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Buying a used Taco

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Jarlaxle, May 16, 2015.

  1. May 16, 2015 at 3:55 PM
    #1
    Jarlaxle

    Jarlaxle [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Title is about the size of it.

    Aside from the well-known frame problem, what are the known issues (mechanical, interior, and other) with a 4-cylinder 2WD 1st-gen Taco?
     
  2. May 16, 2015 at 3:58 PM
    #2
    WheelInTheSky

    WheelInTheSky Ramblin' Man

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    That it's not a 4x4
     
  3. May 16, 2015 at 3:59 PM
    #3
    Jarlaxle

    Jarlaxle [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I was hoping for actual HELPFUL information, not snide remarks. Never mind, then.
     
  4. May 16, 2015 at 4:03 PM
    #4
    WheelInTheSky

    WheelInTheSky Ramblin' Man

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    Haha, sry that was quite rude of me!

    I was in your same boat for a little over a year while I looked for a Tacoma. At first I wanted 2wd 4banger to get the best gas possible, needed ext cab to fit my gear, wanted this, wanted that.. blahblahblah no matter what it is that you're looking for the most important thing is to have a great mechanic who is willing to look at a few trucks for you and give you an honest opinion on how much it will cost to make the truck 100% and also on what a reasonable price for said truck should be.

    There isn't much of anything that's a major problem with 1st gens other than rust.. water pumps tend to leak after a while but a new one isn't too expensive. The motors last forever, just make sure you don't way overpay with the current Taco market, they are selling for wayyyyy more than their worth 70% of the time!

    Best of luck brother, hope I didn't deter you with my A-holeish-ness;)
     
  5. May 16, 2015 at 4:05 PM
    #5
    Xaks

    Xaks Cranky & often armed sysadmin

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    Be cautious about the automatic tranny (if applicable). I've only owned the second gens, but I've heard some horror stories about the 4 banger autos performance.
     
  6. May 16, 2015 at 4:07 PM
    #6
    Jarlaxle

    Jarlaxle [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I do not expect a 2.4 to be a barn-burner. Is the auto the A340?

    Local dealer has a 2002...149K miles, frame replaced, 2.4/5-speed, base model (crank windows, bench seat) but has tile column, cloth seat, and A/C. He is asking $5400, as-is, no warranty.

    I think I did well by not laughing in his face at that one.
     
  7. May 16, 2015 at 4:08 PM
    #7
    Jarlaxle

    Jarlaxle [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Also: who makes a good bedliner for a 1st gen Taco?
     
  8. May 16, 2015 at 4:10 PM
    #8
    WheelInTheSky

    WheelInTheSky Ramblin' Man

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    the price isn't exactly unreasonable.. 5k for 150,000 miles is just fine unfortunately. If frame is in good shape that's a good buy.
     
  9. May 16, 2015 at 4:11 PM
    #9
    Red_Taco33

    Red_Taco33 Well-Known Member

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    lol
     
  10. May 16, 2015 at 4:30 PM
    #10
    Jarlaxle

    Jarlaxle [OP] Well-Known Member

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    KBB on it is $4100. Considering its condition (broken door handle, missing gas flap and antenna), $5400 is nuts...maybe for a 4WD SR5 or a Pre-Runner, but not a low-end work truck!

    When did ABS (rear or 4-wheel) become standard on Tacos?
     
  11. May 16, 2015 at 4:34 PM
    #11
    WheelInTheSky

    WheelInTheSky Ramblin' Man

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    ^^in 02 ABS became an option, in 03 it was standard. As for KBB, it's a nice way to compare the rate of price change as you increase or decrease mileage on Tacos, but you will not find a 1st gen listed at KBB price. They tend to price them based on what the bank would give as a loan for them. It's disgustingly unfair to the consumer, but be prepared to witness that time and time again. If you managed to buy a 1st gen taco for what kbb values it at you'd be one lucky mother.:rolleyes:
     
  12. May 16, 2015 at 4:36 PM
    #12
    Jarlaxle

    Jarlaxle [OP] Well-Known Member

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    2003 had 4-wheel ABS, or rear ABS standard?

    I have a problem dropping $5000+ for a beat-up 13-year-old truck.
     
  13. May 16, 2015 at 4:40 PM
    #13
    WheelInTheSky

    WheelInTheSky Ramblin' Man

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    Then I suggest you buy domestic.

    After over a year of searching in multiple states I finally found my 02 for a reasonable price, got it at $6500 before tax+tags w/ 167000 miles.
    I'm ok with that, because all the trucks listed around the 150,000 mark were listed at 11-14k easy and still needed 2-3k of work to be in good shape.

    As to your earlier comment about 4x4s SR5 and Prerunners being worth considerably more, I'm afriad that the whole Taco market is a crapshoot. My 4x4 SR5 is wroth more for being a 4X4, but as for the SR5 part it's power nothing, only bells or whistles are A/C, cruise control, and 60/40 bencho_O
     
  14. May 16, 2015 at 4:49 PM
    #14
    Jarlaxle

    Jarlaxle [OP] Well-Known Member

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    You also have an XtraCab...this one is a regular cab.

    Honestly...for a bit more money, THIS is a much nicer truck.
     
  15. May 16, 2015 at 4:55 PM
    #15
    WheelInTheSky

    WheelInTheSky Ramblin' Man

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    Just get an idea of what's most important to you. The miles are semi relevant, but remember that you're getting a taco. A difference of 10 to 25k is nothing if it means getting a certain option that you want. I agree though, the one in RI looks to be a better deal. Once you've decided what options are a must and what the most you're willing to spend is, then it's a matter of waiting for that perfect truck (and it will turn up eventually). Also, what they list it at is not what you pay, after you've talked them down you'll probably walk out the door at or below what the listed price was.

    Best of luck brother, can't wait to see your build once you have a truck you love!:)
     
  16. May 16, 2015 at 5:00 PM
    #16
    Jarlaxle

    Jarlaxle [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Already done that.

    Required:
    Good frame, or one that I can have a dealer swap on Toyota's dime.
    4-banger.
    2WD
    A/C (looked at a very nice one in Keene...then realized that, to my and the salesman's amazement, it was A/C delete)
    Either a cassette player, an AUX input, or Bluetooth on the stereo
    No sliding rear window

    Highly preferred:
    5-speed
    Crank window/rubber mat low-option truck
    Tilt column
    Step/hitch bumper
    Not black

    Want badly:
    Bedliner
    No carpet
    If I end up with a slushpump, column shift

    Would be nice but can deal with not having it:
    Tachometer
    Cruise control
    Vinyl seat

    Serious question: did all Tacos have power steering standard?
     
  17. May 16, 2015 at 10:20 PM
    #17
    2004TacomaSR5

    2004TacomaSR5 Nemesis Prime

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    Tacoma is stock and staying that way, Pickup is TBA as of now.
    They all have power steering, none came with column shifters that I'm aware of. If you were after a double cab I'd have a bedliner you could have, just have to pay shipping! I hate my plastic liner and am going to replace it with spray in bedliner this summer.
     
  18. May 17, 2015 at 5:32 AM
    #18
    Jarlaxle

    Jarlaxle [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have driven one with a column shift, so at least SOME had it.
     

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