Tips to Possible Buyer

Hey,
I'm looking at buying a 2000 Tacoma (1st Gen?) manual transmission with a V6. I there anything that I should be aware or and check for that is specific to this year Tacoma. For instance, should I worry about a timing belt going bad in the near future. Do Tacomas have any recurring driveline problems that I should check for before I buy this truck? It has 133k miles on it and the oil looks fairly new (owner says he does regular maintenance). Any tips are greatly appreciated.

 

These trucks are well known for soft or weak leaf springs. Carrier bearings usually go bad because of the leaf sag causing a vibration during low speeds or acceleration. O2 sensors crap out so ask if they have been changed recently. As far as timing belt goes, they usually mark the change date on the cover if done. If it breaks it wont hurt the motor..Plenty of space between valve and piston so drive it till it goes if you want to ignore the change times. I have owned half a dozen of these and everyone of them had the alternator crap out, so check to see if it has been replaced. Check the frame for rot on the inside especially where the leaf springs attach to the frame. Also check for rot under the doors and follow the frame rails toward the motor.. Other than these issues they are pretty much bullet proof in my opinion. Good luck!!