Question about the Life Time K&N air filter

I just bought a 2003 Tacoma 2.4 L. While pulling off the air intake so as to get to
the spark plugs I opened the air filter and found a mesh K&N filter. It was covered with build up. Rather than clean it I simply bought the corresponding Fram air filter. Should I clean up the old K&N or just continue to purchase a new Fram filter every 12k miles. After changing the spark plugs it was obvious that the previous owner didn't clean the filter or change the plugs.

 

People seem to either love or hate the K&N filters. How dirty was it?

 

Welcome to TW- as to the K&N filter- Clean it , Oil it CORRECTLY, let dry & reuse-no problem.

 

Thanks to all the replies. I have a K&N filter cleaning kit. The K&N that came with the truck was filthy and I began to wonder how much integrity can an air filter have after 14 years. Hence I bought the Fram filter while i was picking up an oil filter and oil. Before I buy another air filter i'll clean the original K&N and reassess the situation. Understand that when I started changing spark plugs and noticed that I was taking out different brands I just felt that it was best to start from scratch. Including the air filter.

 

I agree to start "fresh" on a used truck as you never know the maintainence history . I've ran a K&N filter in my Silverado for over 10 yrs but clean it as needed - you can tell the filter condition after cleaning (before oiling) using a light source shining through.