck. Everything is original and the factory radio still sound pretty decent giving its age.

The exterior is in good shape as well. The truck was repainted due to the original clear coat pealing but… it wasn’t the highest of quality of paint jobs but it’s ok. Now the frame is absolutely in perfect shape. Over the years the original owners were very proactive keeping the frame protected. Underneath the truck is very rust free for the most part.

Sine I have owned this truck for the last few days, I have changed the oil with 5w30 Mobil 1 and installed new headlights. The truck does have a slight idle surge, I wouldn’t say it runs rough but there is something off with the idle.

Is there anything I should address before I start purring miles on it? I like to replace the fuel filter to start with soon. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I have zero plans on lift kits or any off road mods, just want to keep it stock. This was a big leap for me to buy a used truck, especially a brand I never owned before, but given the reputation of Toyota Tacoma I figured if this truck wasn’t for me I wouldn’t have any problems selling it.

 

Here are a few pics...

 

I would do a full service. Change all the fluids. Full service.

 

Another thing: invest in a service manual.

 

2.7L 4 cylinder?

 

Welcome to the forum
Looks like you made a nice score.

As stated above, get a factory service manual, do a complete service, carefully inspect any rubber parts and change every fluid & every filter -- using the correct fluids -- trust the manual, don't believe anything "the guy at the parts store" or anyone who says "I always" says is the correct fluid.

Keep up on the maintenance and rust protection and you might get another 26 years out of it.

Looks like nothing was ever in the bed -- get a bed mat too.

 

LineX is the way to go.

 

Awesome score Dan. Welcome to TacomaWorld.

 

Looks like a keeper. Who needs a new Ranger, along with the payments, insurance costs & dpreciation? Keep this one in decent shape, it may even appreciate!

Happy Motoring, Mark D.

 

DUDE! That thing is MINT. Like seriously. I agree with the above mentioned items. In addition to all of them, I would definitely invest in some WeatherTech floor mats to preserve the life of that clean carpet. They are absolutely without a doubt worth the money. Fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs and wires, 2.7L has a timing chain so you're good to go there, maybe some nicely done window tint if you really want to put the money into it, a bug deflector is a cheap investment that can help protect your hood, then of course like mentioned above, ALL your fluid changes. O2 sensors, too, maybe? PCV valve/grommet, new thermostat, definitely an external transmission cooler for the sake of preserving your transmission's life, heck maybe even a new radiator if it's never been changed before merely because of its age, test your battery and alternator, check the condition of all your wiring and vacuum hoses, transmission shifter bushings to fix sloppy shifter, A/C drain extension with some hose to prevent it from dripping onto your frame.

I just listed a bunch of shiz from my 4Runner's build thread. Not saying you HAVE to do all of these items, I have just found them to be useful and have helped me squeeze out 317K miles so far and counting. Just a place to start with some good ideas.
Beautiful rig and I am very jealous!!!

 

Welcome to TW: Thats a a very clean "Cherry" truck. If you don't mind us nosey busy bodies, what did you pay for it in this over inflated Tacoma Market.
Check your lower ball joints. If they need replacing I'd suggest buying Genuine Toyota parts for this job. Google Failed Lower Ball joints on 1st Gen Tacoma, and you'll see why I suggest this as a first job. If you have the maintenance history, that's a big plus. Keep it stock and enjoy the truck.

 

How could I have forgotten this. This!!!! LBJ's are a must!

 

Somebody scored a jewel. Good for you!