Good and bad: 2004 Tacoma

I am new to this forum but not entirely new to Toyotas.
I am looking at buying a 2004 Tacoma V6 4 door 4wd TRD SR5, and was I wondering if there is anything in particular that I should know about this specific model before purchasing it. Example: I currently own a 2002 Nissan Frontier SC crew cab, I did not learn until after I bought it that these trucks have a tendency to burn up knock sensors (900 dollar repair) and usually have a cracked exhaust manifold, and the supercharger sucks!

I have looked over the Tacoma very well, checking all the normal things, no leaks, 4wd works great, 70,000 miles, body is in pretty good shape, carfax checks out clean, I can maybe pick it up for $16,000.

Any input would greatly be appreciated!

Thanks for your time!

 

I have the 04 V6 2wd TRD off road package. pretty much stock. and its been running great. I have put 30K miles since I got it back in 06. hmm, I don't know what to tell you just that has been a great truck for me. good luck on the purchase. and welcome aboard.


tablesalt

 

I say go for it! they are a great truck and you will love it. There is a frame rust recall on 01-04's. But only if you live were it snow's alot and they salt the roads. But other then that, there a great truck!

 

Got a link for that rust recall on an 04? i cant find anything on it...even dr. google knows nothing...

Brett

 

^^^^ Exactly what I tried to say!

 

I dont think there will be an surprises. They are great trucks.

One thing to know is the timing belt will have to done at 90,000 miles.

 

Thanks for the help!
Timing belt and water pump are no big deal, however I will check into the rust issue because the truck originally came from Wyoming where they get plenty of snow and we get plenty of snow here in South Dakota!

Any more info would be great!

 

Once you go Toyota you'll never go back!!

 

I have always liked Toyotas, but ended up having three Nissan trucks, all of which treated me very well. But I looked at an 02 Frontier, found out about the insane knock sensor problems, and then that almost all have the cracked exhaust manifold. I couldn't believe it. The owners act like that's OK. We got an 02 Tacoma with 58,000 on it and absolutely love it. There are a couple of things to get used to, but over all the whole truck just seems more solid. You won't regret it.

 

frame rust, rack and pinion, sagging springs are probably the most common

 

I have the same model as the one your looking at except mines an ext cab. I've had no problems with mine. plenty of power, ok gas mileage. as for the price its going to be high because of the trd and sr5 packages. They are worth it I think. I paid about 15,500 for mine a year ago. it had 100,000 miles on it instead of 70,000. I have since put 40,000 on it and not had a single problem. When my truck dies in 250,000 miles I will be flying to southern california and buying the exact same truck.

 

My '04 D-cab is my 3rd Toy. Its got around 53k on it with the only problem being a self-inflicted alternator kill. Other than that, replace the steering rack bushings if you plan on offroading. Otherwise, go for it and enjoy it.

 

exactly!! do it!

 

the rust recall on the 01-04 is a free frame swap i believe. they do not buy back the truck like the 95.5-00 tacos.

my neighbors truck is an 02 dc and he got a free frame swap from the local dealer.

 

Thanks for all the info! I wish I had asked about my Nissan Frontier before I bought it, if I had known about all the problems those trucks commonly have I wouldn't have made the mistake of buying a Nissan instead of a Toyota!

However, that mistake has been corrected! Due to the positive responce from Tacoma owners, my wife and I traded off the Frontier for the 2004 Tacoma that I have been looking at!

 

Good news, that! Let's see some photos when you get a chance.
I got my '02 x-cab SR5 TRD auto 4x4 back in '05 with 19k+ miles, has been problem free ever since.

 

The new truck in the Black Hills: