Call for action; Should I buy a '02 standard cab, or the '00 ext cab?

Any tips on the 4 piece sliding window? I have it and it's a major PITA

 

Got it used in the Houston area for $200.
I picked up some 2nd hand Yakima Rooftop carriers (they quickly attach to the permanent brackets you can see in the picture) to carry a canoe on top of the cap

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/which-sliding-rear-window-to-get.316763/

 

All things being equal, if you're planning on camping get the Extended cab. You'll appreciate that enclosed, weatherproof space sooner or later.

 

Did a quick craigslist search in the Florida panhandle area
Foundd two better buys w/ half the mileage in your same price range
BTW best to stay away from ebay...

https://tallahassee.craigslist.org/cto/d/toyota-tacoma-sr/6223275613.html
2003 - 160k $5900




https://tallahassee.craigslist.org/cto/d/toyota-tacoma/6223493965.html
1999 - 107k $6500

 

But they are 2wd though... thank you for searching though!

 

Update on the truck, that IS a rear lock! He just confirmed that he would let the truck go for 6k. Still wondering if I should get it. He confirmed that there are different tires on the front and back of the truck. I wonder how that alignment is doing...

 

Yeah
I realized that after posting.
But there were 4x4s posted from your area but with mileage over 200k.
Have you looked at craigslist?

 

I have and that is where some of the trucks I have found have come from. I just don't want to spend 10k lol

 

I would echo what others have said:

1. If you can be patient, neither one of those trucks are an out of this world deal- I would keep looking.

2. 3rz is an absolutely great motor when paired with the reg cab and a manual. Avoid any other 3rz configuration.

Then for the contrary:

I am married, a dog dad, 5'10" and I DD my reg cab. With a topper it has been sufficient for my needs. I love the smaller wheel base and compact nature of the truck.

That said, I bought it one year ago, I only plan on DD'ing for another 3 years max, and I occasionally miss the creature comforts of my 2nd gen access cab.

 

Since I don't think anyone has mentioned this; It looks like the 2000 has been repainted. It does not have any badges and the front bumper is painted. There were not that many trucks 98-00 that had the bumpers painted from the factory.

 

Have you test drove either?

 

it has been repainted. He has a warranty for the job as well. What do you think about that?

 

As long as you know the history and it is a legitimately good paint job then I don't see any issue. What was the reason for repainting it?

 

I have no reason for the paint job as of yet. I am meeting him on Saturday to look at the truck in person.

 

If you go for this truck make sure you do a good inspection. The description says "No check engine light.", so bring good scanner and look for pending codes (test it also after the test drive). Either the seller is ignorant about the condition of the truck (which could mean lack of regular maintenance) or is hiding something (could mean the same too). Truck repainted cold mean many things: to hide some bad history (collision or rust repair ?) or owner's ignorance (did not like the color). Be sure to check all mechanical for issues or lack of maintenance (shocks, joints, steering, driveshafts U-joints) as well as body for rust or damage repair. I would look in aprons for signs of repair or replacement, and frame for signs of deformation (and rust obviously). The rear bumper is deformed and I'm not sure if it is even original (or maybe it is cut and it seems to short). And "small leak" is not normal thing. After 22 years my truck never had any "small" leaks. Yes, for Ford and Chevy if it doen;t leak it means it run out of fluid. For Toyota the only place that can be "wet" is around oil pan drain plug and oil filter if the service guy did not wipe out after the oil change. Anything else should be dry as a bone. So if head cover is leaking it could mean that something warped (not good) or someone messed with covers (head job?) and did not install it correctly. Like I wrote, seller is either ignorant and doesn't care or is not telling the whole story.

From the pictures it looks nice, but be 100% sure about condition and history before you hand over the cash. Ask difficult questions and make sure you get a complete answer. Don't take anything for granted (if he did not tell you something without asking it doesn't mean it did not happen).

Good luck.

 

I also voted extra cab, but I agree with others that you should hold out for a better truck. I had an 89 standard cab and while it was definitely a blast to drive I'm so glad to have the extra space. Also I'd hold out for a 5spd TRD!

 

Find a nice trd v6 extended cab

 

I'd go with the RC. That's a good deal on a reliable truck. Too many variables with the other one, I would stay as far away as possible.

Regular cab is gonna be fine for what you are looking for. It will be simple, dependable, and cost effective.

 

I've had four extra cab Tacomas. They all been great. The extra interior space is very convenient. I also have had caps on the beds. That's even better for out of the weather hauling, but not as secure. I've not had a RC, but would take one if the price was right. I'd get used to it.