Good deal on my first Tacoma?

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks...ll/1451892847?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

I came across this Tacoma today and am going to look at it tonight. Is it a good deal? What should I look for, what are some bad things I should keep an eye out for? Have no knowledge on Tacoma's so any help is greatly appreciated, Thanks!!

 

Firstly, the e-lockers are not "pretty rare"...

That seems like a stupidly low price. For sure check it out, but ignore everything they said about it. Check the frame THOROUGHLY, and get a mechanic to look at the motor if you aren't savy enough for that.

They may say that the inspector thinks that was "the best frame he's ever seen", but keep in mind: 1) that was 12 years ago

Also check out the buyer's guide here:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-tacoma-buyers-guide.156943/

 

Thank you for the reply!!

I for sure will check out the buyers guide. I was planning to go into it and disregard everything. I'll be going with my dad who is mechanically inclined and I am not bad either so engine shouldn't be a problem. The one question I have though is the frame, I have read all the horror stories the Gen 1's have had, is it really as bad as people make it out to be? I guess what are the chances this has no rust and then in 2 months my frame snaps? That's the only thing I am really concerned about...

 

If the deal is to good, in most cases it's not a good deal . Things I see that do not line up with the "priced to sell":
- the vehicle was prepared for sale (cleaned, polished, staged for pictures).
- the vehicle is not full stock: tail lamps are replaced with smoked, intake is not stock (KB) that brings the question about what else was modded (with any chance of screwing up).

Pictures are hiding it well, but I think I've seen some rusted screws or brackets meaning: INSPECT THE FRAME. There are hundreds posts on TW telling potential buyers how to check the frame, what is OK and when to run away.

And the most important "ignore everything they said about it" - use your own knowledge or knowledge of someone who you would trust with your money.

 

Well, it CAN be as bad as people say it is. It all depends on where the truck lived, and how (or if) it was taken care of. There are some serious swiss cheese frames out there. Just bring a hammer with you and tap around on the frame. Worst place is typically in front of the leaf spring hanger, behind the cab.

Rust doesn't happen over night. So if you do a proper job inspecting for rust now, and maintain that with proper care, you'll be fine for many years to come.

 

I am bringing my dad along who will pick out every flaw, so that should be good. I am reading up on how to inspect the frame and all of that. Will keep you posted... Thanks!!

 

Reading up on how to inspect the frame, will keep you posted.. thanks!

 

I would barely qualify that as "political" but I guess "he who shall not be named" and all...

 

@jbrandt what did you do to get that reaction from a mod?
did i miss out on some good juicy juice

 

Guy ended up selling the truck out from underneath me... search continues

 

you will find a good quality truck out there somewhere!

 

mr moderator, your avatar weirds and freaks me out!
i feel nightmares in my future soon

 

I wouldn't spend much though about losing this one. Not a lot of "good deals" on tacomas.

Truck looks good but didn't see anything about when the timing belt was replaced!

 

I feel your pain OP. I live in Tampa and saw an add for a Tacoma in Ocala (about 90 miles away). Told the seller I was coming from Tampa and would be there the next day. I get to Ocala and it’s sold. Checked FB marketplace and saw another promising add from someone about 10 minutes from my house back in Tampa. Messaged the seller I would be there in 2 hours. Turned around and got maybe 5 minutes away and I get a text. Sold. Long frustrating day.
Stay patient and don’t get disappointed, you’ll find the Taco you’re looking for. I did. Took just under 2 years during which I looked at a lot of crap but eventuality I found my garage queen.

 

You'll find one. I found mine while test driving a toyota Avalon. Drove by a small town dealer and it caught my eye. I have been lucky enough to have the frame replaced by Toyota as well as leaf springs, struts, control arms, etc. Total cost was around $14,000, I had some extra things done while it was apart. The engine has had regular maintenance and starts every time i turn the key. Love my 02, 4WD.