Pending First Time Tacoma Owner TX

Hello everyone! As the title says I'm a pending first time Tacoma owner from Texas! I come from a family of mechanics and car enthusiasts, but pursued a different line of work. I have basic mechanical experience working along side my father and uncles and have always wanted to own my own Tacoma.

I was lucky enough to stumble upon a 2003 PreRunner Double Cab with 148k! Being that this is my first experience with a Tacoma I am having our family mechanic look over everything today. There is paint oxidation on the hood and roof after sitting outside for years and the bed was well used without a lining so that will need to be worked on as well. First, all mechanical components will be worked on or serviced of course.

If everything checks out mechanically I will finally be a proud owner of a Tacoma! I greatly look forward to restoring this truck over time. Wish me luck and please list any questions, comments, or concerns! I will post a few photos! Thank you all!










A quick picture I took while it was raining

 

Welcome Vincent
Have them inspect the frame.
Good luck with your purchase

 

Thank you!
I mistakenly pressed create thread before adding a small picture of the frame, but I specifically asked our mechanic to check the frame for sure!

 

That's a good looking find bro.. welcome

 

Welcome. I'm currently converting my 1 owner 2002 dc, 3rz to 4x4.

 

Thank you! The guy I'm buying it from is giving me a really good price so I hope there is nothing wrong that I couldn't see!

 

That looks really clean! How many miles are on it, if you don't mind me asking.

 

180xxx or so. Was my 1st new truck purchased in late 2001. Been a really great truck all these years. Despite the paint fading on the roof and hood, it still cleans up really nice.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Wow that's awesome. The owner of the one I'm purchasing it from bought it in 2003 with 10 miles on it. Have you had the paint redone? I know it's not a cheap job if you want it done right.

 

No I havn't. It's not suoer bad yet. I may get sime estimates on it this summer. Did the guy you are getting it from have all maintenance records? Water pump, lower ball joints, etc? V6 or 3rz? It looks pretty clean. Looks like the guy used the bed for work stuff. That can be cleaned up pretty good. Good luck and hope everything checks out ok.

 

No, unfortunately he didn't have the maintenance records. Would it be safe to assume that I need all that replaced since I'm unsure if it's been done already? It is a V6 and he mainly used it to move washer/dryers/refrigerators between a few rental properties he owned, which would explain the wear and tear on the bed. I appreciate it! I hope everything works out smoothly!

 

The lower ball joints were a recall early on. I think you can type the vin # into toyotas website and see if they were done. I think there was a gas filler neck recall as well. Someone may be able to point out the website, I'm not certain which one it is. The other stuff i'm not sure of since it's a v6. Timing chain vs belt. You could ask those questions in the 1st gen section or just search thru it. The search feature in the upper right hand corner works to some degree but can be a bit wonkey sometimes. I can assure you that we have some really great people in the 1st gen section that can answer many of your questions. Cause 1st gen, best gen.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/1st-gen-tacomas-1995-2004.4/

 

And also check into the Texas thread if you like.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/texas.46/

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Thank very much for all the resources! I've been checking this site out for a while because I've wanted one for so long. I've always been amazed by all the knowledge that's here! I'll definitely need to check for those recalls!