Going to look at an '04 tomorrow, give me you opinions...

Hey guys. Here's the rundown; I've been looking for a Tacoma for at least a year now, and it seems like if I can afford it, I don't want it and if I want it, I can't afford it, if you know what I mean.

I just passed on an '05, but I'm going to look at an '04 tomorrow. It's a 4 banger, auto (not my favorite combination, but not a deal-breaker), 102,000 miles, extended cab, has navigation and new mud tires (yeah, rather have all terrains myself, but whatever), has a topper, guy just had it serviced but said the injectors need cleaned still (wondering why he didn't have that done at the time...), 6ft bed, and he said it's not rusted. He just bought a new Taco and is selling this one.

I plan to use the truck to haul lumber (I'm a woodworker) and for camping (I camp, probably, a couple months annually so sleeping in the back is a big deal for me) and some roadtrips (long distance relationship).

I'm going to check it out tomorrow evening. What should I ask and look for? Any red flags that might stand out? Problems or needed maintenance I should be aware of?

He's asking 9300, which seems a bit steep to me for a 10 year old vehicle, but then again these things are hard to find without crazy high mileage around here. If he would come down some, I could pay cash so financing is not a problem, but like I said, he'd have to come down.

Anyway, let me know what you think guys. Thanks!

 

Price seems fairly reasonable but definitely shoot for the best deal you can get. Mileage isn't too bad either. I would just give everything you can see a really good look. Also give the frame a good look since our Taco's are notorious for frame rust. Plus it's the last year of the 1st gen models so I'd go for it if everything checks out and you can make it happen.

 

You must get under it and check for rust-any heavy rust on the frame(especially around the front suspension) would be a no-no.

Figure at least 2k (honestly 3k-4k) to "fix" the truck (shocks, springs, tires, brakes, wheel bearings, belts, batteries, alternators, broken glass....man, the list goes on.

Hope it's got a clean frame and lots of receipts of work done by the previous owner.

I prefer to buy from the actual owner-you get to really see and judge how they've treated the truck.

Good luck!

 

Like others have said you want to make sure there's no rust. If the frame is rusty simply walk way.

Things to look for on a 1st gen are the steering column "click". With the truck turned off turn the steering wheel left and right. If it moves more than a hair with a distinct metal on metal clicking sound you need to fix the steering column. This is simple if your a a DIY'er but expensive if you take it to the dealer. It requires removing the steering column and taking it to have a small weld placed on the slip shaft to stop the rattling. Sounds like something simple but the rattling will drive you nuts and the truck will wander all over the road.

Ask for service records. 100,000 miles is nothing for these trucks if they have been taken care of. I'm not sure if the 4 banger has a timing belt or chain. If it's a belt ask if it's been changed. If not plan on $700.

The other big issue with the 1st is the failing needle bearing in the front diff. The truck will make a distinct rumble strip sound while driving at 20-30 mph but it will pauses in between. It literally sounds like you are driving over a rumble strip then a pause then another rumble strip. The dead give away is that the noise goes completely away when you put the truck in 4WD and comes back the moment you take in out of 4WD.

Again this is not a deal breaker IF you have tools and know your way around a truck. The fix is going to run around $150 if you do it yourself. Most shops won't remove the effected bearing and replace it with the bushing. They only want to swap out the entire front diff and that's expensive. With Mud tires on the truck this noise might be hard to hear but you can sometimes feel it in the floor. It feels like it's right under your feet because it is.

If the truck is lifted check what kind of lift was installed. If it's a spacer lift and blocks you should consider the cost of changing all that as it's the wrong way to lift on of these trucks.

 

you didn't say where this truck is/was so rust may not be an issue in the lower half

btw my grandfather's '03 4cyl auto with around 70k sold for 10.5k to private seller so this seems reasonable. Tacomas hold their value and 1st gens even more so don't think you can get it for 7k unless the owner has no clue. Though it sounds as if they've priced it right with a little wiggle room.

at 100k the suspension could still be fine depending on what it was used for so that expense can wait. run some Seafoam through the tank and intake if you get it, injectors should be fine.

 

4x4, trd ? sr5 ? power options ?

 

4x4, but I don't think SR5 or TRD (at least I don't THINK so... I've only seen photos and there's no badging. It's actually got some pretty redneck-ish camo vinyl graphics which I plan to peal off, so I'm not sure). I'll see it tomorrow and can tell you for sure then.

 

is it on CL or posted somewhere?

 

One of those ad-taker papers, the guy emailed me pics.

 

what???? I've never heard of this issue. Is this a common issue? Kinda sounds like a big deal and would suck to drive.

 

It's not a big deal if you are the type that knows how to work on cars.

If you're unable or unwilling to do the work yourself then it expensive.

Yes the problem is common. Do a search for rumble strip noise and you'll see that it effects both the 1st and 2nd gen trucks