Are '04 Automatics Prone to Transmission Problems

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?

 

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...

 

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.

 

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.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-tacoma-buyers-guide.156943/

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

Way too pricey. I wouldn't buy an '04 4WD 4 cyl for 10k, much less a 2wd.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

This /\

 

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

 

Angier NC ? Please tell me you go to Sunny SKY ice cream. Man I miss that place

 

Oh yes I live about 5 minutes from there going towards coats on hwy 55....good stuff

 

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...

 

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

 

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