I have a question about a purchase I am thinking about making. I am thinking about purchasing a 1996 Tacoma Xtracab 4x4 with a 2.7L 4 which has 116,000 miles on it. Normally I wouldn't purchase a vehicle with this many miles on it because I do allot of traveling. But, I need a truck and have read nothing but good things about the Tacoma's. Should I be worried about any reliability issues due to the high mileage or is she going to run for many more?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

i dont really know that much about tacos, but i have heard of people putting 200k and even 300k on their yotas...

 

All depends on the maintenance. Do they have records for you to see?

 

It is at a dealership. I don't think there is any maintenance records. The Vehicle looks very clean. But, I know you can't really judge by that. I guess I was wondering if there are any problem areas to look for.

Thanks very much for your respone.

 

You should have the "normal" vehicle inspection done by an independant shop. They can identify things like worn CV boots/joints, transfer case problems, wheel bearings that are shot, ball joints that are bad, future engine problems, etc.

The dealer will probably tell you that they did a "127 point" inspection. Tell them no. Insist on taking it to a shop of your choice. Pay the $50 to have it checked out.

Personally, I would very leary of any vehicle - Toyota or not - that does not have service records with it and that kind of mileage.

Oh yeah, run a carfax on it too.

 

Sounds like the best advice you can get for any used car purchase.

 

I've heard of trouble with the exhaust-manifold cracking...so be sure and have a good look at that.

Also, it should have had a timing-chain change in there...I think.

The 2.7L is a solid engine.

Jim

 

Jim-

Not to step on what you said, but that is not correct. You may be thinking of the timing chain guide problems on the 22RE's.

 

a leak down and compression check is a smart idea, it will tell you how abused or not abused the engine is. if you drive a few different ones you should be able to tell differences between trucks, when you find a "sweet one" buy it. i did that on my '89 toy p/u before i got the taco. i drove half a dozen before i found the one i bought. it had 120k and i drove it a block and knew it was the one, the engine was really smooth and it was just a "sweet" truck. i took that truck to 200k and it always passed smog and never puffed any smoke. when it comes to miles its all about how theyre put on, and you should be able to tell the difference.

now when i bought the taco i went out and got the "fever" like an idiot, bought a truck that hadnt had "easy miles" put on it, and ended up buying a new engine at 140k.

 

Sorry, didn't mean that it was a "problem"...just that at that mileage you are probably due for the change. If you do it yourself, it's not too expensive. If you have someone else do it...then it would cost some $$$.

Jim

 

Well, what I mean is that timing chains are never listed in the regular maintenance intervals of vehicles. Timing belts, now that's a different story.

 

Yeah, that's true. I'd rather be safe than sorry though...
I will probably change mine at 120k (I'm only at 80k now).

Then again, if it's still running strong...maybe I won't sweat it...we'll see.

Jim

 

^me too. 120k timing belt and water pump, i do that on all my cars interference engines or not. they actually look fine @ 120k.....

 

Thanks for all the input. I will definitely look it over very close. I should be able to tell a lot from driving it. I.E. engine noise and if it is sluggish or not. I am going to the dealer tonight, so I guess I will find out. Timing belts really suck. Timing chains are much better. I have had bad experiences with timing belts. If your service manual recommends changing it at a certain mileage, it is best to do so or you will pay more in the end if your timing belt breaks and your valves crash into the head (Eagle Talon 58,000). I hope to have a taco soon. If this is not the one, I will find the right one.

 

Just remember your own quote when you have 3 different guys working on you at the dealer. They know, statistically speaking, that if you get up and leave they lost the deal.

www.carbuyingtips.com <---- before you go any further.

 

Just to let everyone know that gave me useful information to my question. I did end up purchasing the Tacoma and so far so good. No big problems yet and it runs great. I love it. Even though it is a 1996 and I have had newer vehicles, this is my favorite car/truck yet. It is amazing how great it runs with 117,000 miles on it. I have owned other cars that didn't run that smooth with 50,000 miles on them. Anyway, thanks for the help and this is a great message board. Now for the mods...

 

Glad you could join us. I like your thinking about the mods!