Looking to buy first gen, 98 or 99

As the title states, owned f150's for my entire life, tired of the 5.4l problems, looking to get a first gen tacoma, either a 98, or a 99.. auto/manual 3.4l taco, can anyone give me advice on what to look for in these years of trucks that are the most common problems?

 

None. they are amazing trucks. check regular things like if you were to buy any other car or truck....you never know if someone screwed up the truck and then try to sell it to you. people can be that like you know haha

 

Depending on your location check for frame rust it's pretty bad in the states that salt the roads.

 

Wow, quick quality replys, i like it here already... I live in Vancouver, BC. The one I was looking at has 165,000KM local truck, hes a small dealer and hes also willing to give me a 1 year warrenty on engine, drivetrain, including transfer case.. here is the link here:
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/bnc/ctd/2312176921.html
I have a hard time spending 9000-10000 on a older mid size truck but they do hold there value.. This particular one is an automatic.. what is wrong with the autos? or what can go wrong?

 

I would suggest buying one that is completely stock, or at least near completely stock. A lot of knuckleheads beat the crap out of these trucks by wheeling and what-not, putting a bunch of modifications on for various reasons.

I made sure to buy mine with no lift, no engine modifications, intake, ect. Gives me a little piece of mind on a used vehicle.

 

X2 i bought mine stock i passed up modded ones I don't really care about resale on my truck because it will be a trail rig when I buy a new truck a long time from now

 

Jlee...i think most ppl would take your truck tho lol

i agree with getting a stock one. then YOU can mod it how YOU like...if at all

 

Welcome. I live just south of you in the islands over there...I made the mistake of buying a standard cab '96 4x2. Good enough truck, but I was so much happier when I upgraded to a '98 Extracab. I agree with what other people are saying about buying stock, but I also think that when people replace the shocks/suspensions, that's not really a huge modification. Our trucks are getting up there in miles, and it's common for people to have replaced their worn out suspensions with aftermarket upgrades. Rock solid truck though. I'd pay for the peace of mind knowing it was well maintained, however. Luckily, I know mine's history as I bought it off a family member...

 

x2

 

What suspension components are usually weak? The rack/pinion? Shocks?
Also what problems are common with the automatic trans?

 

I have a 1999 with an auto trans and it has 224,500+ miles on it and has never had a problem

 

this is your truck!!! never beat allways babied(probally too much). anyways its a 1998 3.4l v6 151,000 miles and a few extras





sorry i only read the first post so i dont know if you found one. if you did my bad

 

There is nothing wrong with the autos in these trucks. Some folks who prefer a manual like to express their prefferences. Its the old arguement about which is better. The automatic transmision in the 1st gen Tacomas is rock solid when properly maintained. A fact that can be said for the whole drivetrain. The stock springs however are a different matter. If my math is correct, the mileage on your (prospective) truck is around 100K miles. If the spring are still stock, they are past their best and will likely be one of your first upgrades.

Watch out for the cupholders. They were notoriously bad in that model year.

 

quote-Watch out for the cupholders. They were notoriously bad in that model year. -quote.

ya no kidding they are only like 2.5 in deep

 

Frame rust, saggy leaf springs and possibly blown shocks if the mileage is high. Besides that I love my 99. My automatic has never given me any issues.

 

"Always babied" as he shows a picture of it in the mud lol. Sorry but if you're wheelin' then you ain't babyin' your truck

 

How much do new springs go for? 600?

 

I have 201k on my auto!