Buying first Tacoma…

I'm not that mechanically inclined yet my 22.5 year old tacoma (original owner here) is still going strong. Sure, I need to tackle a valve cover gasket replacement but not worried about it even though it will be the first time I've done that job. These trucks are very forgiving and easy to work on.

 

This makes me think buying this truck wouldn’t be terrible…

 

It is 400k we're talking about but if you're solid with working on vehicles and have really give it a once over, I'd say arm yourself with Toyota's Factory Service Manual for the 96 Tacoma and give it a go. Sounds like you're pretty committed to pulling the trigger anyway. https://partsouq.com/en/catalog/genuine/locate?c=Toyota (use the VIN number) is a great source for looking up parts and their prices are very competitive even with being in the UAE. https://autoparts.fremonttoyota.com/ has also be surprising me lately with their prices.

 

Is that pullout cupholder properly mounted and secured, not damaged not broken

 

It is, haha.

 

You are right, I do want the truck and I don’t want to spend $12k on a lower mileage truck just to take it to the mountains and dent it to hell. Thank you for the advice.

 

As long as the frame is good, everything else is repairable.
Clearly you have no problems working on stuff, so go for it.

 

A lift is great, but the front differential still has to come out to remove oil pan. Maybe you're a pro, but I'd still rank this effort in the "difficult" or at least "intimidating" category for most DIYers....