Feedback on a high mileage 1st gen

Hey folks, I've found an 03 v6 trd with 273000 miles. I'm planning on checking it out tomorrow. I do know that the timing belt/water pump/belts have been changed recently. Tranny fluid was also flushed. No major engine work has been done. i.e. no head or valve cover gaskets have been replaced. Truck seems to be in great shape from the pics. How concerned should I be with the high miles?

 

Price will be major factor.

 

He's priced at blue book. I'd say it's a fair price given that most 01-04 tacoma are still being listed for over 10k (with lower miles of course).

 

How much are they asking? It's always a gamble with high mileage. A clean engine goes a long way towards regular maintenance credibility in my eyes. That said, $10,000+ for 300k is .

 

my 00 with 183k sold for 7.5k. i wouldn't pay 5k for over 270k. If you can coax him into letting you do a compression test, I'd say base the price off the test results. if you get perfect compression in all cylinders. it's worth it. if uneven/low/combination, you'll need engine work relatively soon.

 

Well it turns out that truck sold before I could see it. I did however just buy a different truck. Its a 2000 v6 4wd manual trd with almost 220000 on the clock. Truck is in decent shape. I did see that there is fluid seepage in multiple locations including rear diff, and valve cover gaskets. Right cv boot is torn. Radiator is new. ABS light is on. Its lifted and rear springs look shot. They are flat at best. I don't think timing belt has ever been done. In general it's going to need some tlc, but 5800 down from 6200 is alright in my book.

 

5800 bucks doesn't seem too bad... These motors will last forever if properly maintained. An old 4Runner with a 3.4L came into my work today with 472,000 miles on it.
I'd say go thru and do the timing belt, valve covers, and CV asap, as well as all fluids.

 

Yep, and I've seen an 03 Tacoma double cab with 626k, all put on by the first owner. Just amazing to think someone can drive that much, it would take me years to rack that many miles up. My 04 only has 93k on her.

 

you got what i got! but i got mine at 183 or so. yes, do a timing belt a.s.a.p. and buy a couple of

$387 Dorman 929-401 Leaf Spring Compatible with Select Toyota Models

leafs while they're cheap. however. leafs are supposed to be flat when the full weight of the truck is on them. and get a couple of new napa shafts. that's what I did. they're awesome!

my ABS light was on as well. i just killed the light in the console and ignored it. for off roading, you wan't full control of your brakes. No abs. or at least in my opinion. don't worry. you'll do ok. just learn how to handle a truck without ABS.

these leafs came up for my TRD offroad 00 tacoma extended cab. check application before you buy these. they should work.

 

When you say Napa shafts are you referring to new front axle shafts from Napa auto parts?

 

Yes, new NAPA MaxDrive axles. got them on my truck. they've taken me quite far across So Cal. though they've only been on for around 10k miles. They're rated for longer too.