1st gen obsession

Long time lurker, first time poster. Been searching for over a year for the “perfect” first gen PreRunner in the Tampa/Ocala FL area. Just something to use as an occasional grocery-getter that has been maintained, isn’t an embarrassment to be seen in and doesn’t break the bank. I’m pretty adept mechanically but don’t want to take on a major project. I’ve looked a quite a few 1st gens but always seem to find a reason to not pull the trigger on buying. I figure I should be able to find what I want for around $7000, with about 150,000 miles on it. I’ll find it but being in Florida it will no doubt have the clearcoat and paint cooked off from the sun. Anyone know what a decent paint job would cost?

 

Welcome and good luck with your search!

 

Around $3500.

Your best bet is to look for a white one. No clearcoat. And if something like the top or hood has been buffed too many times to restore, painting the panels to look good with the remaining bits is much easier.

I too spent time looking for a clean 1st gen in our area. White, access cab were on my requirements list. 5 lug or prerunner didn't matter to me.

Every time a nice one popped up, it was at a crazy price, yet sold quickly. So I upped my budget and moved to include 2nd gens. Picked up my then 2 yr old '13 with only 8k on it. Yep, 5 lug. Don't care, perfect for what I use it for.

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

I’m with you, Critter. My wife keeps telling me if I want a Tacoma just go buy a new one. But IMO, there is something about the looks of a 1st gen that was lost in 2nd and 3rd. The fact that I see 1st gens for sale vs in a junkyard with 250,000+ miles says a lot about how well they were designed and built.

 

Welcome to TW and happy hunting!

 

Welcome and good luck! Those 1st gens really do look nice when they're all cleaned up!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome. My 1st gen lost it's clear coat around 12 yrs of life in FL. Found a great body shop that were able to paint the roof and hood for $450. The burned in to match perfect. Worth every penny

 

After searching nearly two years, I got it! ‘04 Xtracab, 4cyl, 90K garage kept and every receipt sine the day it was born. Truly remarkable condition. Interior looks like it hasn’t been sat in. I’ll have pics up tomorrow. Oh and the really amazing thing? $7500!

 

Very Nice