Hello from the windy city!

Howdy everyone, excited for my first Toyota owning experience. I got my 209k '02 Xtracab Tacoma 2.4l after trading in a disaster of a vehicle that I inherited: a 2015 Nissan Versa SV. It served me well through the warranty period, but the engine started knocking, and the trans was a future liability, so it was time to move on while it still had value. The Tacoma popped up at a local dealership, and it seemed like a decent starter truck. I don't think I got the best deal, and I still need to do a little work on it, but it drives well and frame is good.

Speaking of the frame, it only has surface rust (I banged all around under it with a hammer, and its solid), so I sprayed it inside and out with a few cans of Fluid film to keep it from getting much further. Rear bumper has some ugly looking rust, but surface again. Probably will just replace it sometime down the road. It was a Tennessee truck up until a year ago, so not too corrosive of an environment; but now it has entered the rust belt, and must face the vengence of road salt.

The idle was a little wonky when I got it, but fixed mostly with cleaning MAF and Throttle body. It still dips and starts vibrating a little occasionally, so I am planning on pulling the throttle body and cleaning the IAC too. Hopefully this doesn't turn into too big of a job but we'll see. I have a code for the Bank 1 Air/fuel sensor, so I'm replacing that too in hopes that it will clear up.

Suspension is suprisingly smooth, as the previous owner kept up on bushings, bearings, and other components. One of the reasons I sprung for it, because I hate doing suspension work.

Exhaust was half missing, but I had a mexican connection who cleaned it up on the cheap and installed a new muffler. Almost as quiet as an EV, lol.

Most issues are aethetic, and I will fix or toss in replacements when I find the time. Going to get a front bumper replacement to freshen it up, since it was a little fender bender years ago. Maybe rear bumper when I might actaully need to tow things. The interior is decent, but the previous owner ashed on the seats a few times which is annoying. Might do a lift and spacers eventually, although I think I will set that as a gift for myself when I get a higher paying position; gotta have some motivation.

Other than that, she is a beaut. A bit beat up externally, but the engine and auto tranny run like a champ with no leaks. I am aiming to crack 300k with this truck, and I am pretty sure she will pass it with flying colors. Looking forward to many years on this forum, and maybe eventually contributing something.

 

Welcome to TW from near Aurora!

 

Thanks, and I fully agree with your tag, lol. Might escape to Wisconsin soon, where I have some car enthusiest family members who would take me in.

 

Ya, Wisconsin would be nice. I would even consider going to the U.P. Its beautiful up there!

 

Welcome! You’ve come to the right place

 

Yeah, i've never crossed the border, but the north woods are beautiful. I'll retire out there one day in a small cabin and live in piece for once, lol.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome! Wishing you many more good miles on your new to you taco.

 

Welcome to the jungle!

 

Welcome to TW

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Truck looks good. 1st gens all day I just hit 330,453 and have spent the last 10 months restoring mine. Welcome