New here and in the market for a Tacoma..

Hey guys,
I currently do not own a Tacoma but am in the market for one. More seriously in the Spring if I can sell my Daily driver. I currently drive a 2003 Pontiac Vibe AWD with about 110k mi. It needs a bit of work before I sell it to get the most out of it. It had a plow cave in the tailgate a few years back and Id like to get a used one if I find a clean one at a decent price. It run perfectly though so Id like to clean it up a bit before selling. My dad owns a Collision Shop which definitely helps, but the labor needed to straighten out the tailgate is just not worth it. I also have a 1995 Buick Riviera Supercharged with 179k miles that is kind of our project car, that started out as my first car. Its been stripped to the bare metal, all rust fixed and repainted by my dad with some custom touches. Its currently lightly modded but I have alot of stuff planned for this winter just sitting in my basement at the moment. That car is my baby and is treated as such!

Right now, my Mom is driving the Vibe while my dad is fixing some rust and doing some other little things to her 2002 Sequoia Limited. While thats all being done, Im driving my dads 2000 4Runner SR5 with 214k miles. It runs beautifully and aside from regular maintenance, has not had a single problem in the 6 or 7 years we've had it aside from a faulty O2 sensor earlier this year. The 4Runner is a really enjoyable vehicle to drive. I like the ride height, interior volume and the ride is pretty nice for a 14 year old vehicle as well! I do prefer the look of a pickup truck though but definitely do not have the need for a full size at this time in my life. I've really taken a strong liking to the first gen Tacomas. They dont seem to have rust problems but I have been browsing down south too as I wouldnt mind making a road trip if I find one I really like. My preference would be a 2001 to 2004, 4WD, Crewcab or extended cab, 5 speed and no stepside bed. I am flexible to compromise those standards a bit but thats why Im starting my search nice and early. Mileage doesnt really matter, as long as the truck has been cared for.

Is there anything in particular to look for in these trucks? Common mileage related repairs? Any help with my search would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks guys,
Dave

PS. I promise, my posts are not often essays like this