Potential first gen?

Hey guys I saw this first gen on Craigslist that i plan on looking at I've been looking for a cheap project/beater I'm not to familiar with the first gens he's asking 5000 for it (1996 4x4 manua) if you guys can give me some pointers on what to look for, what to expect and how much you would pay I'd appreciate it.

 

Looks like Californis truck. Nice. Love the config: 4x4, ex cab, v6 and manual. Still check the standard stuff for Tacoma - plenty of info on TW, no need to repeat it all. Then grab it before someone else puts cash in his hand.

 

May be a California truck, but you have no idea what its history is. The biggest problem with 1st gen Tacomas is the frame. Check the frame up and down for rust or corrosion. If you see any hint of rust, run away. Check the where the leaf springs attach to the frame especially.

Otherwise that's not a bad price for what it is. I'd talk him down a little with that mileage, but high mileage is northing to worry about on a Tacoma.

 

Check the frame with a fine tooth comb, and a sizable hammer. Generally if there is any rust, it will first appear on the side toward the center of the vehicle. As noted, look just forward of the front spring mounts, and also close along the gas tank and the catalytic converter. If it is good, you have the basis for a great project. Bon chance!!

 

Might be currently located in california, but what if it spent some time up north, in the salt?

Check the frame for rust. That's the most important thing to do, then checking if it is mechanically sound

Bang the frame with a hammer, especially where the leaf spring attach to it, right behind the cab, then by the gas tank and the catalytic converter, as these are commonly rotten areas.

These frames do rot from the inside out, so try to poke a finger or something through the square holes on the frame rails, to see if it's full of rust chunks. If full, not a good sign, but it's the hammer that is really going to tell you if the frame is good or not.

Of course, if the truck is from california and has never spent winter up north, it is much less likely to suffer from rust, but still, it's not a bad idea to check the underside anyway

Also, the hood does not match (it's a lighter shade of blue). Was the truck involved in a crash or an accident, or get damaged? Try to investigate about this. Then there is two small parts missing under the headlights and the bumper looks slightly bent on the passenger side corner. Why? So inspect the front end carefully for any signs of repair or damage and ask questions about it. If there was an accident or something, you could talk him down

 

Then remember the asking price is just a starting point .

It comes down to how bad you think you need this truck

Not many people offer $1000.00 over the asking price as the first offer

 

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