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New Member Needs Advice

Discussion in 'New Members' started by Alpha Q Up, Aug 18, 2011.

  1. Aug 18, 2011 at 3:06 PM
    #1
    Alpha Q Up

    Alpha Q Up [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Ruben
    San Jose
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    2003 4WD DC Tacoma
    Hey everyone i'm a new member looking for a Tacoma. I have been looking for a month now on craigslist and have come across tons of nice trucks. But they all seem to have high mileage (even newer models) I guess i have a few questions hoping for some advice.

    -I know Tacomas are great trucks but should i be worried when i see a 2001 tacoma with 115,000-130,000 miles or even a 2005 with 99,000 -115,000?

    -Which would be the best option? An older model with high miles or a newer model with high miles?

    - 2wd vs 4wd ( i will probably never go rock crawling but some off road action would be fun)

    - Stock Truck vs Lifted-previous owners mods ( I have little knowledge of this topic)

    Even if ou can point me to the right thread if these questions have already been answered thanks.
     
  2. Aug 18, 2011 at 3:08 PM
    #2
    Jester243

    Jester243 all I wanted was a god dang picture of a hotdog...

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    Dan
    Spokane, WA
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    2016 Trail Premium 4Runner w/ KDSS
    some of this, a little of that
    Do you have a mechanic or someone you trust to look it over for you prior to purchase? What are you looking to use it for, how much space do you need. Basically what are your priorities in the purchase?
     
  3. Aug 18, 2011 at 3:11 PM
    #3
    97yota4wd

    97yota4wd Well-Known Member

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    Eric
    Mesa, AZ
    Vehicle:
    alot of metal, small engine, decent travel.
    caged, camburg long travel, 50t leafpack (soon to be installed) light rack over cab, 5pt harnesses etc
    in my honest opinion i think the first generation tacomas(95.5-04 hold up better than the newer ones.

    at 115k miles on the 01 its just broken in!

    just check the frame for rust on first gens! and ask if the timing belt/chain has been changed.

    i would get a 4wd, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!


    welcome to the site:)
     
  4. Aug 18, 2011 at 3:38 PM
    #4
    Alpha Q Up

    Alpha Q Up [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ruben
    San Jose
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    Unfortunately I don't have a mechanic to look at it. I do have friends that are a bit more knowledgeable when it comes to trucks though.

    I need it as my everyday vehicle. I live really close to my job so i won't be "commuting".

    We occasionally ride dirt bikes so this will come in handy.

    My priorities are a 4door because i do have a family and i would like to fit them all.

    Thanks
     
  5. Aug 18, 2011 at 3:42 PM
    #5
    Alpha Q Up

    Alpha Q Up [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I believe he did change the timing belt recently.

    I would think with newer technology and advances that the Toyota company would be producing better trucks... therefore making them overall a better product.

    And as the older ones are nice i think the newer ones look more like a full truck and more space inside.
     
  6. Aug 18, 2011 at 5:50 PM
    #6
    4Wheelin4Banger

    4Wheelin4Banger Supercharged Toyman

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    Randy
    Ferntucky, NV Halfway between Reno & Falabama
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    2011 4x4 Access Cab Supercharged Silver State Edition 245WHP
    3" OME lift 885s & Dakars riding on 33" KM2s
    Welcome to TW from Sparks, NV
     
  7. Aug 18, 2011 at 8:19 PM
    #7
    Alpha Q Up

    Alpha Q Up [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the welcomes fellas
     
  8. Aug 19, 2011 at 11:22 AM
    #8
    Alpha Q Up

    Alpha Q Up [OP] Well-Known Member

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    anymore feedback? would be greatly appreciated
     
  9. Aug 19, 2011 at 1:26 PM
    #9
    rwmc

    rwmc Member

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    If the price was close, I would go with the newer truck with same high miles. Logic: newer truck have better safety features and although the engine and drive train has high miles, the remainder of the truck has less wear and tear. Also, 05 and up trucks are larger and have the composite truck bed vs the older metal ones that rust.
    Good luck.
     
  10. Aug 19, 2011 at 4:17 PM
    #10
    Alpha Q Up

    Alpha Q Up [OP] Well-Known Member

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    San Jose
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    i wouldn't say close....

    here is what i'm looking at...

    2005 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner V6 - $15991 Miles: 99727

    2002 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner $8625 Miles 115,000

    or even

    2001 Toyota Tacoma 4wd 4door - $11500 136,000 miles

    What do you think the better deal is?

    the 2005 body is not in the best condition.
     
  11. Aug 19, 2011 at 4:46 PM
    #11
    rwmc

    rwmc Member

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    3" Revtek w/ add leaf, Borla Dual Exhaust.
    According to your numbers only and not knowing the mechanical conditions, it's really hard to choose. You should drive each one and have someone who knows what to look and listen for, to come along. If a CARFAX is available...ask for one. Good luck...it's really hard to advice without being there....but milage sometimes has nothing to do with vehicle condition, it's how the previous owner maintained and treated the truck.
     

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