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Buying a 2002 Tacoma

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by oklahomie96, Oct 10, 2024.

  1. Oct 10, 2024 at 1:29 PM
    #1
    oklahomie96

    oklahomie96 [OP] Member

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    First Name:
    Dylan
    Southern Oklahoma
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tacoma 2.4L RWD
    New to the Tacoma family, and not someone who has ever been super interested in vehicles in general. I am excited about this one, though. My next-door neighbor was an elderly woman who passed away recently. I am in the process of buying her 2002 Tacoma from her daughter.

    It is a 2002 Tacoma Xtracab with the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. Automatic transmission. Does not have 4WD, but I plan on staying on the roads. Currently has 98,500 miles on it. Buying it for $3,000.

    Needs a few things. A good detailing once it is in my hands. Air conditioner needs a new blower control module. A new front windshield. Other small things like a new tailgate handle, power steering reservoir cap, and general maintenance. I also have plans to upgrade the stereo system.

    After reading many threads, I made sure to check for extensive rust damage to the frame. I am only seeing some surface rust, but I have already read many recommendations to ensure that won't become a problem down the road. I am also in Oklahoma, so salted roads in the winter aren't a concern.

    I appreciate the countless threads already established here for just about any topic you can think of. They have already come in handy.


    Any other tips or suggestions to a new Tacoma owner would be appreciated.

    t2.jpg t1.jpg t3.jpg t4.jpg t5.jpg
     
    4xdog, FixMyTaco and PennSilverTaco like this.
  2. Oct 10, 2024 at 1:48 PM
    #2
    PennSilverTaco

    PennSilverTaco Encyclopedia of useless information...

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    Charlie
    Central Bucks, Pennsylvania
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    Welcome to TW! :hattip::wave:

    I’d say that’s a great buy for the mileage and condition, but the frame looks a bit rusty for Oklahoma. Has it always been an Oklahoma truck? Did you closely inspect the frame before handing over the cash and signing the paperwork?
     
    oklahomie96[OP] likes this.
  3. Oct 10, 2024 at 2:05 PM
    #3
    Patural_Light

    Patural_Light Active Member

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    Pat
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    Welcome! Looks good and the low mileage is great.

    Have you knocked around on the frame with a hammer? I thought it was unnecessary and kinda weird until I found some painted over rust on a truck I was looking at. Worth 10 minutes.
     
    oklahomie96[OP] likes this.
  4. Oct 10, 2024 at 3:01 PM
    #4
    oklahomie96

    oklahomie96 [OP] Member

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    First Name:
    Dylan
    Southern Oklahoma
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tacoma 2.4L RWD
    It has. The neighbors were the original owners. The daughter is locating the title, so I have not signed anything or handed over any money.

    As far as I can tell, it all looks sound. Any particular spots I should look closer at? I have read where near the catalytic converters is one common area of concern.
     
  5. Oct 10, 2024 at 3:02 PM
    #5
    oklahomie96

    oklahomie96 [OP] Member

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    Dylan
    Southern Oklahoma
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tacoma 2.4L RWD
    I haven’t tried that yet, but I can. I haven’t seen any spots with bubbling or flaking rust.
     
  6. Oct 10, 2024 at 3:07 PM
    #6
    Pbfender15

    Pbfender15 Well-Known Member

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    Looks like a great deal. I think you scored.
     
    oklahomie96[OP] likes this.
  7. Oct 10, 2024 at 9:08 PM
    #7
    NikkoCharger

    NikkoCharger Active Member

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    Yes that's definitely an area to check around, other areas to check would be around the rear shock mounts and between the cab and the frame.
     
  8. Oct 10, 2024 at 10:03 PM
    #8
    23MGM

    23MGM Well-Known Member

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    I'll buy it if you don't. Welcome.
     
  9. Oct 11, 2024 at 2:39 PM
    #9
    rocknbil

    rocknbil Well-Known Member

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    3K ??????? Take it and run! First up, put new LBJ's in it, clean that frame and WoolWax it.
     
  10. Oct 11, 2024 at 4:15 PM
    #10
    oklahomie96

    oklahomie96 [OP] Member

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    First Name:
    Dylan
    Southern Oklahoma
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tacoma 2.4L RWD
    Thanks for the advice on the LBJs. That’s not something I had on my to-do list.

    I’m not a car enthusiast by any means, but I am excited to have a utilitarian vehicle that I can repair and maintain myself.
     
    FixMyTaco likes this.
  11. Oct 11, 2024 at 7:45 PM
    #11
    rocknbil

    rocknbil Well-Known Member

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    It can happen at any time. It is the one major fault with first gen's. Most of the ones I've seen were at low speeds, but one guy on here somewhere was going down the highway at night when they let go. Recommended is at least every 60K, 30 if you ride hard. Or you can get 500K out of them . . . there's no telling.
    [​IMG]
     
  12. Oct 13, 2024 at 8:38 PM
    #12
    NikkoCharger

    NikkoCharger Active Member

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    ^^^ listen to this man:

    There's literally a facebook group dedicated to LBJ failure on our trucks with almost 14k members. Better to protect your investment rather than risking it and having your new truck being showcased in the group. upload_2024-10-13_23-37-53.png
     
    oklahomie96[OP] likes this.
  13. Oct 13, 2024 at 11:11 PM
    #13
    Digiratus

    Digiratus Adventurer

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    2002 XtraCab TRD 4x4 SCv6 AutoTrans With Lots of Mods ADS COs w/Compression Adjusters Camburg Uniball UCAs Whiteline Lower Control Arm Bushings Kartek 7" Limit Straps Plastics Guy Front Bumpstops Total Chaos Sprindle Gussets Custom Alcan Springs +800 lbs +3" ADS 10" Stroke Triple Bypass w/Resi Rear Shocks Custom Rear Shock Relocate All-Pro U-bolt Flip w/Timbren Bumpstops 4.88 Nitro Gears ARB Front Locker ARB Twin Compressor Black 17x8 Konig Countersteer Type X 285/70r17 Falken A/T3w Gunmetal 16x8 SCS Ray10s 255/85r16 Maxxis Bighorns Limited Edition (Relentless) Elite Front Bumper Smittybilt X2O 10K Winch Diode Dynamics SS3 Sport Selective Yellow Fog Lights in the Bumper Diode Dynamics SS3 Pro 4,000 Kelvin SAE Driving Lights with Clear Lenses on the Bumper Morimoto D2S Projectors XB35 Ballasts + 4300K Bulbs Badland Sliders FrankenFab Tire Carrier Swingout bumper w/kitchen BudBuilt Front & Bellypan Skids BAMF Rear Diff Skid Dometic CFX 55im Fridge/Freezer Alpha II Hardshell RTT Badland Custom Bed Rack Denso 210-0461 105 amp alternator Dual Northstar 24F AGM batteries BlueSea 7622 ML-ACR Battery controller Peak DBI Dual Battery Voltage Monitor Haltech IC-7 Display with Mako Dash Insert Haltech Elite 2500 Standalone ECU Magnuson MP62 Supercharger w/URD 2.2" Pulley Doug Thorley Headers Denso 650cc Fuel Injectors Aeromotive Stealth 340 Fuel Pump TransGo A340F Reprogramming Shift Kit OEM ECU Delete Full A340F Trans Control with the Haltech 2500 ECU 2.5" Magnaflow Hi-Flow CAT Magnaflow 18" Muffler w/Vibrant Resonator 13WL Brake Calipers with OEM Rotors & Pads Braided Steel Brake Lines Kenwood TM-71A Dual Band Ham Radio STI-CO Flex Whip VFH/UHF 1/4 Wave Antenna Midland MTX275 GMRS Radio w/Roof Mount Antenna Pioneer DEH-P9400BH HU Alpine Amps & Type R components (F) and coaxials (R) Wet Okole Seat Covers Weathertech Digital Liners Deck Plate Mod 1" Diff Drop Carrier Bearing Drop
    You guys have made a great point but your advice applies to the 6 lug trucks. The OP has a 5 lug version and the front suspension is very different, including the LBJ design.
     
  14. Oct 14, 2024 at 1:34 AM
    #14
    PaulyFromLA

    PaulyFromLA Well-Known Member

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    Ones a camper, ones oem, ones a flatbed
    dude i have a 2.4 but reg cab my lbj took a dump close to my house. Change your ball joints stat!!!
     
    oklahomie96[OP] likes this.
  15. Oct 14, 2024 at 1:36 AM
    #15
    PaulyFromLA

    PaulyFromLA Well-Known Member

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    Ones a camper, ones oem, ones a flatbed
    Dude this is a steal. Id buy it cus its such a great deal. But if I was in the market id buy the v6 extended cab, more power, about same mpg or even better if you have weight in the bed.
     
    oklahomie96[OP] likes this.
  16. Oct 14, 2024 at 2:17 AM
    #16
    FixMyTaco

    FixMyTaco Well-Known Member

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    Alaska
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    Rebuilding seats with leather from furniture and extra padding. Might put leather on the dash and other interior parts.
    I vote buy.
    Drive it for a few hundred thousand miles and see if you like it.
     
    oklahomie96[OP] likes this.
  17. Oct 14, 2024 at 3:34 AM
    #17
    TruckGuy63

    TruckGuy63 Well-Known Member

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    Double check the frame , which just looks like surface rust , and buy it
    The frame can be cleaned up to look new again if not damaged
     
    oklahomie96[OP] likes this.
  18. Oct 14, 2024 at 5:53 AM
    #18
    NC Gazzer

    NC Gazzer Well-Known Member

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    Looks like a bargain. If that spare is the original, it will be a good idea to replace.
     
    oklahomie96[OP] likes this.
  19. Oct 15, 2024 at 11:40 AM
    #19
    oklahomie96

    oklahomie96 [OP] Member

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    First Name:
    Dylan
    Southern Oklahoma
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tacoma 2.4L RWD
    Wasn't really looking for one, just had this one fall in my lap. I don't pull trailers frequently or go off-roading, so I think it will serve me well.
     
  20. Oct 15, 2024 at 11:41 AM
    #20
    oklahomie96

    oklahomie96 [OP] Member

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    Dylan
    Southern Oklahoma
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    2002 Tacoma 2.4L RWD
    Appreciate the heads up on that. Once I have it, I'll drop it and inspect the date.
     

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