ok i've been on the lookout for a newer truck..and came across i think a '96 (cant find the post on CL for some reason) anyways it was a 1st gen tacoma..

3.4 5speed..ext cab..he wants $4500 for it..and i was allllll for it..until he said it has 250,000+ miles on it...
so now im kinda scared..theres also a 95 tacoma v6 5spd lifted..nice tires..for $5000 and it has 223,000 on it..

should i be scared of the high mileage 3.4's???????..the one with 250,000+ on it sounds like its never been off the road..or driven hard..idk what to look for in these trucks as i've never owned one..lol..help me out guys..

 

anybody??

 

If you really want it bad enough i'd say go for it. Have you looked the trucks over? Look under it very good make sure its free of serious rust and corrosion. Make suer bushings and shafts are in good condition. Test drive them make sure they have no odd noises. 3.4 are extremely good motors and prob one of toyotas toughest 6 cyls. They go all the time with that kind of mileage its no big deal. Only thing about is the price. I'd say both of them are woth 4500 if that is they are free of major issue. 3.4s are becoming legends and you will start seeing them alot with 300-400K. I've seen one with 324k on it before. It was a 96 and it ok condition. it ran good too. i'd say sure. With that high mileage though. You better be preapred to do some work on it in the future.

 

thats the thing..im looking for a tacoma that would be relatively maintenance free....so im gonna look for one with lower mileage..simple stuff like ac compressor, alt., clutch, brakes, and all that wont bother me..but having to do something like headgasket..or rebuild it..no..been through it once (headgasket 3 times) and dont wanna do it again..lol

 

I'd say that the things you're gonna run into are the ancillary things. Things like a/c compressors, alternators, clutches, brakes and the like because while the motor might do 400,000, the other things will most likely need attention so make sure that when you go to look at it those "other" things are in at least ok shape.
Bounce on the bumper to check the shocks, try pulling the tires to the side at the top or what is a really good investment is to take the trucks to a shop and have them check the trucks out.
Trust me, it'll pay for itself if they find a leaking radiator or gasket plus you can use that information as bargaining chips