Good pointers for purchase

[Cj80cruiser]

I usually post in the 80 series tech forum but was thinking about purchasing a 95.5-present 4cyl. 2wd truck for good gas mileage(way better than my 80). You guys probably only want to talk about 4wd but I figured you could tell me some possible things to look for on my purchase. Example: The landcruiser engine, the 1fzfe, has a known fault which is the headgasket. I haven't had to replace mine yet(knock on wood) but it happens often enough to people in 80's tech. Also the front birflelds should be checked for leaks. I just want a good truck to take long distant trips in and drive to school. Basically I want to know what I should look for and look out for?

[d0ubledown]

look for an early taco with the 3RZ (2.7L) motor. these are pretty straight forward, nothing that i know of is any cause for concern. 2 wheel drive = no transfer & front bits to deal with. its pretty low maintenance...and easy on the wallet. as with any used vehicle, look for a well maintained one, low miles, and overall solid condition. leaks, cracks, etc. definitely pull all dipsticks and check fluid conditions.

these vehicles are relatively easy to work on, so i wouldnt worry about it too much. early 2wd tacos are pretty cheap, so you should have plenty to pick & choose from.

good luck!

[cackalak han]

3RZ's have had issues with the ex. manifold cracking. So be wary of that. Also, 95.5-00 Tacoma's have issues with rusting frames, so check that out, too. Toyota is doing a 15 year extended warranty on the frames, so nothing too much to worry about.

But, FYI, a friend has a 2.7L Tacoma 2WD and it doesn't seem to get any better mileage than a 4WD (of course, the 4WD being kept in 2WD). If it were me, I'd opt for the 4WD just for the resale value and more fun!

[Cj80cruiser]

Originally Posted by cackalak han

3RZ's have had issues with the ex. manifold cracking. So be wary of that. Also, 95.5-00 Tacoma's have issues with rusting frames, so check that out, too. Toyota is doing a 15 year extended warranty on the frames, so nothing too much to worry about.

But, FYI, a friend has a 2.7L Tacoma 2WD and it doesn't seem to get any better mileage than a 4WD (of course, the 4WD being kept in 2WD). If it were me, I'd opt for the 4WD just for the resale value and more fun!

The only reason I would stay away from the 4wd is cause I already have a 4wd landcruiser and I just want something easy to maintain, good gas mileage, and all that stuff for everyday driving.
Thanks fella's if anybody else has something to add please do. I'm looking to buy in the next month or so.


Oh I just realized one of the guys was you Doubledown. I would like to see what you did with those mud flaps so if you get a pic send it my way.

[FlatlandTRD]

Cj80cruiser, are you asking about the mini 2wd, or the prerunner? True the prerunner gets maybe 1-2mpg better than the 4wd, but the mini does much better. And the mini's are usually much cheaper. I wouldn't worry about any issues as far as engine or drive train dependent on PO's care.

[Cj80cruiser]

Yeah, I'm talking about the mini. I don't need a prerunner although I did like my 01 I bought new but sold when I went to school. Can you get a supercharger or turbo specifically for the 2.4L? TRD used to have them for the 2.7L.

[ToyotaDon]

The mini will only come with the 2.4L (or V6). I've seen 1 or 2 with engine issues, but very rare.