Advice for new owner of 2001? - what to look out for???

Evening Gents, (and gals, if there are any out there),

I am the happy new owner of a 2001 Coma SR5 XtraCab with 180,000 miles and virtually no service records. The truck is clean, straight, the fluids look good, the chassis straight, everything works, and no leaks.

So, what early warning signs, quirks or abnormalities should I be looking out for to head off problems???

Given that the fluids, brakes, tires, drive line, belts all look good, I am looking for suggestions for things to check as I move along with my ownership, where are the weakest areas????

At 180k, with NO service records, or knowledge of the newer trucks "weak areas", initially, I am concerned about the plugs, front wheel bearings, any fuel injection/ignition weak areas???

2.4 engine, manual trans, everything "stock".

I am a 66 year old "car guy", have been a service writer, parts sales man, and even a service manager, (until I gave them back their job), never smart enough to be a real mechanic, but, do my own wrenching, with occasional help.

Thanks for your input,
chris

 

Welcome to Tacoma world Chris! Overall I would say just check plugs, wires, fluids, filters and vacuum lines under the hood. If your engine is the 3.4 Then May want to look into checking the condition of the timing belt but if its the 2.7 then its a timing chain. You'll generally hear a rattle of the timing chain when its wearing out. I've owned a 4Runner with the 2.7l and my Tacoma with the 3.4l. Both last quite a while if you just give them some TLC. As for the rest of the truck... Underneath Id say I've only had to replace Joints and brakes. But most of that stuff you will feel a shutter, a pull, or slop in steering if its bad. If you have any other questions just ask.

Tim

 

Man, with that truck, the only you need to look out for is potholes. BULLET PROOF!!

 

Thanks, I have no knowledge of the new 2.4 engine. It is strong, dry and the truck looks like it has 20k on it, (not 185000).

Today, I just adapted the old bed liner, put on a new 2 inch hitch ball, refinished and installed the lumber rack and gave it the first wash.

Thanks for the encouragement - I'm a happy guy and my 3 year old grand daughter had a good time checking it out with grandma. (getting old isn't all bad

chris

 

Welcome Chris. Good looking truck!

 

Great looking truck , Just check the plugs and fluids and enjoy the ride for the next 200k