Just Bought a 98 - searching for tips on what to look for

Hey guys, I'm quite new here. I just got back from the dealership, where I bought a 1998 Tacoma Limited 4WD Extended Cab with the V6 engine/auto transmission. The truck cost me $7200 and it has 119k on the odometer, came with three brand new tires (one is worn), a very nice cap, and well, basically the "whole nine yards." I'm so excited to pick up the truck tomorrow, give it a wash, and start looking over it to see what I need to do.

Before I purchased it I took it to a shop. They tested the compression, took a look at the tie rods, ball joints, steering rack, frame, etc...and it all checks out. Looks great.

I'm planning on driving it on a road trip this July up and around the PNW and then back to Utah, then maybe back east to Vermont where my parents live. My question is, is there anything I should tell the guys to look for when I take it to the shop next? I'm not super mechanically inclined (brakes and oil is about all I have experience with) so any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks for taking the time to read this. I'm sure I'm ignoring one or two newbie rules, so I apologize in advance!

 

Nice looking truck, congrats

 

Ditto. Sweet truck and a good deal. Sounds like you're ready to roll. Has it had a timing belt & water pump change?

 

WILDCARD

So I found out that the odometer had been tampered with, instead of 119,000 on it - it has ~166,000

I'm not too worried at all. Guess I'll take a look at the Toyota scheduled maintenance guidelines that are floating around on here. Anybody have any insight into what starts to go wrong around 150k?

Thanks!

 

So the higher mileage was apparently a mileage "placeholder" that the shop put there. I spoke with the shop owner and he said he fired the employee who did that. It's true mileage is still 119,000! Definitely lucked out with this truck! Still looking for tips on what to look for, I want to basically restore/get ahead of anything that may come up in the future. I definitely plan on driving this thing until she croaks.

If anybody sees this, thanks for reading!

 

Grease your U joints and check your carrier bearing for excessive play

 

Right on, I'll definitely take a look at those! Thanks for the input, I appreciate it

 

Nice find! Welcome aboard!

 

Welcome to TW!