2001 Taco V6 Double Cab

Hello, I am new to this forum. In an effort to wipe out car payments I am looking at getting rid of my current vehicle. The main replacement that I am looking at is a 2001 Taco Double cab V6 w/auto trans. The truck has about 65k miles and clean car fax. Also according to car fax the vehicle has been registered in Florida the whole time. From browsing these forums it seems like frame rust is the biggest issue to look out for. I have not checked the frame out yet. This car is being purchased through a dealer so it is just now going through their inspection. I am thinking I should be able to get another 150k miles out of this thing. What other pitfalls should I be looking for if any? I would imagine any 14 year old vehicle is going to have some surface rust on the underside. Here are some quick pics:

 

That's a low mile Tacoma so as long as the frame is solid, you shouldn't have too many issues.

1. Timing Belt and Water Pump due around 90k miles. Sometimes sooner due to a water pump leak.
2. Wheel bearings on these trucks are not the greatest.

As long as it's been well cared for and it's solid, they are pretty reliable. If you don't know the maintenance history, then performing a semi-major service to exchange all fluids wouldn't be a bad idea. Run a can of

$25 BG 44k Fuel System Cleaner Power Enhancer 11oz.

BG 44k through the fuel system as well. Get the brakes inspected as well. Otherwise, drive it.

Good luck!

 

Yeah not much than what's been stated already. It shouldn't have any serious rust for being in FL, reliable to the core.

 

Thanks for the replies. It looks like the all of the maintenance was done through the Toyota dealer for the first 54k miles. 3k oil changes and manufacturer recommended maintenance done at prescribed mileage intervals. Front brake pads replaced and rotors resurfaced at 41k miles. So it has definitely been taken care of. Just need to test drive it before making the final decision.

 

Is that a 4wd? And how much is the asking price?

 

No its 2wd. Asking just under $10k.

 

Sounds like a great deal.

 

If it is clean, I'd buy it, bring it to Washington/ Oregon and sell it for 15k+

 

Picked her up today. Only things on the dealers list to watch are:

• Tires have a lot of tread left but are 8 years old.
• Windshield washer reservoir has a crack.
• coolant has a leak when they pressurized it. Not a bad leak more like seepage.

Glad I snatched her up. Frame looks great no visible rust issues.

 

They all do. Or will.

I was going to fiber glass mine back together today, but I over-booked my day. Maybe next weekend.

Enjoy your truck. It looks very nice.

 

Congrats.

Where is the coolant seeping? Water pump? Heater Hoses? Radiator? Being in FL I would not wait for it to get blistering hot.

 

I will have to double check where the seepage is coming from. They cleaned the engine compartment so I do not see any signs of seepage right now.