First Time Tacoma Owner

Howdy All,

Well I've wanted a Tacoma for years and finally took went out and bought one. Got myself a 2002 SR5 Double Cab. Couldn't be happier. There should be a warning though when purchasing a Tacoma.

I find myself unable to stop purchasing accessories and additional items for the truck. I have it for 3 days and I'm up to $500 worth of neoprene seat covers, rubber floor mats, detailing, ect.

And now I'm thinking I want to add some running boards. Just not sure what brand/model.

James

 

Welcome

 

Thanks.

Nice! That's bad a$$ truck you got there.... Got a lot of work to do on mine to make it that nice.

 

Nice, and welcome.

Why running boards? Do you/will you go offroad at all?

And you haven't begun to spend, pal...

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1s...y-how-thread-compiled-list-helpful-links.html

Double-check yout timing belt replacement record and your lower ball joints/recall status.

How many miles? Suspension...look into it.

 

Yea I have a feeling my wallet is going to feel it for sure.

I am not mechanically savvy unfortunately. I'm working on it though. Sooooo....

"Double-check yout timing belt replacement record and your lower ball joints/recall status."

How do I check these?

Just hit 133k miles. Getting the suspension and brakes looked at this week.

 

The V6 has a timing belt that needs to be replaced every 90k. You should be able to see a sticker on the timing belt cover (front black over on engine). Water pump and idler pulley are also usually replaced during this service because of all the labor cost.

Register on toyotaownersonline.com with your VIN (free) to see any and all recalls and most dealer-perfromed service on your truck. Lower ball joint recall for a batch of mfg defect was in effect for ~2001-3ish models.

If they come apart on the freeway, the worst that can happen is you kill your yourself and maybe a few other people. If you truck is affected, Toyota will replace for free and you'll get an alignment, too. Do this immediately. You can also just call a dealer service office and give them VIN, they'll look it up. But the online thing is handier.

edit. Check this out too:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/174329-2001-toyota-scheduled-maintenance-guide.html

 

Awesome! Thanks for the heads up! I will look into both of these. I bought the car from a dealer and got a car fax. Shows there was only one owner prior to the dealer, but I'll still check about the ball joint.

Any other suggestions/tips are greatly appreciated.

Also, do you think I shouldn't get running boards. Thought it would look clean.

Thanks,

 

Check out rock sliders over running boards. More functional than side steps.

Is it 4x4?

 

Hey your not the only first Tacoma person any more, and mines at 250,000, Needs frame repair and new front end components. Ill post a pic later.

 

I agree with that, cause if you nail a running board with a rock while crawling then its over, Sliders take more abuse.

 

Unfortunately, it's not 4x4. Working may way up to that eventually. Right now its a personal car / minor commuting. (Drive to work is 4 miles

So rocks shouldnt be an issue. I'll drive on some dirt roads for hiking/hunting, but mostly the most "offroading" will be at the beach to go surfing.

 

I as well am trying to find runner boards. Looking for some pictures on the truck be for I buy them.