Checking out a 96'. Any advice

Going to be checking out a '96 possibly tomorrow. It's access cab, V6, auto, 4x4, about 160K miles. Truck looks clean, and "no rust" claimed. Will def be looking for it. Anything else to look for on these.

I searched around, and it appears the only difference in the late 90s to the early 2000s, is the grill. Everything else from drivetrain to most of the interior is the same on the 96 V6 to the 2003. Am I correct on this?

Also, is around 6k a good price considering mileage and age?

 

Definatly check for rust.

The three sub models from 1995.5-2004 were only small changes. Grille, lights, and some interior changes.

6K sounds like a reasonable price

 

Yea, rust is my main concern.

Another thing, is he has 32" on it without lift. Think that has done damage?

 

Also, if he has maintenace records thats a plus

32s might have rubbed a little. I have 32s but Im lifted. Check in the wheel wells for rub marks

 

Check c/v's and front diff for leaks. and look at ball joints.

 

The leaf springs from 95.5 to 97 are 3 inches shorter than rest of first gens

 

stick your hand up in the frame by the front spring hangers and check for rust. Check ball joints and leaf springs as well, make sure they aren't broken or negative arch. 32's on no lift won't hurt a thing.

I'd try and get it for 5500 if it's clean.

 

Ask about starter,water pump , radiator,and ignition. Mine had some tumblers wear down ,had to replace them.
Check for cracks in the intake manifold,anything seen thru the heatshield is bad. *This is expected in older tacomas,use to your advantage*
See if the spare tire tools are inside the cab.Google the vin and see if anything pops up.

 

Can you explain a little more about seeing through heat shield?

 

Heat shield has round cut outs in it. If the intake has you prob will see them . Most cracks are inbetween the 3rd and 4th tube on the intake.

 

Thanks for the advice. Ended up passing on the truck.

"Runs great, no problems."

Meet to see it.....

(Granted it is a 97', so some of this was to be expected)
Dent and dinged a fair amount
Leaf springs are negative, or very close to
Tires are rubbing big time
Trim pieces scratched up/broken
Grill half way about to fall off
Hood had crazy amount of chips to the front
Window button sticks
No catalytic convertor
CEL, assuming b/c of cat, not sure though
Driver seat was worn pretty bad.
Truck felt like it was "tired"
Owner admits he's been towing boats way to heavy for it, "It'll tow 'em, just doesn't like it."
Title had exempt marked on it for mileage. Could be an age thing I've found out, but didn't know at time.

All in all, for 5k, it still might of been a decent buy, but didn't feel like the truck would last as long as other, better maintained, tacomas out there.

Thanks for the advice. I'm still searching for that old gem

 

Sounds like the perfect truck to pass up.