Two trucks-One decision

So I had an 08 AC V6 4wd. Got rid of it. Got into another truck. First gen cummins, fun to drive, not practical for my needs. Hopefully selling it on Wednesday and I'm looking to get back into a Tacoma. This time I'm going first gen. 4cyl 4wd 5speed. So here is the decision, it's between two very similar trucks, similar prices, slightly varying distances away, both reputable sellers.

Truck number one:

2004 4cyl 5 speed 4wd
SC bench seat
Solid rear glass
126k on the clock
"Same owner since 5,000 miles" per dealer
Super clean
Frame is under coated
Kentucky truck
Listed $9,950 out the door
That's his price and he's sticking to it. Cash.
7ish hours away about 480 miles

Truck 2:

1998 4cyl 5 speed 4wd
SC bucket seats with the console
Sliding rear glass
123k on the clock
One owner
NC truck
Still has all service manuals and even the window sticker!
It is perfect, I can make out one scratch on it in the pictures
Frame is perfect
Listed at $10,900 and willing to take 10k cash
5 hours away roughly 350 miles


I don't know what to do! I thought about calling back the guy with the 98'. Pointing out I could buy an 04' in mint condition, with 3k more miles granted but for the same price essentially (I just have to travel further) and see if since his 6 years older would he come off some. Now I get that he probably doesn't give a rats ass. Just a thought though. Or would you just say to hell with it and travel an extra 100+ miles for the 04'?

Both are small dealers. Truck number one is one of those guys who specializes in tacomas. He's semi retired and that's just what he does now. Very knowledgable about Tacomas.

My wife doesn't get it and won't help me in the decision. So any wisdom is appreciated!

 

2 all day and all night.

 

truck 2

 

2

 

have you seen the frame on either??

 

Truck 1. Why? Cause i hate the 98-00 front end.

But really though. There both mint and almost same miles, the year almost doesnt matter they keep their value so well.


Are they the same models? Base, sr5, trd

 

I've seen pictures on number 2. It is perfect. Its not been swapped, but it's good to go. Truck number one, the frame has been undercoated, per the seller.

 

Both are base, forgot to mention that. Also both single cab. Truck 1 is bench seat, 2 is buckets with a console. I will edit my op

 

im concerned it was undercoated to hide something

 

The frame being undercoated on truck 1 would honestly worry me a little bit, especially with it being "same owner since 5,000 milles". I say take truck 2, it sounds like a safe bet on a solid truck.

 

I thought that too. Just needed someone else to say it!

 

Yep, undercoating may be a red flag.

 

Definitely number 2 cause I've seen trucks from KY and even if the frame is coated, there could easily still be problems, though it would be covered for a replacement frame till 2019. But the problems may surface after that and you'd be stuck with it. Not to mention all the other hardware that would likely be rusted/corroded. I almost bought a KY Tacoma before I found mine in TN. Same situation it was an 04 and I ended up with a 98. The frame had been replaced already but most of the bolts and other hardware were in bad shape. Everything on the engine bay was rusted. The NC truck would have seen far less salt, if any. I would research the use of road salt in the counties that they're from and see if there is a big difference. Unless you just love the front end of the 04 I'd go with the 98. You could always do a front end swap down the road. Either way just check the frame good, especially by the leaf spring hangers on the rear. That's usually the first spot to show it. Good luck!

 

I know you stated they are both 4cyl. But are they both the same liter motor the 2.4 or 2.7 I believe?...also have you asked what maintenance has been done on either truck? Timing belt, water pump, etc? Might be able to haggle the price down using future maintenance that is due if its not been done yet on the truck.

 

I'd go with the '04 (I'm biased, yes). Sure, they both have about the same mileage but all other things being equal, the '04 is still almost 7 years newer. Plus, I like the front end more (unless we were talking about a 95.5) but that's just me.

 

Both 4wd, so both would be 2.7L, am I correct?

Honestly I'm about set on the 98'. It's closer and I feel like I may be able to get him down a bit more. He didn't hesitate to come off 900 bucks, and that was his first offer when asked his best cash price.

 

Believe your correct, that's what I was wondering. I have had two 99's and loved them both. I am one of the rare ones that that does not like the 01-04 grills. I mentioned the required due maintenance stuff whenever I have bought used vehicles and it has always helped me get the asking price down. Good luck.

 

The 98' has manual locking hubs too. I wouldn't be using the truck as a wheeling truck. But I have my reasons for wanting 4wd, I do use it. The wife and I like to go out to Shenandoah and are both into sports that take us off paved roads quite a bit.

I have experience with manual locking hubs, but not in a Toyota. It was in an old 86 f150 hunting truck. Anyone got anything to say about manual locking hubs on the 98 vs the 04(not having the locking hubs, obviously)

 

I come from the land of overpriced Tacomas, and both of those have great low mileage, but IMO are still overpriced for being standard cab 4cyl's. How long have you been looking?

 

A few weeks. I think I can get the 98 down to at least 9,500