I've read most of the old posts here about what to check when buying a T100 and how many miles is too many miles and see most of the advice pertains to 96 T100s and earlier with recalls and such.

With this thread, I'm looking for current advice, in 2009, regarding the 98 T100.

I'm thinking about driving out to look at a 98 T100 4x4 xtra cab, with Auto transmission and 180k miles for $5k this weekend and the seller volunteers that he's flexible on the price. This truck also has the bucket seat option, a tow pkg, CD, AC, a bed liner and 6 month new Michelin street tires.

My objective; a 4x4 truck with a solid reputation for reliability, a daily-driver I can occasionally wheel with, a price under $10k and if I decide to go wheeling more frequently a truck I can lift/mod for crawling at costs under $2000.

The seller put 180k freeway miles on it, probably has not changed the timing belt, says the body has little scratches and door dings, reports the engine always runs smooth and steady, like a top, and reports no temperature problems or suspension/driveability issues.

If I go have a look and a test drive and I see nothing obvious like excessive oil/tranny/brake fluid leaks, and the truck runs steady and smooth am I paying too much at $5000 for an 11 year old T100?

What about that timing belt? What happens to the engine when it is run with a stretched timing belt for too long that would make you not want to buy it.

Lastly, if all seems fine and the truck looks and feels decent, how much might I need to spend to have a shop dial it in?

Seems like I'm looking at a good deal but I don't want to be a sucker.

Any input will be appreciated.

Thanks!
Woody(aka 3Dfreakshow)

 

seems like a decent price, Timing belt should be changed asap...

 

Sounds like not to bad a deal. T100's are hard to find and they do hold there value. They are great reliable daily driver's. I've had my 93 for close to 6 years now and it has been great to me. however, you're not going to mod it for too cheap, unless you custom fab your own stuff. a 3-4 inch lift runs anywhere between $1000 and $1300 last time I checked. You can do some other stuff for cheaper but it definetly won't be an extreme crawler. Oh, btw if that timing belt hasn't been changed get it done asap. Luckily though that engine is not an interference (if I remember correctly), however, anything can happen if stuff breaks. good luck and let us know how things turn out.

 

Check auto trader I saw one with 96K thats a 98 for similar money. You don't say where you are but I would look around there are a few more on the market right now than there have been in the past.http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

 

Woody,

I want one too. I'm working on a '98 4x4 5 speed with comparable miles (kms in my case). $5k US sounds all right. Have a good look & go with your gut. If you don't trust your gut get a mechanical inspection. At the end of the day it's a $5k truck, and in my books a sweet-ass $5k truck (TOYOTA!).

If you buy it know that I'll be jealous (until I get one... or a Tundra)