Thoughts on this Craigslist 1st gen?

I agree the 3RZ is the superior choice in terms of reliability and longevity. You saw the guy with the million miles on his 2RZ without any major issues. Im at about 315k on mine. Living in CA it's a bitch to only get 16mpg, and I imagine mine is worse cause I'm admittedly an aggressive driver and floor the gas regularly.

 

you think the 3rz is superior in longevity and reliability?

 

That's just my opinion from my own experience and reading what others have posted. Nothing more.

 

rodger that

 

Don't use white plasti dip. It sucks!! Black is so much better and easier to use.
Just my opinion.

 

Don't buy the 4cylinder!!!! It's not worth the mpg you hardly get anything better than the v6 !! I also suggest getting the TRD it's what makes Our trucks so valuable

 

Dude I have both trucks right now, I promise you it doesn't have enough power, please if I can do anything it's to not have you buy a 2.7l I did it I spent 8k on the truck I loved it but hills sucked I couldent pass anyone on the highway for shit and the worst part is the 2wd I got stuck one time with my bike in my truck it was sad dude never again, I crashed my truck bent the bumper and said fuck it bought a 4x4 TRD v6 I will never look back, (at least I hope I won't)

 

If I may chime in from my experience:
- 4x4 will have just a bit worse gas mileage if it has auto locking hubs. With manual hubs virtually no difference
- 2.7 engine has enough "road power" with manual transmission. You can always downshift and go up to 85mph on 3rd gear. On the third gear this engine pull some serious torque. I crossed Sierras at highway sped many times and never had an issue (no towing or oversized tires).
- 3.4 and 2.7 are similar for the gas mileage if installed in the same truck configuration. Just with 3.4 you have more power and torque available so you tend to use more, which obviously will affect your mpg.

And finally 2WD with locking diff does not compare to 4x4. It is not that much important how many wheels have the power but which wheels have it. Quite often having power on front wheels is the only way to climb out of the situation where pushing the truck only by rear wheels will only worsen the "dig in". Easy test: Put front wheels against 10 inch high curb. Then try to climb it using 2WD only (don't try too hard, or you may break something). Then switch to 4x4 and you will see the difference. Having 2.5:1 transfer case in 4x4 is just an icing on the cake.

 

Looks like a clean Tacoma!! Good luck...

 

That's neither here or there, the 2.7 has no power in a auto witch is most of the trucks and honestly I have a 2wd 4cylinder auto and I have my 4x4 manual v6 I get maybe 1-3 mpg better on the 4cylinder but i can tell I'll get places faster with the v6 you get hit by wind on the 4cylinder your going to get pushed back from 80-50 mph like it's nothing don't buy the crap no power 4cylinder

 

I bought my '99 V6 4x4 TRD in Sacramento in 2000, and it's been wonderful. I ended up moving to Washington State, so I'm extra grateful for the four wheel drive when it snows.

I lived in San Bernardino for a few years, and I would say get a 4x4, even if it's a 2.7. That lifted PreRunner looks silly to me - apologies to all those who like them. I'm not into posers, or having to call for help getting pulled out when the hill gets steep.