looking for a first truck

I’m looking to buy a first truck. I’ve always liked to looks of a the first gen tacomas or(toyota pickups) i just have some standard questions about them before buying. i have about 5,400 dollars to spend.
1. most trucks of that age are mostly mechanically working fine but things like paint and interior are always things that need replacing. how much would things like new upholstery or paint or a dash cost for a gen 1 tacoma?
2. what is a mileage to not buy these trucks at. i always see very high mileage tacomas for sale but them being super reliable im not sure if it’s still a good buy
3. what’s the most reliable year that still has a few modern things in it but still in my price range?

 

5,400 may sound a lot but it's not much. The range depends on where you're at. In California, 5400 won't get you a first gen tacoma. Most clean toyota pickup (pre-taco) are above that price range. If you're in the mid to east coast, your main concerned will be rust.

 

Honestly for that price I’d consider a 2007ish frontier. Solid trucks without a toyota price tag, at least mine has been anyway.

 

1. Depends on what you want
2. Depends if you're mechanically inclined
3. No difference between 95.5 to 04 beside look. Same engine and transmission throughout the years. IIRC, 00 to 04 have MLS head gasket.

 

Check Craigslist. Rust is the only problem. Try to get a family owned one. Preferably old man senario. You may have it for years to come because 300k is not uncommon. Im talking all first generation

 

Welcome to the Forum!

What part of the country do you live in? What do you consider modern things?

Check out the buying a first Generation in The permanent section.

Do you need a 4x4 ? Can`t live without a 5 speed ? need a 3.4?

Each vehicle needs to be looked at for it`s own merits some can be trashed well before 100,000 miles others still going strong at a 1/4 million miles.

Sadly for that amount of money . Restoring the interior and a decent paint job could consume your budget

I hope you have good mechanical skills your going to be buying a project .Buy a $1000.00 truck ( With a Good frame)and put the rest of the budget into refurbishing.

just what are you needing to haul that you need a truck?

Best of Luck.

 

I'd look at first gen Xterras and Frontiers. A Tacoma for that price will probably have a rotting frame and/or major mechanical issues.

 

Depending on what part of the country you live in and your level of mechanical repairs, $5400 dollars isn't going to get you anything but a high milage possible money pit. My advice would be to start saving more money and wait until you can afford to buy a good 1st gen that you won't have to sink a ton of money into it. I know many guys and gals get the 1st gen Tacoma fever, and it's hard to resist. The used market fo these 1st gen trucks is insane right now. If you start saving and wait a couple of years, the prices might come back down to where they need to be. There have been many horror stories here on TW where the urge to buy clouded many a mind, and the ended up with a nice looking truck with a completely shot frame. Don't let the urge to buy cloud your judgement. Just my 2 cents worth.
I purchased my 03 DC back in 2010 for $15k. It only had 80k miles, and was in really good condition. But today a low milage Tacoma will set you back way more than your current budget.

 

mine was $2400 and this was true

- frame rust
- hole rusted through bed
- worn out suspension
- scratch and dent everything
- failing paint
- burnt engine valve
- broken stereo
- oil leaks
- 180,000 miles



zero regrets, favorite vehicle I’ve ever owned

 

Same except my initial investment and new-to-me mileage was much higher, but I don't have oil leaks.

And SAME SAME SAME. Can't wait to get it back on the road. NO REGERTS!

 

I guess the OP did not like our responses!!

 

Honestly I forgot what we were talking about here.

 

Where are you located? I’m gonna part my 02 v6 4x4 5 speed soon but to a good home I would consider selling as a whole truck. It needs work but I’m a master tech and have taken care of it for 20 years but she has rust. I would consider selling her to a good home but she needs work.

 

This…several years ago a co-worker’s grandpa sold his 04 tundra with 30k miles for 7k. He only drove it around the farm. I would have bought but was happy with my taco.

 

Bought my 5 lug in 2015 for $6600 with only 29K miles on it (seller was going by KBB price). I think this before the 1st gen craze really started and shortly after prices started going through the roof. Deals might still out there but you probably have to get lucky now or you have to buy from someone you know (family/coworker/friend etc).