High-mileage 1st gen Tacomas

I know it's not a Taco, but just in case you guys haven't seen this I thought you'd think it was interesting...

 

That's pretty amazing! Just hit 251k on mine and no signs of slowing down. Commute about 800 a week

 

Stock tacoma wheels, painted.

 

I thought they looked stock. What kind of paint?

 

No idea what that dude used, but I went with Rustoleum Graphite wheel paint on 3rd gen 4runner wheels, similar color. Here's mine:

 

Awesome. I like that as well.

 

It's Duplicolor graphite. Here's the thread where I post about it a little bit. The wheels are holding up Very well. They are 16" stock "3 spoke" wheels.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/graphite-wheels-on-my-sunfire-red-pearl.491368/

 

I'm def. going to do this to my wheels. Who carries the duplicolor paint?

 

Oriely's is where I got it. It has held up perfectly. Prep is critical for long term.

 

Well going on 150k and it’s head gasket time. Seems that the previous owners didn’t treat the truck very well or often. I found the green ethylene glycol in it so that may have been a contributing factor. I replaced the radiator this year and the exhaust system- cracked crossover pipe.
Had the timing belt replaced at 125k mileage at the dealers along with frame inspection, as well as a damaged LCA. Beyond that, alternator, carrier bearing and a boot replacement.
That was the mileage that I purchased it at so not that bad I guess
So the plan is to pull the heads, send them in and when they come back from the machine shop, put them back on if they pass muster. If not then look for a long block, maybe yotaworks and drop it in. Will know more in a few weeks....
Annoying but not a deal breaker.... yet

 

The graphite colored wheels look great! How is the gas mileage at 200K+ any change?

 

Wow thats really low miles for a head gasket to blow unless the engine was over heated.

 

Yep. I have a buddy who just bought a 02 4Runner for $3K or something like that with 132K miles and 600 miles later he’s got coolant in the cylinders. My taco has almost 240K on it with no major issues at all. The 5VZ is a great motor but if neglected can show head gasket issues. It really all depends on previous (and of course current) owner maintenance. Good luck!

 

Yea, my head gasket didn’t go out till 480,000 miles

 

I have 307k on my 2002 2wd 5spd MT Taco. A guy I was talking to in Damascus, VA had 550k on his '98 and he told me his friend had a '96 with 936k on the odometer!

 

Update- after some checking into my options and factoring in the mounting evidence of poor/no maintenance prior to my ownership, I replaced the engine with a salvage motor-( about $1k more than a top end rebuild) got everything sorted out and hit the AlCan- 2500 miles and a half qt of oil and a u joint later. no muss no fuss.
Radiator is a wear item my ass....

Now for that pesky idle issue....

 

My 2000 4x4 taco ext cab 5 spd manual has the six banger at 238k miles, runs great, no oil burning, clear dipstick. Restoring to driver status, looks great now too after a White Maaco spray job after I prepped it, banged out a zillion dents. 4" lifted old man emu and upper and lower arms, shocks etc. ; rides stiff but like new, din2 rocks four speakers, headlights, tailgate, rear bumper, nerfs. next are painting the 16" ers and add back up camera. Back from the dead and running great. my old geezer buds are driving 80k monstrocities or porshees, I go anywhere here in desert, run peaks, park it wherever, and just have fun, for peanuts!!! and Tacos are an appreciating asset.
and I use the savings, taxes, insurance and title fees to go buy more properties, make more money while I sleep. Go 1st gen Tacos!
Best to u all!

 

327,562 and not a thing needing repair or replacement. Bought it in 2004 for $15,000 with 97,000 miles on it from a Lt. Commander in Charleston, SC. Anti freeze, parts have always been Toyota brand. Had it painted in 2010 and it's always been out in the elements - never garage kept. Every part I've had to replace has been an original part. Never parting with my truck. I've gotten more than my money's worth. I'm extremely proud of it and get offers daily.

 

Nice. I like that grill.

 

Truck is my DD and now has 354k miles but here's a few pics when it turned 350k as I pulled into garage. I purchased from original owner 5 years ago. Original paint has some rock chips on hood and a fading spot on roof. Great truck.