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Considering buying a used Tacoma; Could be my first Tacoma.

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Relur, Aug 30, 2009.

  1. Aug 30, 2009 at 5:48 PM
    #1
    Relur

    Relur [OP] Active Member

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    Ryan
    Springfield, MA
    Hi folks,

    First time posting on these boards. I had a quick question for everybody, I have found this Tacoma for sale in my area and was wondering if it was a good deal and/or what questions should I ask when I talk to the seller.

    Below is the ad:

    Thanks in advance for all your help.
     
  2. Aug 30, 2009 at 6:00 PM
    #2
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    Will
    York,South Carolina
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    '16 Tundra TRD Pro
    getting there....
    looks like a pretty nice truck,and mileage isnt too bad, but you may be able to talk him down a bit on price. as for things to ask and all.....ask about when the truck was serviced...normally or not, and definitely test drive it. check steering rack bushings......with that many miles on it....bushings are probably about shot, but you can get energy suspension bushings for it and its a pretty easy install. other than that, just make sure everything on it is in proper working condition, and get them to get the frame checked first, as on some first gens.,there is a rust problem with the frames.
     
  3. Aug 30, 2009 at 6:37 PM
    #3
    Relur

    Relur [OP] Active Member

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    I'm not too sure now if I want to wait it out and hope an access cab comes along or just nab the reg....
     
  4. Aug 30, 2009 at 7:02 PM
    #4
    ACBWV91

    ACBWV91 Well-Known Member

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    Adam
    Charleston/Motown WV
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    You should get it. I would buy it in a heartbeat. Drive it and take it to autozone or advance auto and have them run some tests to make sure its good. I passed one up and regreted it...no more have come along for me. Now im stuck looking at silverados.
     
  5. Aug 30, 2009 at 7:09 PM
    #5
    Relur

    Relur [OP] Active Member

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    How does one check the steering rack bushings?

    I am quite the noob.
     
  6. Aug 30, 2009 at 7:14 PM
    #6
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    Will
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    getting there....
    you can get someone to turn the steering wheel for you as you look underneath at the rack......if the bushings are shot, the whole rack will move back and forth...you can actually see the bushings moving back and forth,but as i said, relatively easy/cheap fix.
     
  7. Sep 3, 2009 at 6:30 PM
    #7
    Relur

    Relur [OP] Active Member

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    what can a complete amateur to repairing vehicles other than an oil change expect from owning a 1998 tacoma
     
  8. Sep 13, 2009 at 5:13 AM
    #8
    dustinuhls

    dustinuhls Well-Known Member

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    Manhattan, KS
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    2015 TRD Sport 4wd
    Icon Coilovers, Magnaflow, K&N Intake
    Wait for what you want! If it's an Access Cab you want then look a little harder, because you'll regret it later if you don't.
    This doesn't sound like that great of a deal. It's very basic (4cyl, 5spd, std. cab). You'll be a lot happier with the V6 and the Access Cab (or Double Cab if you can find it). I personally wouldn't give more than $4500 for a truck like this with 108K.
    I looked for over 4 months for my truck, but I knew what I wanted from the start ('01-'04 Double Cab V6 4x4) and stuck to my guns when looking for one from dealers. They kept trying to sell me other crap that I had no interest in, but I finally found what I wanted and got a great deal by having a little patience.
    I paid only $16,000 for an '01 Double Cab V6 4x4 Limited that was 4 years old at the time with 44K miles.
    Just take your time and get what you REALLY want.
     
  9. Sep 13, 2009 at 6:07 AM
    #9
    4WD

    4WD cRaZy oLdmAn

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    Doug
    Lakeside, Ca / Gardnerville, Nevada
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    2004 DC TRD 4x
    Grey wire MOD, deck plate, diff breather MOD, 2nd gen. OME 883# on Tundra 5100's, OMD custom 3" leafsprings, rear shock relocation, Ivan Stewart TRD rims w/285/75/16's, '02 bumper MOD, Famous Fabrications sliders , LED interior/exterior lights, bed bar, Custom tube bumper, Old school KC day lighters,Red Ring 8" HID flood, Kenwood vhf 2M.. umm some other shit I'm forgetting right now
    I don't know how it works in other states but in CA. you should ask very clearly (especially if off a car lot) if its a SALVAGE TITLE used vehicles that appear to be too clean for too low a price raises suspicion, as for everything else check for the usual ,any fliud leaks or stains under vehicle,how it drives (straight)is it tight ? (not a rattle trap) shit like that. I'm thinking a '98 with 108K , thats less than 10K a year, I don't know anyone thats had a Tacoma that old with that few miles, it could very well be 208K (speedo turned over) I'm just saying that its your money & your investment do as much checking as you can.
     

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