TacomaWorld... fml

Well.. its more like a love/hate thing.

I have an 09 Reg Cab and before I found TacomaWorld I was perfectly happy with my little truck. I have been checking out these 1st Gen's lately and I WANT ONE! I miss having more space and power windows/locks.

I am looking at getting a 2000-2004 (prefer it not being toooo old) Double Cab 4x4 in the best condition I can find. I currently owe 10k on my current truck ( only purchased last Aug) and hoping to do a trade-in.. or sell privately and make a little more $$.

What should I be checking for when I am buying? I know most likely I am looking at a 100k on the odometer but older Toyotas last even longer than the 2nd gens. Any help or input is appreciated!

 

only thing i can really think of is rust. welcome to the good side.. well not yet

 

rust, suspension wear, engine problems...



welcome to the dark side. we have cookies.

 

engine problems??? like what?

and suspension wear is normal on all old vehicles?

 

like if the prev owner tried to flush his engine with water

and I guess that's true. I meant more like completely frowning leafs and leaking struts


actually OP, nevermind. 1st gens are meteor proof, just buy one and you'll be good to go!

 

you not the only 2nd gen guy that has been looking at them. i have to. same years too. but i just want an extended cab 4x4. and i’m not going to get read of my ’07.

i had plained on building it up. for some trail riding. but i have changed my mind and want a 1st gen to just go ALL out on the mods. big lift,sliders,bumpers,bed rack,SAS. and keep the ’07 as my DD with light mods for better MPG.

edit: i’m getting around 20mpg with mixed driving/ light and heavy foot driving. on a 4.0 4x4.

 

Well.. maybe I jumped the gun on that statement. That was based on personal experiences.. My uncle has an 94 4Runner with 350K on original engine with only minor repairs...

Side Note: My gf hates me right now. New truck= new mods and more of me talking about my truck.

Thanks for the input everyone. I will be checking for rust!

 

if your'e aiming for ~100k, make sure the timing belts AND water pump was replaced at 90k... or that will be your first 'mod' - Otherwise, look for rust. Also, I'd bring an OBDII scanner with me if i were to do it again, may need o2 sensors and they may be showing as 'tenitive' but not lighting up the CEL. (happened to me...)

I checked autotrader.com everyday for 4 months to find the one that was right for me.

Good luck!

 

My first gens frame rusted right out. Everyone kept saying sell it or junk it but after driving it I fell in love. I couldnt stand the thought of driving another vehicle.

 

Dont the 1st Gens have a TSB to replace the frame for free? . I test drove an 03 DC TRD OFF ROAD 4x4 the other day and I am sold. Unfortunately, Gold is an ugly color to me. haha

 

Ohhh.. Thanks for the clarification. I have spent the last year learning the ins and outs of the 2nd gens but I cant wait to get my 1st Gen and go to town on that Mother Fucker

 

I had a gold '99 ext cab. It was extremly easy to keep clean. It NEVER looked dirty.

 

I am just not a fan of gold... or red too.. I saw a build thread on a gold tacoma that had a lift and black rims and it looked pretty good .. but its just not for me. I am looking for a white, black or silver. I am not in a rush so I dont want to settle for something I dont absolutely love.

 

I have heard horror stories about rust so I am keeping an eye outl How difficult are ball joints to replace?

 

Awesome. Thanks for the info. I didnt sleep last night because I was thinking about all the mods I am going to do ... to a truck I don't even have yet.

 

Update:

Found a Silver/Grey 2004 Prerunner Trd 4x4 Auto -Awesome condition with only 60k miles - 14k obo

Found a Black/Oak 2004 Prerunner TRD w/ Rear Diff Lock - Awesome condition with 79k - 14500 obo

Which one is a better truck??... 4x4 I am guessing. If one of these trucks needs the frame replaced, do I have to own it for a certain amount of time?..or can I take it directly to Toyota for the frame replacement? Anybody buy a warranty when they bought their used 1st gen?... is it worth it?

Are these prices pretty good? How much did you pay for your 1st gen DC.

Thanks for the input fellas!