What do you think? 96 Tacoma FS

Taking this to my mechanic tomorrow. If all checks out I think I'll buy it. I plan to do a little body work on it to clean up the dents but overall it has everything I've been looking for (4x4, ext cab, 5 speed, 1st gen Tacoma)

https://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/ctd/5871722992.html

 

Except the 3.4 V6...

 

...tires are shot too $$$$

often older hi mileage trucks are neglected in their maintenance
so expect to put some money into it.

otherwise if it mechanically/electronically checks out ok...
seems like the asking price is fair enough.

just be sure the mechanic is qualified and trustworthy.

history report if it can be found.

 

That price is a little high for all the body damage and neglected maintenance. Also, watch out for frame rust:
http://www.fourwheeler.com/features...en-buying-a-used-1995-2004-toyota-tacoma-4x4/

 

Would $3400 be fair to offer him?

I trust my mechanic. Yea I'll need new tires.

 

Heard the v6 was problematic in first generation tacomas

 

Overpriced IMHO. You're going to spend about $1500 just baselining the vehicle with fluids, suspension, brakes and tires.

Any cosmetics such as seat covers and bodywork will be on top of that.

Be sure your mechanic checks the frame carefully and does a compression test. Hopefully he'll give you an honest opinion, not just see it as a ticket to bolster his kids college fund via your wallet.

I will say this. That's a high miler for anyone who is not a fairly big time DIY'r. Paying others for normal wear/tear at that age can get pricey. Fast.

 

Thank you. I'm not a DIY'r but I have a good mechanic. Still, you're right about the price. I could offer him $2,900 and see what he says?

 

Bulletproof. Best engine ever made! I have 249k and no problems so far! Way more power too! What was problematic in the 3.4? At least the 4 cylinder has a timing chain so that's nice! Are you planning on towing anything? The 4.0 in the 2nd gen is a great engine too. Not applicable in this situation. I guess either is the 3.4! I hope you get a great deal! Good luck!

 

He said he would take 3700... I still think that's a bit high. But it might be worth it to put money into the truck, they hold their value well right?

 

Man, that is high but the heart wants what it wants. Look at it this way if you buy it at 3700 you will put more than that into it over the next 2 years fixing all the crap and upgrading, why not buy something nicer out of the gate? I don't have much room to talk but I enjoy building things and have the disposable income to waste on it ymmv

 

The 3.0 v6 in the Pickups was problematic. That is very common knowledge. Headgaskets to be specific.

The 3.4L is an awesome motor.

 

This 2.7.... Bad motor?

 

Looks like a small dealer?? I d

No, you cannot get a first gen tacoma with a bad motor.

The 3.4l v6 just has more power.

 

Agree with @Clearwater Bill , you'll lose your ass on maintainance just to get it road worthy if you can't do it all yourself, not to mention all the stuff that's going to break down the road.

I think that particular truck would be a poor investment unless you're looking for a project.

 

You're picking numbers out of the air.

Take you mechanics inspection, and get a cost for all safety related issues. Tires, brakes, shot suspension, or whatever.

Add to that basic maintenance refresh, oil, trans fluid, coolant, brake fluid, clutch fluid, diff fluids.

Subtract the cost for all those from the asking price. And that may be a 'fair' price. Remember, you get no body or interior work at that number. Just a reliability update.

Give the seller a number, and a list that explains your position. Not that you are a low baller, just that the truck needs work. Hand him a card with your contact info, and tell him to give you a call if he decides to accept your offer. Shake his hand, thank him for his time, and drive away.

You'll either get a call in a couple of weeks, or he'll find another buyer.

OTOH, if you have to have it, and the mechanic says it's a solid foundation to work with, you should still make an offer based on the need of safety related items he finds.

 

I'm going to pass on this. He doesn't sound like he's willing to come down much on the price. It'll save me $50 for the inspection.

I badly want a first generation Tacoma and have wanted one for the past two years. Guess I will have to wait....

 

Hold out for a good one. It will be worth the wait.

 

Ok ladies and gentlemen:

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/684208545/overview/

Also here: A 1996 Toyota Tacoma, 3.4 V6, 4wd. It's local, saw it today. Super clean, has a little body damage on driver side by front wheel. Nothing major. 128K miles. He's asking 9,995.

What do you gurus think?

 

Here are some photos: