1st GEN OWNERS OPINIONS WANTED- purchase high mileage 99’

Hey all. For all you high mileage 1st gen owners here’s my scenario:

I’m set to look at a white manual 99 Tacoma 3.4 access cab 4x4 (SR5 non-TRD Package) w/ 330k on the clock. I’ve had high mileage toyotas before, but never over 305k and it was a 3rd gen 4runner made in Japan.
This truck is in overall great shape. Outside 9 of 10. Inside 7 of 10. Original owner with excellent maintenance records in which everything has been done/updated EXCEPT the engine and transmission. The car was bought, and still resides in California where it lived it’s entire life.

The guy is asking $7500. Please share your thoughts, concerns, things to check for (outside the obvious rust/leaks/burning oil/etc) and over all advice. If I buy this, and add a campershell a a couple other things, I want to know I’m not gonna kick myself if the engine/ tranny needs rebuilding in a year and I’m sitting on a 13k$ truck with a resale value of 6k$.

Or is it better to spend the 10-13k$ on a lower mileage 1st gen w/ less miles.

This will not be a primary vehicle, and it will be used lightly for housework, projects, and the occasional roadtrip.


Thanks for the help!

 

I would check the frame first, I know it's a CA truck but better to look for yourself and make sure. Also see if the timing belt is up to date and when the lower ball joints were last replaced.

 

I'll put it this way.

I'd take a truck with 300k miles and complete service records over one with 100k and no service records.

 

The guy has been slightly difficult, but just admitted he had a few people come to look at it. I’m guessing that if a few people checked it out and no one wanted it, it’s probably not as solid as he’s leading on.

I think I’m going to pass.

much appreciated for the responses...

 

Have you even looked at it yourself?

It's SOP to tell a potential buyer that other people are looking at it, even if there aren't. If you THINK other people are interested, you're less likely to lowball an offer.

Do yourself a favor and at LEAST go look at it.

 

If it’s been taken care of there’s no reason it doesn’t have a few more miles left in it. Is it a auto or manual? I’d maybe do a quick compression test on it and make sure it shifted through all the gears nice.

 

I got a 99, 291K miles, v6, 4WD, Trd, access cab, with a camper shell, for $5000 a couple years back in NorCal. I think his price is high for the miles. Mine was very clean, I did new fuel injectors, seats, hoses, misc rubber parts, etc the last 2 years but it has been running great!

 

everyone thinks that everything they own is worth a pile of money whereas everything you own is crap, its an ego thing. If the guy is evasive there is probably a good reason for it. On your future potential purchases the best way to protect yourself is by buying a simple OBDII scanner. While on your test drive pull over and plug it in and read the codes. If a P1000 shows that means that someone... I never accuse the seller... has reset the PCM to clear a check engine light and is hoping that the truck sells before the code the set the CEL pops again. There are many, many posts on Tacoma world with this issue.

 

I bought my 2004 V6 TRD Extra cab with 298k on it. Always serviced and no leaks. Came with an ARB bumper, FROR rear bumper and King Coilovers.
This truck was for sale for three months! No one bit until i came along due to the mileage.
Guy wanted $7500 and I got it for $6500.
In the 4 years I have had it, I have replaced the carrier bearing, both rear wheel bearings, steering rack and ignition coils. Did timing kit and had the Kings rebuilt. I also added the winch that the front bumper was missing and I'll tell you, this truck runs great.
Does not use oil and runs smooth as silk.
I have driven it at least a dozen times to Oregon and back with no issues.It is sporting 383K now and I am doing another road trip to Grants Pass and surrounding areas in October. Tacoma tough!

 

Only a little over 16,000 miles a year I hear some commutes out yonder can be a little longer .

Time Honored tradition asking a starting price higher then your willing to take I have others coming to look at the truck always a given

A vehicle that old is going to need work in some area it never fails.

Might be time for a timing Belt the Owner being unable to change it said nope I am done Wife/Partner said sell the Truck it is old not one cent more a remark from my Ex wife I should never have said "Your getting Old As well "

 

I bought my 01 trd for $8750 and it had 163k to bring it to 100% was about $700 in parts then comes the mod’s but overall if you expand your search area you can find better deals.

 

Don't forget to look out of State. Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho, Nevada. Most trucks in these states should not have frame rust issues, and I'd bet you can find a better deal on a 1st gen with lower miles. Patients is a virtue. Take your time and shop around. Don't be an impulse buyer just because you want a 1st gen. Maintenance records are a big plus. There are plenty of horror stories here on TW of buyers remorse. Might involve a little air fair and a drive back home, but I think in the long run you'll be happier. From what I've read here on TW, those California trucks seem to be made of "Gold" and the asking prices are high. just my 2 cents worth

 

It’s all about the maintenance and care, not so much the miles,
I run the hell out of my truck with regular maintenance
I would take a well maintained truck higher miles over a lower miles with no maintenance record