Buying a Tacoma

Hey Y'all!

So I'm looking at buying my first truck here real soon and I naturally am looking at a Tacoma (the reason I joined this forum ). I'm looking in the Colorado Springs/Denver area. I'm hoping some you guys could give me some advice/input on what I'm thinking. I'm looking for a 1st gen (for the smaller size), 4WD, preferably an auto tranny and access cab. Those are really the only required things I'm looking for. Obviously it would be nice if the truck had minimal (less than 180k) miles but it is a Toyota so that doesn't bother me a whole lot. I would like to spend less than $8,000 but that seems to be super hard to find. Am I expecting too much? What are some common problems to look for? Really any other input would be awesome, thanks!

 

just be patient and keep looking, you might have to expand your search are to larger than your city as I had to travel to Arizona to get the truck I wanted (I live in south texas). Also don't be surprised if you have to spend a little more as these truck really do hold their values.

 

In my experience (my last truck was a '97 4X4 AC Tacoma manual) most of the AC 1st gen trucks are manual. All of the DC 1st Gens are Autos, so if you are dead set on AC and Auto, be prepared to look.
Plus you know that the Tacoma is the official state truck of Colorado, right? Be prepared to pay.

 

That's definitely not too much. Just remember you can always try to talk the price down. And also, you have to be patient.

This thread may prove helpful: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-tacoma-buyers-guide.156943/

The most important thing to check (besides engine and transmission, overall truck condition, etc) is to check the frame for rust. Bring a flashlight and a screwdriver. Poke at all rust spots and check if the screwdriver goes through, and if it does, you might want to pass. Some first gens are covered under a frame recall, but some aren't. You want to research the frame recall as much as you can. Bottom line: if you can find a rust free truck, the better you're off.

Remember to be patient, as you'll always find a good deal if you wait for it. And if you're really committed, you should check craigslist everyday. Most good deals on tacomas go within a day, sometimes within a few hours. Good luck with the search.