New purchase inspection

I just got a crazy good deal on a 2004 PreRunner. This is going to be my daughter’s first vehicle. I know the newer Taco’s and 4Runners very well, but I’m not as familiar with these 1st gens. What are the common maintenance items or “problems areas” on these trucks. I’m going to go over it too to bottom, but looking for insight in to any specific issues you all may have seen. Thanks!

 

Check out the 1st generation Buyers Guide in the Sticky thread section.

Always good to let us know where the Truck has lived.Knowing what drive train also helps.

Once you inspect the frame your dealing with a normal 18 year old vehicle always going to be neglected areas

 

Welcome to TW

Make sure the rear shocks aren't mounted like this:

 

Oh that's fineee just don't worry about it

 

Looks fine to me Till the Shock is compressed all the way and Punches through the bed.

Better then banging around making noise.

 

Yeah something went wrong with the corrosion proofing on the these and the FJ's....
So you got to go low....and carefully check it out......


Make sure u dont have an oil burner- pull a plug(s), no milkshake oil, and no continuous white smoke out of exhaust(head gasket failure).....
If any thing is brand spankin new, including fluids.....be suspecious.....

 

If you buy it, do the lower ball joints regardless of how the inspection rates them. It's very important.