Need opinions on this first gen...

Found a sweet '98 sr5 with low miles. 145k on the dash. 2wd. Southern car, shouldn't have any rust. 3.4L v6.

Going to check it out later this week. Need some TW advice from you first gen guys. Guy is asking $6.5k but KBB is half that.

What's a fair price? What are the key things I should be looking out for? Rust? Mechanical issues?

Thanks dudes

 

I have that exact truck even the color and running boards . I purchased it about 2-3 years ago with 107k for 8g in Florida. Hope that helps gauge the price but then again I think I got a good deal but 6.5g seems fair looks like a clean truck

 

Check for rust even though it's a southern truck. These frames can rust anywhere.

Also see when the timing belt was last changed.

 

Thanks guys!

Oh damn these 3.4l v6's have timing belts huh? Hopefully that was taken care of.

 

Fair priced truck,clean title?

 

Yeah clean title. The price isn't bad but I feel like it could be a bit lower for a 2wd access cab.

Did these trucks fall under any frame recall?

 

Yep. Too late for a replacement though.

 

I don't think the KBB is all that relevant when it comes to vehicles like the first gen Tacomas. The value is really determined by the market and what someone is willing to pay. Clean first gens get top dollar because they've become a desirable vehicle.

That price isn't unreasonable, especially for my part of town. If everything checks out, I'd be happy to pay $5500~$6000. You know there's easily another 100K miles in that truck, assuming it's mechanically sound of course.

 

i personally think its a little high since it isnt a 4x4. then again these things sell for rediculously high prices on the regular.

 

Low miles extra cab prerunners are going for that price all day long here in Cali,usually don’t last more then a few hours when posted.Might be able to come with cash in hand and knock it down a few bucks.

 

I'm mostly concerned about the rust at this point. Were all frames recalled for these years or just certain trucks? How obvious would the rust be?

 

Bring a hammer and a flashlight.If it sounds solid your solid,if hollow then run!

 

bring chipping hammer or some kind of pick and tap around for soft spots.

 

Yes. Toyota bought my 99 back from me. Said it didn’t pass frame inspection. I bet I could have driven it another 100,000 miles, but they offered me too much to refuse.

 

I think its likely a fair price, but of course up to you.

Good mileage, any papers on it? Carfax? Accidents?

Rust. Check everywhere, hit that frame with a hammer and see where you're at on this. This is the death knell for our rigs, mechanical can be fixed. Rust: only a frame will fix it or extensive welding/boxing and may not be worth it.

If the above checks out, I'd snag it. A clean Gen 1 is the best looking truck on the road. or off.

 

Like all above, frame, timing belt. Also be checking for other things like, tread left on the tires, if the AC works(should get down to 50 degrees if not lower on max, bring a meat thermometer to put in the vent to check), diff lock if applicable, fluids(check for larger fragments in oil and transmission oil with a sheet of white paper. Also check under the oil cap, if there is milky looking sludge under it, it could be the start of head gasket, cracked block or something of the sorts. At the beginning of water getting in the oil the dipstick won't always show.) Have the owner start the vehicle while you look at the engine with the hood open to check for bad motor mounts(Little shake on crank=good, lot of shake=not good) If you can get a hold of a code reader, after the test drive, plug it in and check for pending codes. Also while your under the truck checking the frame, look for excessive oil build up anywhere indicating bad seals.

Keep in mind most of these things aren't deal breakers, just things to look out for, cause repair costs can add up quick.
Good luck!!

 

Thanks guys! Will keep you updated as to what happens

 

Check value in the " Black Book" that Banks & Car dealers use -has pricing for the local areas -not just nationwide .