Hi everyone, I am in the market to buy my first Tacoma. I am in love with the performance, reliability, size and style of Tacomas. My price range is not real high (about $15000) so I know I will be looking at Tacomas with higher mileage. Does anyone have any advice on what questions to ask, or what I should look for when inspecting a Tacoma? Also, should I be leery of Tacomas with mileage of about 130k+? All your help is greatly appreciated!
I am looking at years 2002-2011 either access cab or crew cab (4 door), V6 4x4, the TRD off-road package would be a plus too. I'm actually looking at one tomorrow morning that's a 2002 Xtra Cab V6 4x4 with the TRD Off-Rd Package and low miles. But yea I will only get the V6 4x4 because I will be towing and launching my fishing boat a lot.
1st gen Tacos were made from 95.5-04 and 1nd gen Tacos 05+ so there'll be quite some differences between them. If you're going to take a look at an '02 then check the frame for rust. There's currently a rust recall in effect for 1st gen Tacos. Also make sure the timing belt has been changed too, it should have been done at 90K miles.
I am looking at years 2002-2011 either access cab or crew cab (4 door), V6 4x4, the TRD off-road package would be a plus too. I'm actually looking at one tomorrow morning that's a 2002 Xtra Cab V6 4x4 with the TRD Off-Rd Package and low miles. But yea I will only get the V6 4x4 because I will be towing and launching my fishing boat a lot.
If you go with an 05+, I would suggest the I4 MT. Might as well save the fuel, its got LOTS of power for pulling a boat. The I4 MT has a very favorable first gear drive ratio -- the lowest of ALL configurations, so it makes it easier to get a load moving. There is no problem sustaining speed.
don't be afraid of high mileage tacos. my '02 is going on 225K+ miles and besides the normal wear and tear, nothing major has needed replacement. my brother's '02 had 245k before he bent a couple of valves.
as long as it's been properly maintain, they can last for quite a while. just make sure the seller has maintenance records to show proof.
I keep hearing how bullet proof the engines are. I just wanted to know how much more life I could expect out of them. I'm completely new to the 4X4 world. It will be my first truck as well. Any information would be helpful. I don't know what to exactly look for. Thanks.
when i got my 96 tacoma it was overheating, come to find out the last person that had it used well water and clogged the whole radiator with sand and other debris. two years later the head gasket blew, but for a good reason. the head was warped .020in and the iron block was warped .013in and i believe warping spec is no more than .003in. but to run on a block and head warped that bad for 2 years, i would say its pretty strong. the 2RZ is a great motor ive had no other problems with it since. and i remember hearing about a little toyota pick'em up truck rolling the odometer and with no major problems, just maintained properly.
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