1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

What to look for?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Swashbuckler, Jan 20, 2009.

  1. Jan 20, 2009 at 7:23 PM
    #1
    Swashbuckler

    Swashbuckler [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2009
    Member:
    #12799
    Messages:
    65
    Gender:
    Male
    Hey fellas, this is my first post here, so don't be too rough. :)


    I'm buying a 95ish Tacoma. I've always loved these trucks and I'm sick of my piece of fucking shit evo breaking all the time. my turbo went completley out on the way to the mountains today. looks like a new turbo before I can trade it in...woooh!

    Almost traded the evo in the other day for a 95 v6 4x4 ext cab 150k miles for 7,9. But they low balled me on the evo so I walked. I'm glad I did, because afterwards I realized I have no idea what to look for in a good taco. I've been cruising these forums...and I see some frame issue comming up? and the dealership gives you money if your truck is fucked up? If someone could clarify I'd appreciate it. any other info and things to watch out for are also greatly, greatly appreciated!


    oh, here's a couple of the ever breaking mistu.

    timeattack5_3e0d84798f4a310c83010849cea27a8b7bfd72d9.jpg



    timeattack8_cf3f4e212bc9606ca99b40ac64c24c5cc451b171.jpg
     
  2. Jan 20, 2009 at 7:55 PM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

    Joined:
    May 8, 2008
    Member:
    #6497
    Messages:
    112,751,503
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    FlimFlubberJAM
    Tenoe, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2019 Rubicon 4 Door,
    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    Welcome to Tacoma World! The 1995 and up Is a great truck! Only things I can think of off hand to look for would be frame rust. Its a tough truck, and built to last.
     
  3. Jan 21, 2009 at 6:29 AM
    #3
    Ry1984

    Ry1984 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2008
    Member:
    #11203
    Messages:
    836
    Gender:
    Male
    From Texas, Now Miami FL
    Vehicle:
    01' ExtCab SR5 2.7 4x4
    K&N FIPK, Billy 5100 all around, 881's in the front, Toytec AAL
    Only thing you need to watch out for is your bank account :(
     
  4. Jan 21, 2009 at 8:07 PM
    #4
    Toy4Life

    Toy4Life 668: The Neighbor of the Beast

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2007
    Member:
    #2566
    Messages:
    4,959
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chad
    Slippery Rock, PA
    Vehicle:
    96 Subaru Outback 2.2 5mt
    92 4Runner SR5 3.0v6 4x4(sold) 02 Tacoma SR5 TRD Offroad 4x4 (sold)
    Glad you passed on that 95. Don't get me wrong, they are great trucks, but 7,9 seems a little steep for a 95 with 150K. As said, rust is the biggest factor. You can find good deals on newer trucks with less miles, just have a little patience.
     
  5. Jan 22, 2009 at 3:26 AM
    #5
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2007
    Member:
    #1138
    Messages:
    14,339
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Jandy
    Lancaster, PA
    Vehicle:
    2016 GMC Canyon SLT w/ LineX and....
    www.carfax.com
    www.autotrader.com

    You can either sell your car and look for a tacoma. If anything - search those sites for pricing and use it for bargaining.

    Toyota has a 15 year frame rust warrantee. Before you buy anything - have it checked by a TOYOTA dealer for frame rust. This is internal frame rust and not necessarily something you can spot from the outside.

    I owned a 96 - very tough and durable trucks. But like anything else - it's fate is based on all previous owners. Do a complete 'go-over'. Look at engine compartment, look underneath, check fluids for 'off smells' and improper coloration, DRIVE IT. Drive it in 2wd, 4wd, and 4Lo! Take it on the highway up to speed and see how it feels. Listen for everything and anything. Do some research to make sure the head gasket recall has been performed (and any other recalls that havent' been performed).

    If you know of any friends who are mechanics, have them come along with you.

    Good Luck!
     
  6. Jan 22, 2009 at 12:46 PM
    #6
    Swashbuckler

    Swashbuckler [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2009
    Member:
    #12799
    Messages:
    65
    Gender:
    Male
    very helpful. Thanks!
     
  7. Jan 28, 2009 at 10:24 PM
    #7
    Swashbuckler

    Swashbuckler [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2009
    Member:
    #12799
    Messages:
    65
    Gender:
    Male
    Update:

    Got a 97 V6 4x4 ext cab 150 on the clock second owner! Truck is in awesome shape and runs strong. Will post pics soon :)
     
  8. Jan 29, 2009 at 6:51 AM
    #8
    darkturtleninja

    darkturtleninja 9th level dungeon master

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2008
    Member:
    #11243
    Messages:
    265
    Gender:
    Male
    Illinois
    Vehicle:
    95 2.7 3rz turd
    cold air intake, body lift, suspension lift.

    sweet looking lancer though i bet you had some fun!!!
     
  9. Jan 29, 2009 at 7:09 AM
    #9
    oldtacomaguy

    oldtacomaguy four forty four

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2006
    Member:
    #444
    Messages:
    10,032
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    SE Conn.
    Vehicle:
    08 SR-5 4WD Impulse Red Pearl
    Alpine deck and amp, Polk speakers front and rear, Kenwood subwoofer, windows tinted to 20%, Sockmonkey decals, TSB, Eibach springs and Bilstein 5100's
    Excellent. My last one was a 97 X-cab V-6 4X4. Great truck. Still ran like new when I got rid of it. Unfortunately, it was a victim of frame rot. Ran it on salted roades for 11 winters. Here's a pic of mine:

    [​IMG]

    Keep up the maint. and it should run forever!
     

Products Discussed in

To Top