I?m looking to buy a used Tacoma and was wondering if anyone could give me advice. I?m noticing a lot of 2003-2004?s on the market with 70-80k miles. Is there a reason there are so many, do these develop problems around this time? Are there any problems with any Tacomas I should look out for? Thanks.

 

The only thing that I can think of is that perhaps people want to move to a newer vehicle before the factory warranty expires on the older one? I have over 60K on my truck with 0 problems.

 

No, Tacoma's in 03-04 were pretty stout and reliable. I was actually in the market for one, but what turned me away was the ridiculous prices. 02 Double Cab w/ 80k miles going for $18k. 03-04's were in the $20k range. Those thing hold their value like a rock--even more so than a 4Runner.

And work on your right pinky placement.

 

I've got an 04 Double Cab, and its got just over 66K on the clock, and no problems that weren't my fault.

 

I have a 1998 for sale if you are interested PM me. As far as problems I haven't heard of any in those model years. I have noticed quite a few from 03 to 04 for sale also though. 80K is when you are supposed to change the timing belt but that shouldn't cause any sales.

 

The 03 & 04 models have the throttle by wire (TBW) throttle body which has given some problems. At least on the V6 models, don't know about the 4 cyl models. I've heard guys say they were selling the truck because they were sick of the TBW problems.

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum...=drive+by+wire

The 4 cyl models have a common problem of cracked exhaust manifolds.

 

I would have been perfectly happy with a used Tacoma, but I figured what's the point of dropping twenty grand for one? I may as well buy a new one. So I did.

 

Yeah, no kidding. I actually was super-close to signing on a new 07 Double Cab TRD OR for $30.2k OTD. But decided to go with an 02 4Runner instead. Sometimes, I wish I would have gotten the Tacoma. They're real nice trucks.

 

There are a few things on my old 95 xcab pickup I miss, however:

Oil pressure guage (I get an idiot light now)

Back windows that flip open (but the rear door opening is a nice add.)

Ability to see back bumper when backing up (new flared fenders block view)

Chrome front fender (not available on new Tacomas)

 

I also wish it were a tiny bit smaller. IMO, the size is just too close to the Tundra. This is one of the reasons why I bought another 3rd Gen 4Runner instead of the 4th.

 

i seen a 04 extended cab here for like 24k

 

X2, I like the smaller trucks, if someone wants a big truck they can go with a Tundra.

 

my first was a 98 and put 215000 miles on it with 0 problems

 

One nice thing about it though, which suprised me, is, even though it's bigger, the turning radius on my '07 access cab Tacoma is significantly tighter than my old '95 Toyota pickup xcab. I can now do U turns much easier in places where I couldn't before.