Looking for first Tacoma. Would you buy one of these?

https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/ctd/d/lawrence-2003-toyota-tacoma-v6-2dr/6995955224.html


https://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/d/oakville-2004-toyota-tacoma-sr5/6975506073.html


Looking into getting my first Tacoma.

Originally wanted a first gen due to the size but I've also been looking at 2nd gens as an option due to the fact there are more available in good shape.

I found these 2 first-gens near me and both seem like good options, at least to me.

I was just wondering what any ody else thought regarding condition and price.

The first thing I will look for is rust on the frame and I'm hoping both sellers will allow me to do a leakdown test if I'm able to get a mobile compressor that can give me 100psi.

What should I know about these motors in terms of longevity.

And if they re in really good shape I plan on rust treatments and to keep them going for a long time including an engine swap once the original wears out.

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Also, I was wondering if first gens also came in 4cyl 4WD.

 

Yes they came in 4 Cyl 4WD. I converted my I4 PreRunner to a 4x4 using stock IFS parts.

 

The first ad doesn't mention the frame nor does it show pics of the frame. Your biggest priority will be to ensure you aren't getting a bad frame. Most everything else can be remedied or repaired by a DIY.
The second ad says frame is fine at least. And it looks like it is in the pic of the tire. Especially in your location, check the frames thoroughly. Don't want you to be that sad story we read every now and then on here, someone wondering what their options are couple months down the road of buying their first gen and they didn't inspect thoroughly the frame and it's junk. sad stuff indeed

 

Looks like the red one only got half a lift kit installed.

 

I've never had a 4cyl give me a hard time so I'm partial to them but I've read good things about the 3.4 V6 in first gen Tacomas.

 

Cant go wrong with either in the 1st gens. Only real "negative" difference is the V6's need a timing belt every 90k. My 2.7 inline 4 has been trouble free for the 40k miles Ive put on it in a little over 2 years. Only thing Ive done is new spark plugs when I first got it and regular oil changes.

 

i thought you've had your Taco for longer than that!?
what about the 2.7 valve cover gasket? do those hold up better/longer than the 3.4

 

That burgundy one has a super clean interior but im a sucker for black. Not sure if the black has a v6 or 4cyl. I'd go with the v6 if I had the choice.

 

I had a 2004 2.7L 4x4 for 15 years with 130,000 miles on it. That motor never leaked a drop of fluid. I'd still have it if I didn't total it. Changed a few emission sensors over the years, had the frame replaced. The steering rack had to be replaced. A hole rusted in it where it mounted to the frame. Other than that it was a fantastic truck.

 

Black is v6

 

Go for the 04. The 03 seems pretty cheap for what it cliams to be, and since the pics won't load I can't even really look at it, lol.

Plus they seem WAY more interested in telling you about their financing than anything about the truck...

Definitely inspect the frame very carefully. Don't take their word for it. Take a hammer with you and tap around on the frame, and pay close attention to the front leaf spring hangers.

Assume NONE of the maintenance has been done on either vehicle unless they produce receipts.

 

Red one seems a little sketch. But if it's close go check it out and bring a mechanic buddy with you. And the black one is good from the looks and ad

 

Surprised no one saw right away the missing lug nut, or worse, stud, missing from the front wheel on the red one.

 

Thanks.

I'm leaning towards the back one.

If only he would get back to me!

I don't know many people into cars sadly.

Hope that changes now that I'm here.

 

It'll change for sure, also the size of your wallet changes dramatically

 

Had an '03 DCSB...loved it. Very reliable and easy to source parts and repair DIY with this forum.

The second black Tacoma would be my choice...however, taking your time with this process and getting familiar with (and not jumping at the first you look at) the Tacoma's out there will help you choose the right truck for you.

When I was shopping, I spent about 3 months and viewed 11 trucks before I pulled the trigger on my 03'. As others have stated here, I saw a lot of shiny tops with rusty frames asking for top dollar. Also saw some guys with lifted Tacomas and blown CV's with axle grease all over the undercarriage. And good catch on the missing lug nut @Kwikvette

Not to mention that odd raked out lift in the rear...I'd steer clear of that rig.

Small missing details like that always make me wonder...what else is missing?

Owner records and receipts made me warm and fuzzy too...good luck man, and prepare for your wallet to become much lighter posting up here.

Cheers...

 

man...saw a tow bed pick up a dcsb 1st gen, burgundy red or something like that. Wanted to follow but a red light kept me from doing that.

 

Pics wouldn't load for me earlier, but yeah, um, there are supposed to be SIX of those per wheel, lol... Not that it's difficult to fix, but it shows (like I mentioned earlier) that the dealer is likely pretty shady. As someone else already mentioned, looks like they forgot to lift the front.

I was sketched by this add even before I could see the pics, though.

 

Nah, his is black...

 

I’m thinking about putting mine on sale but she is more expensive then those, this is 2004 automatic transmission V6 with 28k miles, I bought last May since I been driving 1k a month. I live RI and work in Boston