Looking for an opinion

Hey,

I am about to purchase my first truck, after owning a Camry for 6 years, and being brought up on Toyotas. I'll be using it for work and play. Multifunctional.

I am looking at a 1999 V6 Prerunner with extended cab, with hitch, timing belt replaced about 50K ago, 151,000 miles now, for $6,500.

Do you all think it's worth it? Fairly low mileage, right? Does the timing belt need to be replaced now?

Good deal?

 

If you want it for play I would avoid the pre-runner

 

When I meant play, I meant just taking it camping and on road trips and so forth. Maybe sleeping in the back with a good canopy, things like that. Does that seem reasonable?

 

If you think you can have fun in a 2wd vehicle then go for it

 

I mean, I had fun in car for 6 years, I think I can have fun in a truck, too. I'm not into off-roading or whatever, I just want something to carry my shit around.

 

Timing belt service is every 90k, so you should be good for another ~40k.
Important things to check for:
Frame rust
Really search for any rust on ti anywhere
Any oil leaks from the motor, transmission...
If there are any vibrations while driving
If the motor and transmission all feel smooth.

That's a great truck and appears to be a great deal from the info provided.

2wd is capable to get you to some cool fun places, but it certainly has its limitations (2wd owner )

 

I suggest a quick glance here:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-tacoma-buyers-guide.156943/

The biggest thing is to get underneath the truck with a hammer and a screwdriver and check for frame rust.

I know they're more expensive, but these trucks really shine in 4wd. For off-road and in hectic weather conditions. These trucks have a really light ass end.

The timing belt/water pump should be replaced every 90k miles or so. But can go for much longer. I have almost double the mileage and never replaced mine. I wouldn't worry about it for a while.

Welcome to TW

 

What's the frame look like?

 

Timing belts on the 3.4 have 60K change intervals, so you're getting close with that one.

Edit: After I posted I saw the post above saying 90K interval, so I started second guessing myself and did some quick research. My '98 definitely had a 60K interval, but it appears that Toyota upped it to 90K shortly thereafter, maybe in '99. Of course, they will last quite a while past the change-by date, but you never know how far you can go before one does break and if it does, you've then got a real problem on your hands.

 

Hey everyone,

Thanks for all the responses.

The truck is here, sorry, should have posted earlier:
https://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/6035167592.html

eccracer104, thanks for the advice. I'll definitely look for those things. And thanks for the encouraging words about the 2WD! As I said, I'm not into serious truck fun, just something utilitarian with a little power that can carry my tools when I work, and pull something reasonable, and carry my gear when I get out camping and hiking.

And also, thanks DustStorm!

 

Left of the steering wheel, right of the little round knob, that looks to be the "rear differential locker" switch. Please someone correct me if I'm mistaken.

^ picture from the ad. below is a picture of the switch found on google. Looks very similar!

 

That's seems to be a lesser version of 4WD, right?

 

It just locks your differential so if one of your back wheels gets off the ground, you will still be able to move

 

lindoffellery,
With your very general info that doesn't sound like a bad starting point. As said, look for that rust. Being that old it probably has been in accidents. You can run your choice of internet choice of check: Carfax, Autocheck, etc. Many times even all these together won't show true history.
This forum is biased toward 4X4's. A TRD is more than capable for most "work and play". I ran an office at a company which had 37 4x4 Tacomas. We worked offroad, everyday. My personal truck was a 4x4. In 10 years of owning it, I never put it in 4wd for personal "work or play". I now drive a TRD 2wd double cab because I found the rear locker(TRD) was all I ever needed. I guess wheelin' at work made me keep it clean when off the clock.

 

I would buy a 4wd. That way if you ever need it you'll have it. Then you wont have to go through the process of selling this one later down the road and having to search out a new one. And probably taking a loss. Just my 2 cents and is what i tell everyone looking for a truck.

 

Those trucks with clean interiors scare me also the washed ones with every thing bright and shiny

Open the hood and find a big mess and lots of spiders

 

they got some good pics of the truck. locker in pic 12, timing belt in pic 14. since they have maintenance records that is a plus.

as others said, check for frame rust otherwise that's a pretty decent looker