Still looking for a tacoma

I joined this forum a few months ago looking to buy a 1st gen tacoma. Was ready to buy, but something came up Plan is to save up around $3000 and take out a loan to purchase the truck. My budget is $10k MAX, I really like the front end and interior on the 01-04 Tacomas, but the pre 01 are cheaper. Are there anything different between the two other than looks? I really want an access cab 4x4 model. Don't plan on modding it too much, just a moderate lift and tires. By the way, I posted in the socal forum asking if anyone knew anything about Zube's Import Auto. They specialize in tacomas, and 4runners. I might just purchase it from them since they take care of all the maintenance, smog, paperwork, etc. They seem pretty legit, but has anyone had any experience with them?

 

i actually live like 5 minutes from zubes i went there when i was looking for a truck and they had plenty but not in my price range. im really liking that white 4runner they have right now and its a 4cyl!!

 

Finding a 01-04 extra cab 4x4 in California for $10,000 is going to be tricky. 01 with higher mileage would be your best bet the TRD's sell for a lot more so a base 4x4 might be doable for $10,000 but your going to have to search for one.

 

Don't forget to check the frame and make sure it's not rusted out!

 

Thats not much of a problem here in CA trucks bought in CA are not even on the recall list. But it's good to check the frame anyway.

 

Thanks for the links. I will only be purchasing within California though. However it's going to be a month or two before I seriously look for one, unless it's an amazing deal. I want to save up some cash on the side in case there are any sudden repairs I have to deal with. And yes, I have read about the rusty frame issue and will look into that when checking out the trucks. Anything else I should be looking for?

 

Check the SF Bay Area Craigslist, and specifically South Bay and especially Santa Cruz. There is a guy who specializes in them (I think his name is Ray, IIRC), and he used to be a broker. I swear he virtually corners the market in NorCal, at least. He was pretty cool to deal with, but demand is high, and he knows it.

If you are in SoCal this might not be easy, but hey, it just isn't easy to find a good one.

I just got 9 hits for first gens in the Santa Cruz area from private sellers.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/cto/scz?query=tacoma&srchType=T&minAsk=&maxAsk=

 

Is the TRD model worth the extra money? I did some research on the differences bewern TRD and non-TRD models. So far I found that the TRD has different suspension and a locking rear diff. I won't do much off roading. Mainly street driven, but I would like to take it off roading one day. I will also be lifting it, so the upgraded TRD suspension wouldn't apply to me, I assume.

 

If you plan on taking it off road the locking diff is the way to go. That's really the only thing from the TRD package left on mine. but if it's a difference of over 2000 for the TRD model you can do your lift and a ARB for about that.

 

I am familiar with Craigslist, I use it all the time A little bit confused, you said he USED to be a broker? Meaning he doesn't work at a dealership anymore, but instead sells as a private party? You wouldn't happen to have his contact info, do you?

ARB? Is that the steel bumper? How much does a locking diff cost if I were to purchase a NON-TRD model? Sorry this will be my first truck so I don't know much about modding these vehicles.

EDIT: NVM! Searched harder and found out ARB is an aftermarket locking diff.

 

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^ Thanks, I'll keep an eye out.

On another note: I have been reading a lot on lifts and what not. Tell me if I have this correct: If I plan on lifting it 3", I don't NEED UCA, it's more of a personal preference if I feel I can't handle the wandering at certain speeds. With that amount of lift, it would also be best if I drop the diff to get the most life out of the CV. From what I read, any replacement CV can handle the lift, correct? I don't need "heavy duty cv" right? I have been looking at different types of lift kits (complete lift kits, coilovers, front lifts, rear lifts, etc.) Is it a good idea to buy the complete kits or should I buy them all separate? Are leveling kits what they sound like? (to level both front and rear ride heights?) My goal is to lift 3" and have both front and rear the same height, I don't want the "boat look"

 

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/2441231838.html

get it haha

 

"salvage title DONT WORRY the truck runs awesome" HAHAHA. Would love a 2nd gen, but can't afford it. Really want the access cab, and this one seems fishy.

 

i bought mine and it has a carfax history deal on the passenger front fender and it was fine. oh shoot i forgot about the access cab part. my bad.

 

http://slo.craigslist.org/ctd/2418041388.html

 

^ I was just looking at that! Very clean, indeed. Too bad it won't be another 2-3 months before I commit to purchasing the Tacoma. Need to set aside a couple thousand first.

 

i know id want that if i didnt have mine. dont worry the right truck will come for you. i waited 15 months