Buying a 2002 Tacoma

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.

 

Welcome to TW!

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

I haven’t tried that yet, but I can. I haven’t seen any spots with bubbling or flaking rust.

 

Looks like a great deal. I think you scored.

 

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.

 

I'll buy it if you don't. Welcome.

 

3K ??????? Take it and run! First up, put new LBJ's in it, clean that frame and WoolWax it.

 

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.

 

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.

 

^^^ 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.

 

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.

 

dude i have a 2.4 but reg cab my lbj took a dump close to my house. Change your ball joints stat!!!

 

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.

 

I vote buy.
Drive it for a few hundred thousand miles and see if you like it.

 

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

 

Looks like a bargain. If that spare is the original, it will be a good idea to replace.

 

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.

 

Appreciate the heads up on that. Once I have it, I'll drop it and inspect the date.