Input very much appreciated - 97 Tacoma 3.4 v6 for $6k

Hi Guys,

I desperately need a reliable vehicle. My wife is out of work due to health issues and frankly, we are down to a single car. I'm getting a second job and one car isn't going to cut it. I know the first gen Tacomas are known for being reliable. What do you guys think of this truck? 97 Tacoma, 4x4, Manual Tranny, 3.4 v6 with 320k miles. He's asking 6k OBO. The truck looks fantastic considering it's age. Bluebook has the value listed between 3 and 4.5k, roughly. I was going to offer 5k and see if he bites. Says he's had the truck for 3 years and has had zero issues. The high mileage worries me a bit. What do you guys think? My commute is about 30 miles per day. I can't afford to buy a truck that's just going to last me a few months before costing me a fortune to fix. One other factor, this guy may be interested in taking my most prized rifle as partial trade. It was my 50th birthday present to myself and it kills me to have to sell it, but I've got bills to pay and a family to feed. Any gun guys on here will understand the sacrifice: Less than a year old, Daniel Defense DDM4v7 Pro, with Eotech Holographic Site, and a 3x Eotech Magnifier. I've probably shot less than 200 rounds downrange with her.
Point is, I'd be making a big sacrifice to make this happen. I know you guys aren't fortune tellers but based on your extensive knowledge with this Generation, I sure would appreciate some input.

Thanks in advance!

 

Get under it and look at the frame, check for rust/rot.

 

I'm assuming a little bit of rust would probably be normal given the age and location (Utah). I'll definitely look for rot and excessive rust. Thanks for your input!

 

Do a search for frame rust and you will see how bad it can get and where the worst places are

 

Reliable car and you are looking at a 25 year old truck with over 300 thousand miles. Quit fooling yourself and just go buy a used Corolla or something similar. Make a responsible choice especially when you’re short on $

 

At that mileage it’s a gamble. If it’s been well maintained it’s probably fine. If it hasn’t…who knows how long it’ll go before something goes.

does it have maintenance records?

 

I agree with this.

 

Haha thank you for posting what we're all thinking. Life is mostly a gamble when you have a family but make reasonable decisions to get by, why add to the laundry list when you could solve the problem and save a couple bucks.

Don't forget the corolla will use a gallon of gas round trip and this will probably use 3.

 

Sounds like a turd gen answer

 

Appreciate your candidness. Trust me, I've been looking at all options. I've actually considered buying a Honda Navi, which is a tiny scooter that I'd look ridiculous driving. If we weren't approaching winter, I'd go this route for $1800 brand new. It's not a pride thing for me...google the navi and you'll get it, lol. That said, I thought this gen tacoma was infamous for it's longevity. Is 300k about the end of the line this gen Tacoma? Thanks again.

 

I think he's right particularly with the truck the OP posted. 320k miles and aftermarket lift that the current owner has only had for 3 years. He's looking for something reliable that he won't have to sink money into, this truck looks like a big gamble on that imo.

Find a clean looking 5 lug 1st gen would be my suggestion. They don't have the big post-covid price tag that the 6 lugs have and they're less likely to have been thrashed and modded. Or an older Corolla, Camry, Accord....those things will run forever on basic maintenance.

 

$6K sounds fair in this crazy market. It should be a very reliable vehicle, requiring only minor nickel/dime repairs. Most important being the lower ball joints up front. If they look old just get new ones. If the engine is running good now, just keep up the oil changes and she'll keep going. You better be OK with oil leaks though, and by that I mean it WILL have oil leaks and leave it's mark.

 

Its not that 300k is the end of their lifespan, it's that this particular truck looks like it's been pretty well modified with aftermarket parts by however many previous owners its had and has probably seen some rough miles on trails and what not. Tacomas are reliable but that sort of mileage adds a whole different level of wear and tear to any vehicle.

If you were looking for something to build a trail/camping rig platform out of and wanted to get your hands dirty working on it, this truck could be the ticket. But for what you said you needed it for, I think it's a gamble at best.

 

Understood. Thank you for chiming in!

 

My 99 is for sale with 342k and I woulnd't take any less than 5500.

These trucks seems to last well I have very minimal issues with mine. One day when I don't have to drive 90 miles round trip for work I will look for another 1st gen.

 

Has your truck been heavily modded? How many owners? TIA

 

It’s not so much the engine/trans. You will just have consumable items breaking down regularly at that mileage. Ball joints, control arms, steering rack, clutch, brakes. Anything rubber is probably toast if it’s not brand new. As stated above I would look for something with high mpg and just relax and cruise. I do understand why it’s tempting to look at this truck though just hoping you are happy with what you end up getting.

 

Has a long tub header and exhaust...thats it.

I have no idea of the owners lol

 

I love first gens, but there's no way I would buy anything with over 300,000 miles on it and consider it reliable. At that mileage way too many things can go wrong. Some first gens if properly maintained never have any issues and some turn into money pits. Too much of a gamble to me.

 

Change of course. I'll be looking for a different vehicle. I appreciate you guys, thank you!