New member in Oakland California

Hello, I shopped for three months to find my truck and after a few deals falling through was able to obtain a specimen that met most of my check list. 2.4l, 5 speed, under 100k with a clean Carfax. I had a few things in my wish list, buckets seats and power windows and mirrors. I was very lucky in finding a 4cyl with power windows. Oddly it does not have the power mirror option. I also did not get the buckets seats but did get a bonus bedliner and 86k on the clock and a CarFax that can only be called stellar.
I found the vehicle in South Carolina and had it shipped. With the market differential, the price with shipping was equal or less to anything close on the west coat, where after three months I found fewer that a 1/2 dozen low mileage versions and they all had deal breakers or went instantly despite me having notifiers set on CL and Auto Trader.
Certainly nerve wracking buying without a test drive or inspection but I was very pleased when it arrived. With the exception of a small burn on the drivers door panel and a light smoke smell, the interior is very very good. Honestly my worst fear was that it would be a stink pot, as the pictures cannot help you with that. We should be able to air out the smell over time. The exterior has a few chips and scuffs but it is all original paint and body. The car fax showed no accidents and every panel retains the original vin label. Vehicle had all original manuals and a fresh alignment sheet in the glove box.
Disappointments? It would have been nice to get a non smoking vehicle and although the engine reflects the car fax maintenance with a water pump and belt replacement at 65k. There are also new hoses. The down side is the hoses and belts are not OEM, I cannot say about the pump. The coolant and fresh but it appears to be green and my 2005 Matrix has red so I am not sure what to think about that.
People asked why I wanted this old a truck and there is a funny answer. The next body style is six inches longer and has a larger engine, although the mileage is stated about the same. The real answer is the six inches, it is the difference of being able to fit it in my garage or not. I have been in the car business for thirty years so it was only a Toyota for me and this is the one that fits.
I already have one question about the chirping with the remote door locks the five page addendum for the "VIP" remote option does not show that it can be programmed away I will have to find a fix for it.

 

Welcome to The Forum!

 

Welcome. We are close! I was looking for pretty much the same truck in the bay and it was hard. You have pics of the new whip?

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome! And also...

 

Welcome, check out the BS and Spotted thread for NorCal: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/norcal-spotted-and-bs-thread.53517/

Lots of members around the East Bay.

 

Welcome to the family!

 

Welcome to the forum. San Ramon here.

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Welcome to TW!