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Are '04 Automatics Prone to Transmission Problems

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by ghayduke, Jul 3, 2016.

  1. Jul 3, 2016 at 10:44 AM
    #1
    ghayduke

    ghayduke [OP] Member

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    Hello Taco Fans.

    I am looking for a truck for my son and found one that looks good except the transmission was overhauled at AAMCO at 60K miles according to the CarFax. I was pretty surprised to see that.

    Otherwise, the truck looks like it could be a good find. It's an '04 access cab, 4cyl, 2WD with only ~85K miles for $10K. It's a 1-owner truck also. Looks clean in the pictures.

    When I see it first hand and drive it, I'll see if there are any red flags. Right now the transmission overhaul (at AAMCO) is the most worrisome thing about it.

    So isn't it pretty rare to have a transmission problem at 60K miles?
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2016
  2. Jul 3, 2016 at 10:49 AM
    #2
    DustStorm4x4

    DustStorm4x4 BBC 2020

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    Transmission problems at that early point to the way it was treated. Could've been a fluke, but I've never heard of a transmission failing that early on a first gen.

    My '98 auto never gave me problems with 160k miles. Sold it, but it's still probably going strong.

    A thing to look out on first gens however, is frame rust. I'd check this out before anything else.

    10k is a little steep for a 4cyl too...
     
    Bbqtaco1 likes this.
  3. Jul 3, 2016 at 10:52 AM
    #3
    jsinnard

    jsinnard Well-Known Member

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    No problems in 11 years with my 04 at 130k miles. Recently replaced the transmission fluid as part of regular maintenance but everything is running just fine.
     
  4. Jul 3, 2016 at 10:54 AM
    #4
    Taco Addiction

    Taco Addiction We found Jimmy

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    Agree with Dust Storm, odd but once you see it you might see why. I have an 04 TRD, mint condition, 113K miles and no issues whatsoever. Had it checked out by 2 mechanics too before I pulled the trigger.

    Check out the buyers guide here for a Gen 1 and Id be concerned if you see any rust. Great mileage for that year but would drag that truck to a qualified mechanic, buyers guide from TacomaWorld in hand and do a proctology exam on that rig for that money. Seems pricey to me.
     
  5. Jul 3, 2016 at 11:01 AM
    #5
    DustStorm4x4

    DustStorm4x4 BBC 2020

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  6. Jul 3, 2016 at 11:01 AM
    #6
    ghayduke

    ghayduke [OP] Member

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    One thing that looked positive was that the truck has only been in MD for 50K miles. Before that, it was in SC. I expect the frame to look better than most as a result of spending relatively little time in salt-heavy areas. I'm also hoping to get some relief on the price but negotiations have not yet begun.
     
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  7. Jul 3, 2016 at 11:08 AM
    #7
    jsinnard

    jsinnard Well-Known Member

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    Too bad it's not a manual transmission, the 4 cylinder with AT is about as slow as you can get. My 99 single cab 4X4 was like that and with any load in the back made it even slower.

    I'd offer $8.5K cash and see where it goes. $10K is a lot of money for a 4 cylinder prerunner AC with an AT. If its a genuine TRD then maybe.
     
  8. Jul 3, 2016 at 5:21 PM
    #8
    Sicyota04

    Sicyota04 Slowly but surely.

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    I have an 04 DCSB TRD w/ the 3.4 V6 and E locker in the rear. I have 247,000 miles. I just have always done regular maintenance and the original transmission shifts just fine! Gotta love Toyota's. Made in Fremont, CA!
     
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  9. Jul 3, 2016 at 6:54 PM
    #9
    Bxnanaz

    Bxnanaz Well-Known Member

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    Way too pricey. I wouldn't buy an '04 4WD 4 cyl for 10k, much less a 2wd.
     
  10. Jul 4, 2016 at 11:30 AM
    #10
    2000TRDTaco

    2000TRDTaco Well-Known Member

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    My 2000 prerunner has 205k miles on it with just fluid and filter changes.....never had one single problem with it.....would drive it across the country tomorrow if needed
     
  11. Jul 4, 2016 at 11:42 AM
    #11
    KenLyns

    KenLyns 8.75" Third Member

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    Pretty rare for any vehicle to have a trans problem at 60k miles, since it's right at the limit of the powertrain warranty. There are also plenty of ways to abuse the trans so it fails early: wrong fluid, flat towed in neutral, parking on steep hill without parking brake, neutral drops...

    Is this a private party sale or from a dealer? Best if you get the specific details (like the Aamco work order). Aamco overhauls carry a lifetime warranty with the right paperwork.
     
    Last edited: Jul 4, 2016
    DustStorm4x4 likes this.
  12. Jul 4, 2016 at 11:56 AM
    #12
    HeavyThumbs

    HeavyThumbs Well-Known Member

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    I had an '04 automatic for 11 years, it had 175k miles on it when it was totaled. I never had a single issue with the transmission.
     
  13. Jul 5, 2016 at 1:01 PM
    #13
    cruxofthebisquit

    cruxofthebisquit Well-Known Member

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    OME and worth every penny.
    they may have just made the mistake of going to Aamco for a fluid change.
    If Aamco looks at any transmission they will say it needs complete rebuilding.
    It would be more concerning if Toyota had said it needed it.
     
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  14. Jul 5, 2016 at 1:57 PM
    #14
    2000TRDTaco

    2000TRDTaco Well-Known Member

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  15. Jul 5, 2016 at 2:08 PM
    #15
    Bbqtaco1

    Bbqtaco1 Active Member

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    I picke up a 2004 TRD 2wd 2 weeks ago. The buyers guide on this forum was very helpful, I'd recommend using that. The price isn't too bad, specially for the miles, but depends where you live, you might be able to get a V6 around that price. I know in TN you can. Good luck
     
  16. Jul 5, 2016 at 2:09 PM
    #16
    Bbqtaco1

    Bbqtaco1 Active Member

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    Angier NC ? Please tell me you go to Sunny SKY ice cream. Man I miss that place
     
  17. Jul 5, 2016 at 6:08 PM
    #17
    2000TRDTaco

    2000TRDTaco Well-Known Member

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    Oh yes I live about 5 minutes from there going towards coats on hwy 55....good stuff
     
  18. Jul 5, 2016 at 10:22 PM
    #18
    mikesdoublecab

    mikesdoublecab LT Chase Truck

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    like everyone else said, that sounds way off, and likely it went to Aamco for something else and they duped the owner into some rebuild it may not have needed...

    my 2001 has 327,500 miles on it now and knock on wood, hasn't had any transmission issues...
     
  19. Jul 18, 2016 at 10:10 PM
    #19
    Area51Runner

    Area51Runner Well-Known Member

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    Do you want me to take a pic of the old NUMI plant? I miss seeing all those Tacoma's coming out of that lot. Now all you see are Teslas :der:
     
  20. Jul 18, 2016 at 10:18 PM
    #20
    davidpick

    davidpick NWXPDTN

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    '04 Tacoma here, 162k miles. No transmission issues at all.
     

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