Im going to Phoenix next weekend to look at a handful of tacomas. What should i keep an eye out for and really look for when buying one? And are there certain years that are better than others? Finally, i've heard rumors of the trd supercharger not fitting certain years, is this true? Im looking at a few regular cab 4x4s, 4cyl and v6 models, and extended cab 4x4 v6s. 2 are lifted, the rest are not. Thanks, yotafool

 

I had a 98 Tacoma LTD TRD. It was an awesome truck. The only things I did not like about it were:

1. x-cab area was torture
2. With the AT is was too slow

Other than that it was an awesome truck. If it had been a 5-speed I most likely would have kept it. The only problem I ever had with it was a leaky water pump seal around 30K miles (fixed under warranty).

If I was in the market for a Tacoma, I would get a quad cab with TRD package.

If you plan to do any wheeling at all, get the TRD package. Also, your SC'r question is valid. The 95.5 and 96 Tacoma's did not like SC'ing. It can be done, but it's a bit tougher.

I am in North Phoenix, so feel free to bring a prospective truck by and we can take a look at it if you wish in my garage. Just let me know.

 

Look for a truck with manual hubs, its expensive to convert an ADD truck so buying one that came with them would be the easiest. Tacomas were sold with them until 2000 and even though manual hubs were actually an option, they came on the less equipped models.

 

How about some more info? Do you WANT a reg cab or a X-cab? Theres big difference. Do you want v6 power or a 4 banger? Again, big difference.

If money allows, look for a TRD '01 or '02 5spd Xtra-cab 3.4L. Zero flaws. Only real thing you need to look for (as with any IFS) is the CV boots which isn't really an issue...but if there split, i see it as more of a way to wheel & deal on the price.

If your looking at one that you think has been off road a lot, the rear frames (under the bed) are a weak spot and known to crack. Demello-offroad.com sells reinforcements.

 

thanks for the tips so far. i kind of want an extended cab just for the extra space but i do like the look of lifted little regular cabs so im not gonna be picky there. i want the v6 as well so i've pretty much dropped the idea of a 4cyl. here are some of the trucks that i want to look at this weekend. they are all 4x4 of course.

a 97 reg cab, v6, unsure of trans, with only 54k miles on it, and slightly lifted ($6.8k)
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/car/223598672.html

a 96 ext cab, v6, auto, 150k miles, lifted with 33"s ($7k)
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=1&cardist=162

a 98 ext cab, v6 supercharged, auto, miles isnt listed, lifted with 33"s ($10k)
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/car/226902109.html

an 01 ext cab trd, v6, man, 54k miles as well, damage to hood and fender from garage door ($9k)
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/car/217081785.html

and i just got an email from someone off here for a 95.5 reg cab, v6, man, 139k miles, stock from there ($7.5k obo) not as good as a deal but i may just go look at it for the heck of it

 

What's your budget? I am guessing $8K or so, but let us know. That will help a lot as well.

 

around $10k tops, but i'd like to keep it around $8k if at all possible

 

would it be worth it to get the 01 trd with the damage from the garage door?

 

Depends on the amount of damage and whether or not you care...

 

Yeah, they are pretty nice - I like mine.

Of course, Christian, your S/C'd runner will absolutely spank my NA Taco...

 

Did not think Taco's came Standard Cab with V6???

Anyways, I love my 98 TRD Limited. I would look for a TRD simply for the locker. The 95.5-97 leaf springs are shorter and had a tendancy to break. If the rig has a Supercharger without the URD fuel mods, be skeptical. Make sure you are not getting a flood damaged vehicle. I prefer the V6 manual combo, I hate Autos.

Good luck, Jason

 

Great point. I would also be VERY skeptical if it was an auto with no VB mod and a supercharger. Can you say tranny wear?