What to look for when buying a 1st gen?

Hello,

Today I'll be heading out to look at a 2002 Tacoma, Extra Cab, TRD Off-Road, v6, Automatic with just over 40k miles on it~!(Edited the deal didn't go threw)
What to look for in a Tacoma, Extra Cab, TRD Off-Road, v6, Automatic, hopefully around 100k-150k miles on it.

What are some things I should look at?
What kind of maintenance should I be getting around that mileage?


I'm good with looking and inspecting cars, I can tell what cars have been in accidents(vin stickers, paint, drilled out/cut out or welded panels, checking out the frame/body lines, ect.)

I was just wondering what other things to look for. I live in Southern California too.

I'm new to trucks so if you could keep the acronyms down that would be great lol.

I'm not real picky on cosmetics I'd just like to have a good base to start with. Frame, engine, trans, diff, suspension, bushings.


Thank you in advanced!

 

When looking at the engine just look for any fluid leaking. if theres a little bit of oil around the valve cover gaskets, that seems to be a normal thing that happens to the 3.4l . When driving try to feel clunks and vibration that seems out of the norm. and try 4hi and lo on gravel if possible. if not still try it and make sure the locker engages. Other than that give everything a look and im sure im forgetting something but good luck with the truck! i love my 02!

Tim

 

Didn't go threw =[

I'm probably going to get one around 100k-150k miles if I can.

 

Frame frame and frame. probably not as much as an issue for you in cali but look for frame rust> do yourself a favor and search this forum for related threads and read up a bit. Good luck

 

SoCal

OP ask about timing belt/water pump. It should be done at 90k. Check fluids and leaf springs for negative arch. If they are negative arched you can probably use that as a bargaining chip.

 

Ah alright I was thinking the water pump and timing should be done before 100k. It's a long story, but my car over heated and seized on the freeway at around 105k miles. It was a sad month for me. I do most of the maintenance and work myself so no one/the mechanic told me when to change it...

Ah I'll make sure to check the leaf springs!
I probably would of just looked at them and said "Yup, those are leaf springs." and continued looking at the frame lol.

Thank you!