I'm new to Tacomas, Is this one a good buy?

Hello all,

I've been making the move from Chevelles to MR2s, and now I'm getting into Tacomas as my 2nd vehicle. I've been searching this site for 6 months trying to decide if a Tacoma is right for me. It didn't take long to figure out that indeed they are.

So I've finally come across what appears to be a nice Tacoma for sale and I wanted your thoughts on it. I'm going to go see it tomorrow.

1995 Toyota Tacoma in excellent condition. 248,000 miles, one owner, all highway miles. Unique factory paint job, sporty 4 wheel drive, great in snow, manual 5 speed, SR5 ext. cab, V6, tow package, bed liner, alloy wheels, Bluetooth integrated phone radio/CD, power windows and mirrors, air conditioning, sun roof, alarm system with remote entry.



What would you all pay for this? It's priced at $6,900, but the owner is flexible. I thought that was high, but I'm new here.

Thank you!

 

if you can get it for under $4500 then yeah, good buy. Just make sure its been taken care of and CHECK FOR FRAME RUST!

 

...also, the owner said he had the frame spray coated when new to prevent rust. So at least I don't have to worry about the frame rust issue.

 

still climb under there and feel around by the front leaf hangers. rust is a huge issue with these trucks.

If its really clean and runs perfect/has clean oil and maintenance records 5k would be acceptable but I wouldn't pay more.

 

I would definitely still worry about it.

You might see if a local Toyota dealership will take a look at it for you.

I wouldn't pay more than $4,000-$4,500 for it with that mileage. But that's me.

Fink

 

Yeah, the mileage scares me a little. But these are suppose to run forever, right?

 

Most definitely...but unless you have a really good idea what condition the truck is in, it's hard to tell if they've done their part.

Have you checked KBB/NADA on it yet?

Fink

 

well, we might be just a little bit bias

and hell no i wouldn't pay that much for that many miles. maybe like 3k, 4 if it is just beautiful and a mechanic says it's just the shit.

 

Get the frame inspected by a Toyota Dealership first, before you buy! $4500 is a good price for that many miles.

 

Yes, I've checked KBB, NADA, and Edmunds. They all price it somewhere around 3,300 - 3,600. I get that it's older with a ton of miles, but I also respect the collectability of this vehicle, and thus I'm willing to pay a little more for it for that reason. I'd probably not pay much more than $4,500, but again I haven't even looked at it in person yet.

 

You guys are awesome! Thanks for the feedback. Keep'm coming if anyone else has different opinions.

Thanks

 

I wouldn't pay more than $4k for it. Like others have said, I would have the underside of that thing checked throughly for rust.

 

$4,500 is tops what I would pay. Then again, you should not buy it... so that I can buy it...

I love this model...

 

The powertrain will last forever with regular maintenance. However, the maintenance booklet back in the '90s requires the mechanic to "inspect xxxx fluid and replace if necessary". Does the truck come with receipts? I would be concerned if the oil in the transmission, transfer case, front and rear diff were never changed.

Have you looked at 1st Gen. Tundras? They are about the same size as the 2nd Gen. Tacoma, with the same 4.0 L V6 and even the same steering wheel.

 

I have not looked at the Tundra, I guess I like the early year Tacomas to much.

 

ok, i just looked at the Tundra. Yeah, those are cool too. I'll give them another glance.

 

http://onscreencars.com/movies/back-to-the-future/back-to-the-future-1985-toyota-4x4-xtra-cab-truck/

ok, i'll take that truck!

 

What motor is in the truck your looking at? You said v6. Is it the 3.4 or 3.0?

 

I believe it's the 3.4. Why do you ask? Should I avoide a certain engine?

According to Wikipedia, the 3.4 was the only v6 in 1995.

 

No not saying that at all. The 3.4 is a good engine. The 3.0 is decent. I have thee 3.0 in my truck. It does ok on gas, I get about 18-19 regularly but I don't drive crazy. The thing is the 3.0 is slow, and slightly weak. It will pull a small boat fine, but you will definately know its back there. You should be fine with the 3.4, thats what my dad has in his Tacoma.