Things to look for in Tacoma
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Things to look for in Tacoma
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.
#2
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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
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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..
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..
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-Chris
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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
#9
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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...
#10
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
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
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