New to me 2004 Taco Pre-Runner - how did I do

I am coming here from the Tundra forums and my 2019 SR5 is my main ride. I have a friend that is moving to Greece so I purchased his 2004 pre-runner for $3500 as a to and from work truck. It has 211k miles on it and is the 6 cyl. and it runs great. I have already deep cleaned the inside and painted one fender flare with Fusion just to see how it would come out. It needs new tires and wheels and I am finding wheels sets for cheap on FB marketplace.

I have an appointment to have the brakes looked at. They mostly go to the floow but grab decent once they are there. Sometimes they will seem to suddenly pump up and then stay that way all through the stop and then back to the floor. I am thinking the master cyl. or booster? There are no leaks anywhere I can find and the brake fluid is full. Possibly just air in the lines or they guy that did the brakes last didnt bleed them right? I am wondering if this isa known or common issue with these trucks? It looks like parts are pretty cheap though if I have to start replacing.

 

Welcome to TW forums!

How you did depends on how much you paid...

You probably dodged a bullet by getting a 2004, the last of the 1st gens. 2005 and early 2006 2nd gen Tacos with the V6 (1GR-FE) had / have a known flaw in the head gasket which greatly increases their risk of having a HG blow at around 140-160K.

 

$3500

 

That's an encouragingly low price. I don't have personal experience with the 5V-ZFE engine but word on the street (forums) is that it's pretty reliable & can easily reach 350K miles or more if well-maintained. Compared to the 2nd gen 1GR-FE (which started w/ the 2005 model year), the 5V-ZFE is a bit smaller and importantly it has a timing belt rather than a timing chain. (Quality timing chains tend to be much more durable.) If the timing belt hasn't been done it probably needs doing.

From the photo it sort of looks like you're in a temperate/mild-winter area which would suggest the frame & underbody etc. won't have any rust issues.

If you are looking to get maxlife from the vehicle, whether you are DIY'ing or having work done by a shop, it'll pay for you to do a lot of reading so you can make informed maintenance decisions.

 

welcome

looks good, could probably flip it for $13k in this market
but that depend on its condition

 

You got taken My man. I’ll save you the troubles and buy it back for that much.

 

Around here anything just running and moving under its own power is $5000.

 

$3500? Holy crap that's stellar even for a P.R. UNLESS the frame is rusting out, get under there with a ball peen hammer and start tapping, look for frame rot.

In case you don't know, first order of business after brakes is to swap out ball joints and use ONLY OEM ball joints. This is the weakest point of a first gen and often ignored until it's too late. Case in point.

 

Yeah you stole it at that price

 

You had a good friend to get such a good deal.

Sounds like rear shoes out of adjustment .

Parking brake working good?

 

Damm good deal in socal that truck easy goes for 8 to 9 k probably more depending on buyer .. nice truck welcome to TW time to spend some money

 

I havent tried the parking brake and I have only driven this a couple miles so far to drop off my friend.

I am in Arizona BTW despite my username. It is an AZ truck and it is dry here so not a lot of moisture and only some normal surface rust in a few places on the underside.

I am used to my full sized Tundra but this thing rides pretty rough. I am sure most of it is size but I will probably throw a set of mid prices shocks on it.

 

I'd say you scored big time! I'd pay $3,500 for that year and make all day long. I had a 2003 single cab 4Runner with the 4 banger. Great vehicle. Low maintenance.

 

Great job excellent price ! Considering I bought mine 10 years ago for 15k here in Norcal with pristine frame, matching top and 66k original miles.

I concur check over the frame, timing belt water pump and LBJ's and you should be good to go.

 

for reference on your smokin deal https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/is-thisa-good-buy.807577/

 

I found all 4 of these wheels off a 2017 for $150 on FB Marketplace. The dirt on them is just dust and wipes right off. The stocks are 16 and these are 17's but it should dress it up a bit and it will take care of the one wheel that is bent.

 

Going into the shop today to get the brakes looked at. I usually do things myself but it is HOT here in AZ and I dont have enough gargae space and I dont like to do brakes nor do I have all the tools.

 

Ya done well son.