What to look for

I will apologize in advance if I am making the same post as many other newbies. I am trying to shop for a first Gen and I have one I am going to see. Unfortunately most I find are atleast 5 hours away. I was looking for some general advice on what to check for. This will be a 3rd vehicle used to hunt and drive my 8 miles to work. I have another vehicle if problem’s would arise but certainly trying to avoid a project, I just don’t have the time with my work schedule, power plants work you do the death lol. Anyways I will attach an example of a truck I am going to see. Any pointers on common issues to check and or how the heck you can get a fair value on these trucks is appreciate.

 

The comment about the frame is a red flag to me. Make sure you look at it very closely. If it has really thick undercoating and/or paint all over it, check it with a hammer to make sure it’s solid. See if you can find out where the truck spent most of its life. If it was in a salt belt state, that’s another red flag. Good luck with the hunt.

 

What can be seen of the UCA and shock tower does not bode well for the rest of the frame. It appears a rusty frame was hastily covered up, only to be someone else’s worse problem later on.

I’d pass or at least beat the piss out of it with a hammer if you want to check it in person. Seller doesn’t like it? Tell them you don’t like getting fucked.

 

See here I am thinking it’s a good thing they took it down to the frame and cleaned it up. Taco I am trying to stay under 8k.

 

If they actually did and didn't just spray paint over it, then yeah it would be good. If you don't want a project truck, crawl under it and check the frame with a hammer tap. Check the bolts and crossmembers for rust. Wiggle the drive shaft at the carrier bearing to see if it (the carrier bearing) needs replacing. If it does, not a deal breaker, can be done in an afternoon. Ask if the valve shims have been checked/adjusted. If not, it may need to be done. Another thing that could take a weekend depending on your skills. Otherwise a toyota mechanic could do it I'm sure. Just a maintenance item, but important. Did they state the mileage?

Also, ask when the LBJs were last changed if at all. If they weren't they probably need to be. What you don't want is a crusty frame or soft spots. The location of the truck has a lot to do with it. Where has it lived?

 

Might also want to know the condition of the clutch / etc if its high mileage. Just another wear item y'know. Could be a solid truck if the wear items are looked at and replaced if / when needed. If the CEL is on, ask why.

 

Most I am looking at are falling around the 250k mile mark it seems. Have one that spent the last 15 years in Virginia, said to never have a frame issue. Is the 2.7 manual the way to go? Thought I read v6 could be more of a problem

 

Can't speak for the V6 myself. Both are solid engines I hear. I have the 4 cyl. Don't know if V6 has valve shims or not, but the 4 cyl does. At that mileage they'd definitely need adjustment if they haven't been done. Manual specifies checking every 35k I think. V6 has timing belts that need changing 4cyl has a chain which is supposed to last forever. 5speed is solid. Just regular clutch and bearing wear may be expected. At that mileage, the carrier bearing likely needs to be replaced if it hasn't been. Same for LBJs. The kicker is the frame rust. Don't take anyone's word for it. Physically inspect yourself. It will make or break the truck. The rest of the maintenenance items previously mentioned can be easily dealt with, and if they are and the frame is ok, keep it that way and it will be a solid truck.

 

Chances are they didn’t do anything from the inside out. Just sanded the outside of the frame to clean it up visually.

However most of the frame rot issues from from the inside of the frame.

I’d buy a cheap $30 inspection borescope and bring it to the truck. Stick it inside of the frame and see if they did anything in there…and check the condition.

I agree with the one poster above, the UCA and shock tower don’t look touched (other than covered) and they can give you insight into what was trying to be mitigated/hidden.

 

OP where do you live?

Just where are you looking for Trucks?

Any first generation Tacoma`s you find in the Northeast are going to need tender loving care for the frame either keeping it alive or repairing damage already existing .

Plus the assorted other items needing done to catch up on neglected maintenance items.

When inspecting I start at the ground and work my way up.

Even the frames replaced so many were neglected that they are now failing.

Crazy inflated prices best of luck.

 

The V6 does indeed have valve shims as well. I did mine last summer, wasn't too bad of a job.

 

Oh also I think the v6 [5vz-fe] is an absolute tank. I personally know of 3 in my neighborhood alone that have 400k+ miles. Mine has a measley 285k and purs like a kitten. One '96 my friend has, has 630k with nothing more done to the engine than routine maintenance (oil changes, spark plugs, coil packs & plug wires, timing belts, drive belts, etc). Probably a biased opinion but I think it may be the best V6 or even best engine period that Toyota ever made.

 

But it has Manuel windows. That is a rare option.

 

Its ok to be biased when you're right HA

 

I live in sw pa. I am not sure when trucks start being from the south, but find a lot in Va and Nc.

 

Still not a free pass from rust. Mine came from upstate SC and still had detrimental rust. It spent some time in NC too but not sure where. We don't even have salted roads here. I had to graft in donor frame rails and crossmembers on the rear half.

 

Don’t sell, you’re going to need it for the zombie apocalypse.

 

Check car fax and see where it's been its entire life. If it's moved around a few times, see if its near where any weather calamities have happened. Does its time coincide with the event? Could be a flood vehicle. If that checks out, bring some cardboard and gloves and a flashlight and get underneath and take a peek. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. And lastly bring it to a shop local to you and pay for them to give it a once over. Shit I have taken used vehicles to a local guy to have its annual inspection done again. See if the seller is cool with that, if not then you know to walk.