Need some info...looking to buy this weekend!

Ok so I have had a F-150, peice of garbage! Now on to Tacomas! Have some questions before I buy, so maybe some people can answer these questions for me.

*I have a 23 foot wellcraft boat. Do you think I will need 4X4 to pull this out of the boat ramp? My P.O.S. f150 was 4X2 and never had a problem. Really dont need 4 wheel drive besides the boat (if needed). Dont off-road anymore.

*Do the 4X2 models have the locking differential or is it only the 4X4's?

*What year was the first year they made the 4 door Tacoma?

I have mechanical experience and know these trucks typically do not have any mechanical issues...as long as you take care of them and do your maint. But is there anything that these trucks are notorious for? anything I should keep any eye for when looking at them this weekend?

and finally if you know someone who is selling one and has taken VERY GOOD care of it, let me know. Have cash in hand.

Thanks in advance!!

Brian B.
brianb1007@gmail.com (if you want to email me)

 

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I have had several Tacomas and the TRD Offroad 4x2s have a locking diff. And that would do your "boat ramp" without a problem.

With that said, IF I was doing the "boat ramp" ... I would go for a 4x4 TRD with locking diff. for the "extra pulling insurance".

.

 

if you are looking for a first gen tacoma they came out with the double cab(4door) in 2001

if you get a 98 or newer TRD offroad they came with a rear locker 2wd and 4x4

if you get one that has been used for heavy offroading check the rear frame they bend above the rear wheels. also look for rust...

 

SOSHeloPilot,

Thanks for the information. Just trying to stay away from 4X4 if at all possible (extra gas and insurance...and maint.) Thanks again for the info!!

 

Yoytoda,

Thanks I will check that out when looking thanks for the gen clarification.

 

1. not much extra gas if any at all
2. yes insurance is a bit more
3. little bit more maintenance not much on these trucks
4. resale is way better on a 4x4 but 2wd should be fine for the stuff you talk about

 

In bold!

edit 98 not 95

 

I've never had a problem pulling a boat out of the water. I've pulled as big as a 21 ft Chris Craft cruiser from 1956 with a bilge full of water out no problem. 2000 taco 4x4 sr5. You don't need the locker for that. Gas mileage is right about the same. Had someone offer me $7000 for mine without blinking an eye and it has 202,000 miles on it. You go to pull something with these trucks and they just ask for more. Only time I used the 4x4 with the boat was pulling it up a steep gravel road where the tires kept slipping on loose gravel. I only put it in 4 low, didn't lock the hubs.

 

why the multiple threads?

this one and this one - http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacoma-marketplace/176621-looking-buy-weekend-4door.html

 

4 door didn't come out till 2001 bro or late 2000. I know, I wanted one and was waiting for them to come out.

 

G scott 04,

Like the 2nd Gen.

 

Does it really matter?

 

Welcome to TW from Sparks, NV.

 

impulse red,

put it up on the selling thread.

 

thanks medic lol

 

Yeah my bad lol

I assumed on the earlier years

 

no prob.

 

Welcome man. Welcome to TW from a little south of you.

 

Well howdy neighbor, I live in Flowery Branch myself. Looks like you've got some answers already. I traded a Hemi Ram for my Taco and have no regrets all though I don't tow very often. Just wanted to give a shout out and wish you good luck!

 

Thanks TacoDawgFan!