New to the forums. Quick question.

Hello all,
I'm here because i'm thinking about saying to hell with American trucks and getting an old Tacoma. I have a 98 F150 and a 99 F250 that keep letting me down even after i've put in insane amounts of work into them.....money too.

Looking for an HONEST answer here. Do the first and 2nd gen Tacomas REALLY last as long as people say? Is it worth buying one with what people are charging these days? $8-10k for a truck with 200k on it?

I'm looking to get something I can rely on. I'm willing to put in a good amount of effort to fix something up if needed, but after that I expect it to last a good while. I just want something reliable that I can take down some trails when I want to go camping. Probably towing 3k max at any time.

Much appreciated. I'm sure i'll be asking many technical questions as I browse the forums. I do have a background as a mechanic, so if you see me asking....feel free to get technical. lol

 

That answer is loaded with caveats.


Toyotas generally do last a long time, as long as they're taken care of. The availability of a good, reliable 1st or 2nd Gen diminishes by the day. Why? They're aging out. Every single car has a finite number of miles on the odometer, and it's only a matter of time before car reaches it's end. And if you're looking at something over 10 years old or even 20 years old, just know you're adopting a senior citizen. Many have many years of reliable service remaining. Many don't. At that age, you need to be fairly canny with engines to tell the difference.

Are they worth the ask? Usually I wouldn't buy at those prices. But many do.


Meanwhile, many 3rd gens are looking for a good home. They'll last all day and then some. You just have to ask yourself, are you prepared to buy a midsized truck that won't win any races?

 

They start out great, but as with any car, long term reliability depends on the quality of replacement parts and the thoroughness of the mechanic.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

It does seem that 2nd gen’s are considered to be longer lasting (mechanically) on average, than 3rd gen’s. However, with 2nd gen’s being older than 3rd gen’s- which will last longer??? Be aware that you might be smart to avoid 2016 Tacomas.

There are some non-mechanical things to consider- Toyota paint is not known to stand up to time as well as some other manufacturers.

what part of the country do you live in? A major Achilles heel is the frames rusting. If your frame goes, you are most likely scrapping the truck. It is not economical to replace them. On that same note, you can find an old Tacoma with a relatively newer frame (Toyota was replacing them for free, but not any more).

 

Welcome to TW. I’m kinda wondering if this first post is real or bs. You have two older than dirt (25 and 26 years) trucks with likely high mileage and you are complaining that they are letting you down. What do you expect, they are old, old vehicles are not dependable. . And now you are asking about getting an old Toyota for between $8 to $10,000 which means old and likely high mileage. Old and high mileage any brand vehicle means likely not dependable and a lot of work and $$$. Not sure what you expect or really what you are looking for.
Here’s one listed for sale in the Northern California thread, check it out , this may be what you are looking for. There are pics too.
The interior looks like shit, rip and tear upholstery. Here’s what the basic add says.

Located in the East bay. Selling my 2000 Tacoma 4x4 with 3 in lift kit and manual 5 speed. Has been a great truck just need to move on. This is my daily driver but does need work. Almost 300,000 miles. Clean title 3rd owner

Pros. Its a Toyota. Never broke down.

Cons. Power steering leak from rack and pinion

Has a weird idle when first warming up

Has a small oil leak
Has a small radiator leak
Vibrates going over 65mph
Has the rear end whine since 130,000 mile
Heater control sticks
CV shaft boot is cracked
Passenger side door the key wont work.
2 small chips in windshield.
Needs brakes


Its dirty and has scratches and dents. Truck is 24 years old and hasntlet me down. I have replaced the starter, belts, and alternator that is all. Tires rub when making sharp turns.

 

Going from f250 to a tacoma you are going to be dissapointed.