New Member, Old Taco

Greetings all, I'm buying a 1999 PreRunner 2.7L base model for my son as his first vehicle - 119,000 miles on it. I'm going to take it to our mechanic for a once over but wanted to know if there's any thing specific they should be looking for?

I bought my wife a 1996 4Runner SR5 4x4 brand new and it still just keeps on going with 215,000 and no major mechanical issues. I'm hoping the 2.7L engine is just as reliable.

I've also got a 2001 Pathfinder LE (probably a bad word around here) and a 240SX convertible for fun.

I look forward to digging into the stickies, using the "search" feature and getting educated!

Thanks

 

Welcome to TW. Check the frame for rust. If it is rusted, buy it anyway....cheaper of course...take it to the Toyota dealership and turn it over for a profit. Then go find another Tacoma. If no rust, just make sure routine maintenance has been taken care of. Check water pump, timing belt, and pulley bearings. Other than that......just the normal checks when buying a used vehicle. Oh, yes the 2.7 is just as reliable.

 

I didn't see any major rust but will get down and dirty with it to be sure. It's a southern truck (NC) so hopefully there's none. The 4Runner doesn't have any rust. Is that a problem with this model. I did see the sticky on rust.

Thanks!

 

It's been an issue on some of the older Tacomas. Primarily ones in the north, but not all of them. Toyota is buying them back if the frame is rusted through though, so it's a win-win for you, either way. Should be a great truck for your son.

 

+1 on Toy's points-adding again that 2.7 is quite the reliable steadfast workhorse. Lots of guys here happy w/1st gen 2.7's and others buying new Tacomas w/the 2.7 because of its history

 

Welcome aboard!

 

Just picked up the Taco. Daytime pics to follow...

<a href="http://s213.photobucket.com/albums/cc4/athydude/?action=view&current=IMG_0643.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc4/athydude/IMG_0643.jpg" border="0" alt="taco3"></a>

 

FYI, My friend's son bought a gen1, 2.7l Tacoma a few years ago, it had 125K on it. That kid drove it like it was his last day on earth....to the red-line in all gears... every time. Poor engine sounded like it was going to explode. He just sold it with 250K on it and she was still going strong without missing a beat.

 

I just sold my 2000 Prerunner, it had a 4-cylinder 2.7 L engine with 95K miles, and honestly, I think it hasn't even hit it's midway point. That truck will last forever.