Looking for advice on buying a Tacoma

https://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/6084234483.html
I'm looking to buy a first gen 5 speed and I found this one on my local craigslist and it's in my price range. Biggest concern is the mileage. Is 220k too many miles if I'm looking for a reliable daily driver? You guys know how long these trucks last better than I do so should I be concerned with 220k? Thanks

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-tacoma-buyers-guide.156943/

I suggest taking a quick glance at the link above.

220k isn't that big of a deal with these trucks if they're taken care of right. I would definitely ask for maintanence records.

The biggest thing to look out for is frame rust. A lot of people have been buying trucks with frames your finger can poke through and Toyota will only replace ones that meet a certain criteria. If the frame is garbage, I would leave.

 

Okay thank you very much. Sorry I'm new to the forums and didn't realize there was a buyer's guide

 

That's a tough question. The best thing you can do is go and look at it.

Look for frame rust. I'm not talking surface rust but actual holes in the frame. It is possible it had a frame replacement. (Not necessarily a bad thing). Next would be service records.

220k with proper maintenance is not that much it could be good for another 250k. However if there is no records I would not buy it. By now at 200k it should have had at Least 1 timing belt done. And be close for another one. It will also need balljoints and shocks and probably a tune up.

Next, drive it. If it is loose on the road its no good.

 

Alright sounds good. Thank you

 

It's a 4cyl so it doesn't have a timing belt. They have timing chains which last a lot longer than the belts.

Also if it's loose on the road, it may just be just out of alignment. Balljoints and shocks are a must have with any vehicle this old though.

 

no belt. chain.

 

If the frame is clean, maintenance is up to date and consistent, and it drives well (and everything else checks out of course), how much do you see a taco with 220k being worth? He's asking $5000 and I was thinking around $4000....but damn in my search for a tacoma I come across so many that are WAYYYY overpriced

 

Yea, bubble.
Or they just may keep going up and up......you a betting man?

 

If you get $4000 on it, you're getting a deal. Another member on here was thinking about getting essentially the same truck but with 300k miles for $7500

 

My first question would be if the frame has been replaced??

No question if it has not been replaced only a matter of time

 

If the frame had been taken care of from new and been under coated inside and out when new before rust ever stated, then done ever fall before winter driving it would be fine. Mine is rust free frame 2001 never been replaced, no need to, paint still under fluid film. I have let to see any rust on my frame. I plan on driving it for 10 more years and see no reason I can't, Rust free frame and one little rust spot on inside of door is the only rust on original paint.

 

Just where do you live that you have a perfect frame ??

The thing is most people have no idea of the frame problems

The liquid brine gets in every where what it does to the steel in bridges is scary

 

Southwest. Never snows in my area, no road salt, no humidity (dry heat year round)...rarely rains more than one or two days in a row. My '04s frame looks like the day it rolled off the lot.

Only exception I can think of out here is if you live on the beach. I took my truck to Pismo beach for a couple days and my sliders developed all kinds of nasty rust from the salt in the sand, I imagine if you drove around there regularly it would not be good for the frame.

 

I live in Nova Scotia. Lots of salt on our roads. We have to under coat all our cars and trucks this way or there would be nothing left, does not make a difference on what brand of truck. I have been under coating my stuff this way for 25 years, never had a bad frame yet but over enough time body does get bad. Steel bridges are not under coated? I have had to replace both bumpers but that is it as far as rust repairs. My last truck was done this way and the frame was great till the end body not so much so. 1990 Toyota pick up. Lots of people on here have great frames with proper care.

 

Even in snowy locales frames will last fine even without any treatment if they don't salt the roads. my 97 and now my 2002 lived their whole lives in Montana and Idaho driving in plenty of snow, never treated, sprayed, or anything. frames stayed in excellent condition

 

If you have never experienced Liquid Brine you are very lucky .

I would love if we never used salt or liquid brine here in Pa I have no problem driving on Snowpack all winter

I was talking about the steel Rebar in concrete bridge decks The steel bridges you can keep after and watch

My Tacoma came from Central Texas Even with painting and pressure washing after every winter event the spring after the second winter it needed some tender loving care.

I am lucky I can replace or repair those kinds of problems others that can`t and are looking at some major expense then so many are really unaware of the issues to start