Trying to get a taco again… would you buy it?

Well! My first post in over a decade…

I sold my 2004 Tacoma 3.4l Prerunner DBL Black in 2013 and I’ve regretted it ever since…

So I’m looking to get me one again and looking for a little feedback/advice for anyone that has purchased or has a high mileage taco and has a good eye for chassis condition.

Basically,
“would you buy it kind of feedback.”

 

Don't make the same mistake twice; this time get a 4WD.

 

YEA damn straight.

I have one im looking at now but trying to remember how to post photos for yall

 

So here’s one for starters:

- 2002
- DBL
- 3.4l
- 4wd
- Rear locker
- 260k mi
- 3” BL I know I know.
- interior is very well maintained
- FS at $14,000

 

Just realized, Looks like maybe a shackle lift in the rear…

 

Big things unique to first gens:
- Frame Rust (Speaks for itself - big safety compromise)
- Lower ball joints (These fail catastrophically and are a serious safety hazard)
- Timing Belt (For the 5VZ-FE, the V6, at least it’s a non-interference engine but if it snaps you’ll be stranded cant speak for other engines)

I’m in the market too these are always the first three things I ask about. I check out the frame and ask when the lower ball joints and timing belt was done.

Rusty frame is immediate no go.

Lower ball joints if don’t have service history should be replaced immediately. All kinds of videos on how to do this if you are handy but can use this to talk down the price.

Timing belt is same as lower ball joints. Replace immediately and use as a talking point to lower the price.

After that I run through all the required service: oil changes, diffs, t case, spark plugs, transmission, coolant. Was all this serviced? If not use them to talk down the price.

Buy a cheap OBD-2 scanner and look for stores codes.

Buy a cheap load tester and test the battery. If it’s bad use to talk down.

Check tires and if they are bad use to talk down.

Check the brakes.

Check fluid conditions and levels.

Here is a super in depth video series about how to inspect a used car: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvKbarVtwhUv6bjLhJSyaEOxaYy03j7QS&si=o-Eyeca3bwg2wDAI


There’s a ton you can do. But the big 3 for first gens: Frame rust, lower ball joints, timing belt

 

My man… this is a work of art thank you for the feedback

 

So the question remains, are you buying or even considering what you see here?

 

That frame looks like it's been painted or coated

Need to go over it w/ a ball-peen hammer and look for soft spots


Even with a good frame that's a sub-$10k vehicle

 

Personally, I rather be in a second gen DCSB TRD-OR.

 

First gen is overrated lol. Not to run my mouth because I had several and currently own one. But if I was to jump to another Tacoma, definitely be a late second gen.

 

Would you buy it?

 

Bwise post is perfect checklist…
I got a 1997 4Runner about a year ago and this is all I had looked over.
Agreed on the posted one… at least 4-5k too much $ for what it is.
I wouldn’t go over the $10k mark.
I wouldn’t touch a frame that has been coated with a rust cover up product or something. Only paint or the oil type.

I’d personally look for as stock of a truck as possible.
Also depending on where you’re at, don’t be afraid to fly to another state for a good one.

I’m in the southwest so I’m pretty lucky, most every 20-30 year old Toyota here has a good frame, and 75% of them are owned by enthusiast that have kept up on maintenance.

 

It does, doesn’t it? In one of the photos it has a very fresh black coat on it

 

yea agreed, might need to travel for the right one.

 

Too much rust for me.
I also wouldn't worry too much about other's opinions on the cost of the truck, just as long as it checks all the boxes for you. I'd buy a 2001-2004 regular cab 4x4 with low miles and no rust for $20K+ if I had the opportunity.

 

This, that frame has been painted, hes trying to hide the smoking gun....
EVERYTHING around it is falling apart, but the frame is black........

 

Hard no. Pass on anything with a 3" body lift

 

So what about failing clear coat seems to be a big issue. I'm not paying 10k for a truck that checks all the other boxes and looks like a turd.