I am looking for a 95-2000 model Tacoma. I want a Xtracab, 4x4, 5 spd., with the 2.7L 4cyl. I am needing to know if there are certain things to look for when I am truck shopping? Any problematic parts or components to these trucks that need to be checked out? Any info would be great as I am in the market for one right now. With a stock truck, what kind of MPG should I see? Thanks, Chris.

 

only problems I usually see with the 2.7's, we see alot of them cracking heads, especially the higher mileage ones. Also exhaust valves tightening up so definately have your valves adjusted

 

Yea, I'd seriously look into a 3.4l.. the mileage isnt that much different (from what I'm told, I have no experience with them), and they are bullet proof stock with an optional supercharger and get pretty decent performance. You can also tow a little bit with the 3.4l. The mpg sucks, I got around 16mpg, but I drove it pretty hard.

With a manual, check the release of the clutch... if the clutch releases really high, its reaching the end of its life. Also, I dont know if the 2.7l has the same problem, but listen to the truck with the clutch out when its out of gear. My old Tacoma had a squeaky throw-out bearing and that drove me nuts.

Also rev the engine a little bit, mine when I bought it had a slight hesitation.. it needed a new MAF sensor, which is pretty common for the 3.4l..

Interior... I prefer the bucket seats with a center console.. I dont like the bench seat in the front. I would also choose the tan colour over the the grey...

Depending on how much you want to mod your truck, I would also consider a TRD with an e-locker and better suspension, , yada yada.. Because thats nice to have if you dont ever plan on getting your hands dirty.

Exterior.. rust obviously. I havent seen many Tacoma's with lots of exterior rust.. but I would definitely check the chassis. Some of the Tacoma's that I looked at had a fair bit of chassis rust...

I'm sure other people will have some input..

 

I really want the 4 cylinder. So some of the TRD models had an e-locker? What other options were there?

 

oh, i thought you were wanting some tourist destinations in Tacoma, WA. good luck with the truck hunt. i really wish my 4runner had the 4cyl but i don't drive fast or tow, just drive.

 

All TRD's should come with the e-locker. However, I believe there were a few that didn't..

 

I was told a few times that factory's had a "TRD Package" which was only the sticker, as opposed to the Manufacturer's. Also since the truck will be used, you gotta look for people who just put the TRD sticker on it themselves. Check on the left of the steering wheel for a button that says RR DIFF LOCK and also make sure it works. Other than that, I agree with everything ORNERY says.

-Chris

 

i got a 97 xtra cab 4x4 with a 5 speed manual and get about 19.5 mpg and thats with me a 17 year old kid drivin it so i mean i am no grandpa driver the only problem i have found is with the tan interior if u want to add like a speaker box and such its hard to come buy and also the fact that havening the bench seat is annoying but i love my truck to death mine came with the tow package which may not seem like that much of a difference but it can be at times

 

Toytech...what do you mean cracking heads? You mean the exhaust manifold crack?

I've never heard of a head problem...I would also tend to think the exhaust valve problem would be due to someone not tending to a cracked exhaust manifold...

Correct me if I'm wrong...

 

strongly suggest the 3.4
driving up and down a few pass's and around town, with the hammer down most of the time i was getting about 22 mpg
and can tow ALOT of stuff *towing trees and a lot of heavy , from denver to steamboat *if anyone knows where that is*
get good power out of it. has a decent amount of go off the line *if you do it right obviously*
other than your choice of engine size.. i havent run into anything really wrong with my taco. other than the rear leaves died rather quick make sure they arent flat and super S shaped