Nebie from NW Arkansas!

I have been browsing for a bit and decided to make it official. I have recently been searching the market for a 1st generation Tacoma.

I would like to know some opinions about whether or not I should purchase a 4x4 or just one with the TRD locker. I live in Northwest Arkansas. We get moderate ice and snow a couple of times each winter lasting maybe 3 days each. I am very skilled in navigating the roads under these conditions. I also have a 2005 F250 Superduty 4x4 Powerstroke if I get into serious trouble. I do not "off-road" per say. However, I might hit a dirt road on occasion.

I have always owned 4x4 vehicles and mentally felt I needed to. However, I can no longer justify having/needing too 4x4 vehicles; with the extra maintenance, less fuel efficiency, and possibility of breaking…

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I have found a 1999 Tacoma with the SC and TRD package. It is a descent price. It is not a 4x4 which is the catalyst for this post.

 

Well since you got a power stroke already I guess you really don't need another 4x4 since that seems to be your dilemma, but it does seem better to be prepared( by having all vehicles with 4 wheel drive) by the way, aloha!

 

Welcome to TW from Sparks, NV

 

It seems like there is a ton of information here. I would also like to know if there is anything in particular I should look at, check or inspect prior to purchasing a 1st gen; i.e.: rust, axles, bearings...anything that these trucks are know to have issues with? I am looking thru the buyers guide, but a little direction would be greatly appreciated.

 

welcome aboard

 

You already have a 4x4 and looking for a 1st gen is going to be a harder find if looking for a 4x4 imo. My father in law bought a 1st recently and when I saw it was a pre-runner I was shocked since he wanted a 4x4. Turns out he couldn't find a decent 1st gen 4x4, and after months of looking he got tired and settled for the pre-runner. Welcome to the club.

 

That is pretty much where I am at as well. I feel confident that if I determine I need 4x4 down the road, I can always do the swap. I found the purchasing check list.

Is it appropriate to post some pics and prices to get opinions on what the truck is worth?

 

You said that you can navigate the snow that shows up for a couple days a year and you dont off-road and you already have a 4x4 just in case. Sounds like a no-brainer to me. Join the pre-runner club.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome from SoCal!

 

Thanks everyone. The deal I had going with the purchase of my first one fell thru. The truck turned out to not be quite what the add suggested. I will find one tho. I am very determined and will have one. I just hoped it would be this year. I will have one, oh yes, it will be mine...

 

Just found another 1st gen that looks great. It's got all the options I wanted. The downside, it is 1800 miles away with a rebuilt title.

Should I just pass or make it happen? It is not at a give away price tho. I think it should be a little lower due to the rebuilt title. Anyone have an idea what the difference in price should be?

 

sounds like too much trouble to me
I'm pretty close to ya, I'll keep an eye out.

 

What price range?
As far as 2wd vs 4wd, my thinking is might as well be prepared. Today's modern 4x4s (especially ToMoCo) do not cause significant extra maintenance or reliability issues and mpg differences are negligible as well.....if your gonna own a truck, I think its silly not to get 4wd. Either way's gonna be expensive.

 

I would like to have a 1999 or 2000 model. The main difficulty I am having is finding a truck with gray interior. I would like to have 4x4. But, if I got the TRD I would be ok not having it. Has to be extended cab, V6 and an automatic. Now you can probably see why I was so excited to even find one like that 1800 miles away looked good. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Obviously I would like to spend as little as possible on the purchase in order to be able to make some mods. I would be ok spending between $5k-$9k depending on mileage, location shape, options, etc... Send me any links or people you know. I've been all over craigslist, auto trader, cars.com, eBay...and others. The gray interior is not easy to come by.

 

Hey Neighbor. Athurber I live in Bentonville, AR so as you know, I'm right down the road from you.

 

Welcome to TW

 

Never did get one. Always neat to find someone local tho. Still got my eye out for a good one.

 

There is one for sale in Lamar MO but I haven't stopped to take a look yet. White xcab. I'll try to remember to stop and check it next time I'm in town.

 

Welcome to TW !