Greetings Yotatechers,

I'll try to keep this short and sweet. I'm in need of a good work/fishing truck and have had my eyes on the 95-200x variant of the Toyota Tacoma. I'm not looking to spend more than 5k and need your help. Be kind, I'm new.

I've located a decent deal on a 99 Tacoma with 220K miles, 5 speed, 4x4, 2.7L. I drove her around for a bit and didn't notice anything unusual for a truck of this age and mileage. Steering was good, 4x4 worked, low range was good, no major hiccups, idle was a touch rough but not bad. No CEL, etc.

There are obviously oil leaks around the pan and it appears some oil has caked on surrounding components, etc. I know and work on cars but never a Tacoma. I have attached a few pics of the 'situation' and given your collective experience, I would love you opinion. Major work required, or will some TLC get me some mileage a good truck?

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

Probably be a good truck if the price is right. Did you check the frame out really good. This model truck was part of the Toyota recall. You may want to call local Toyota dealer and give them your info and see if they can inspect the frame. The truck could be a major pay off for you depending on the frame lol. Here in WV there still buying back Tacoma's.

 

I did inspect the frame for rust, wear, corrosion, breaks. I didn't see anything major, I'm in the northwest so salt is not as much of an issue as out in the east. I'll check the original purchase date and see if I am within the 15 year 'coverage period' as per the recall. Thanks for the info!

 

Could be oil leaking down from the valve cover gaskets. The bolts get loose pretty frequently. You can tighten them down but it's only about 4.7 ft. lbs.

 

Will you really be happy with the 2.7 a friend of mine had one and pretty much hated it.

It was fine empty start getting weight in it just ran out of power.

Just depends how much weight you drag around in tools.

 

I want a Tacoma of a 4runner any idea what is the better deal for reliability?