What is high-mileage for these trucks? Concerns buying used?

As for first versus second gens, they're both great versions of the Tacoma...the biggest difference (IMO) is their size. Personally, I love and miss the long-gone 'compact' pickup trucks, so I was intent on finding a clean first gen. Both have great engines and drivetrains though (if I went with the 2nd gen I'd be sure to get the 4.0l v6, nothing wrong with the 4 banger but it's a little small for a mid-size).

 

Yes of course the 2nd gens are reliable the 3rd gens not so proven yet

 

What about years of the gens? Are there certain years to avoid or are they pretty much a wash with their own issues? I hear about frame rust, but I'm in So. Cal and plan on getting a so. cal truck so should I be concerned there? I'm not going to wheel the thing very hard, but I'm wanting the locker option as security/ just in case. (I don't know anything about the factory lockers, I come from a solid built FJ 60 with full detroit-lockers front and rear so I never worried about my lockers, but I'm not sure about these toyota factor locker thingys.) Are the pretty solid, or more of a hassle than they are worth? Again I'd like one, but chances are it will hardly be used so if they are trouble-some, I have no problem passing on them. Again thanks.

 

I bought my first gen here in socal. San Diego to be exact. First gens are great trucks, both motors (2.7 and 3.4) are proven bullet proof engines. Not sure where you heard they were a wash with their own issues, first gen tacos are arguably the most reliable of all. The TRD Elocker is great, its selectable and much better than a full time locker IMO.

Just look out for rust (not really an issue for us in the southwest) and make sure it was well maintained. It'll last forever.

 

A wash as in each year has their own issues (e.g. frame rust, vibrations, etc.). These are things I seen mentioned and seem to be more common to particular years? Anyways, that's why I'm asking as I'm getting back into the toyota truck game again. I'm looking to spend no more than $15k as it's going to be a third vehicle, more of a weekend/ motorcycle riding vehicle with occasional trips to home depot or lowes depending on your preference. So I know it's going to be up there in miles so I'm trying to figure out if there's pros and cons to years/ gens/ etc. I trust toyota for the most part, but everything mass produced can have issues so I'm just doing some homework........ Thanks again to all.

 

a few tips. AAA has a used car buying service which they let you get it checked out by a mechanic on their program for free. It was handy for my purchase. If you take your time and be patient you can find a deal. I just got mine two weeks ago after a 4 Month, frustrating search. My price range was same as yours. Opted for a low mileage older truck instead of high mileage newer truck. Got my 2006 TRD SPORT with 69,000 miles for $16,500 private seller. Pristine condition besides a small round dent on rear bumper. Paint is still nice too the guy kept it garaged mostly. Just be patient

 

From what I understand some of the early 1st gen V6's had some head gasket issues, maybe 95-97 but it sounds like you're looking newer than that. Everything else is bullet proof, there hasn't been a bad year through 2015 (2016 remains to be seen). 1st and 2nd gens are great across the board. One thing that turns me off about the 1st gen V6: the 3.4L V6 has a timing belt. All 4 cylinders and the 2nd gen's 4.0 V6 are timing chain. I hate timing belts, especially when I'm alone miles from cell service, reliability in those conditions were the reason I went with Tacoma to begin with.

 

Oh yeah.........the dreaded head gaskets with the older V6's. I had mine replaced, twice on the same truck. Other than that, it was a great truck, although those early V6's were totally gut-less. But to be fair, they were the first ones and it paved the way to the much more powerful 6's of today. But that timing belt and head gasket in those early V6's.........ouch!

Lashinbar- Thanks for the info, I forgot about the AAA process. Might be worth it to let them find them some for a change. Dang, 4 months? Yeah that sounds frustrating. Hope it doesn't take me that long!

To the OP, I'm sorry if this seems like I'm hi-jacking your thread, but I think we are in need of the same info and I hope it is also helping you. I figure it saves the seasoned members here seeing the same type of post over and over. I know, I know, use the "search" option........ but there's so much to wade through to find helpful info, I figured I could tag along with what was already started.......... Again thanks guys.

 

My 2005 is at 233,293 and still running strong!

 

The dealers I am referring to are larger dealers that tend to have a little more riding on their reputation. Like mentioned, I don't want to pretend like dealerships aren't plenty sleazy, though.

I'm trying to take my time!

No need to apologize at all. Your questions align pretty closely with mine, so any answer you receive advances my search as well. Thanks for chiming in and good luck with your search!

 

I have a customer that came into my work. I wanted to buy his 04' Tacoma. I knew that it had a lot of miles on it because he is a courier of some sort. Long story short, it is equipped with an auto trans and 4cyl. He claimed to drive 500 miles a day. I snapped a pic of his Odo----983K. Same engine and trans. no rebuild. He's over 1MM today I'm sure. Awesome

 

I just bought an '03 4-cylinder SR5 dcsb with 200K miles on it from a friend as a first car for my kid. It runs like a champ. The only thing it needs is valve cover gasket and the main seal is juuuuuust starting to leak, which is expected at this kind of milage. other than that it's perfect. these trucks run for a long time.

 

That is an amazing picture!!

My 2003 had 168,xxx miles on it when I bought it a year ago, and it is now at 188,xxx and just wrapped up a 1,000 mile trip to Moab.

I too bought mine in San Diego, and did extensive research here (thanks TW) before I shelled out $15,211 OTD for mine. I looked at several trucks here in SoCal...8 to be exact. Each one provided a learning experience, from well cared for Tacos priced at $20K to some real lipstick/pig units that had poorly installed lifts, leaky CV boots, and rusty frames.







One tip...try to follow the CARFAX registration trail, as I specifically avoided 3 of the 8 trucks based upon their registered time on the eastern seaboard/southeastern states. One Tacoma, that was OG registered in Utah had the bright orange rust everywhere, but up top was bright red and very clean. Pass.

When I bought my truck I was able to take it to a local independent mechanic who did a thorough inspection/drive test, and it did come back with a few maintenance items, and one serious item (leaking steering rack, that I have since replaced myself for $350, plus I installed all new tie rods and brake rotors while I was in there) that I deemed "fixable."

Bottom line...save some bucks, look for a one owner/registered vehicle from the southwest (as others have suggested, and San Diego is a great location for this), and utilize a trusted mechanic for an inspection/drive test on the front end. Cost me $100 and well worth it.

Plug: I just had an excellent experience at San Diego Trux with a transmission drain and fill...the owner there, John, was very straighforward and knowledgeable about Toyota's, and owns/drives a nicely modded 100 series LC. There was also a nice FJ80 parked next to his, which I believe was his lead tech's. I will be taking my Tacoma there for it's next timing belt/water pump/tensioner service coming up at 209,xxx.
End Plug.

Good luck, use the model specs in the first gen section to snag a good deal on a solid used first gen and you can't go (too ) wrong.

 

I bought mine with 176k on it and swapped all the fluids on it put some 5100 on it, tires and wheels fixed a couple cosmetic issues that bugged me but didn't have to be fixed and the seller told me he had it serviced at a dealer so I had a buddy pull the records up for me and sure enough it was all serviced at a dealer beside the last like 12-15k miles it didn't show anything in there records but I know already have 187 in it and plan to get a lot more out of it .

 

My 2008 Tacoma has 682,000 miles. No modifications. Same engine, timing chain, transmission, etc.
I did the American Pickers type career in late 80's/ early 90's and traded an '88 Tacoma for a Coke sign. It had 910,000 on it. - Dave

 

High miles don't necessarily scare me on any vehicle. If I'm the one who put most of them on it. My current 07 was bought new and has 202,000 miles on it today. I'd drive it coast to coast tomorrow if I needed to. But I'm not so sure if I'd buy one with 200,000 miles on it from someone else. How one is treated the 1st 100K will play a big role in whether it is good for 150,000, or 500,000 miles.

 

Bought my truck with 157k miles on it and she’s running strong. Maintenance records from the first 2 owners for oil changes and services all done at dealer.

Oil changes are done by me now but transmission feels great and she’s at 167k now not a single hiccup yet *knocks on wood*

 

ShaggyZ, or anyone intersted...
My 2008Tacoma 2.7 has 711,000 miles on the original engine and transmission. I'm selling it if anyone has any interest. I'm transitioning into real estate and away from the fishing tackle industry, so less need for a truck. If any interest my cell is 336-209-7773
Dave