Looking at a 98 Tacoma 2.4L auto 2wd, opinions

[Duane]

I'm looking at a local low mileage 98 Tacoma, 2wd, 2.4L with an auto. I think the frame issue had a recall..any other concerns and pros and cons with this year and drivetrain?
Does this engine have a belt or chain, interference fit or not?
Any exhaust manifold cracking problems like the 2.7L?
thanks for opinions and feedback
oh and what mileage do you get with this combo?
thanks

 

[raydouble]

I'm looking at a local low mileage 98 Tacoma, 2wd, 2.4L with an auto. I think the frame issue had a recall..any other concerns and pros and cons with this year and drivetrain?
Does this engine have a belt or chain, interference fit or not?
Any exhaust manifold cracking problems like the 2.7L?
thanks for opinions and feedback
oh and what mileage do you get with this combo?
thanks

2RZ is an interference engine with a timing chain......

IIRC the exhaust manifold is the same as the 3RZ, so, probably....fix here.......OEM mini header install for 2.7L*(Pics)* - YotaTech Forums

Cannot speak to the mileage, though stock it should be in the 20-25 neighborhood.

 

[TIMZTOY]

ive got a 99 with a 2.7L 3rz and i get about 20-22 mpg.. and im actually looking to sell or trade mine for a 4x4.. ive got 104,588 miles.. Pm me

 

[Duane]

ive got a 99 with a 2.7L 3rz and i get about 20-22 mpg.. and im actually looking to sell or trade mine for a 4x4.. ive got 104,588 miles.. Pm me

I should find out tomorrow if this one is still for sale 57K miles for a bit over $6K. Xtra cab, black with a cap, extra wheels etc...
I wasn't really looking for one but this unit looks real clean, local and well serviced etc. Guy bought a new taco and needs room

 

[hoch]

2WD? Is this for a work truck? Why not a 4x4? Just curious.

My friend has a 96 Tacoma 2.4L 5-sp. 2WD (work truck). It's good for just that--work. Not that great off road, but on-road and hauling, it's a great little truck. Just don't expect to haul too much with it.

 

[Duane]

Well I don't need it as obviously I have enough vehicles already.
I would prefer a 4X4 but they all seem to have twice the mileage and sell for almost twice the cash.
I thought for 6 grand this is a nice little truck, has a cap and isn't going to depreciate much at all. I can throw the snowblower in the back of it to go do the inlaws driveway and sidewalks in the winter and yard waste and junk in the summer. It will get better mileage than the 4 runners and be a good little run around town vehicle. I think to me it just seems like too clean of a truck with low mileage not to buy.

 

[hoch]

Well, with a set of chains, you can drive through the snow with little trouble. But IMO, I wouldn't buy it for $6k. I'd much rather buy one just like it, but with more miles for $3-4k. In fact, my friend who has the 96 bought his for $3k back in 99 with 70k miles and would sell today for about the same price, but has 130k on it. I see no use in spending that much on a 2WD.

I see quite a few single cab 5-sp 4x4 in my area with 120k miles or so going for $4-5k. If I were just going to keep a truck as a beater/work truck, this would be it. Manual hubs, manual everything. Plus, you have the option of taking it wheeling, if your main ride is down. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Duane]

Well maybe I need to go for a drive and import one from your state then.
Here is an example of my choices..98 taco 100K asking $12,800... anything for $5K to 6K is pretty rough looking usually. Here is a 94 with 144K for $4800
I hear what you are saying...I truly wanted what you have being an 01 - 04 double cab but they sure don't come cheap! My 4 runners are cheap compared to them.

 

[TIMZTOY]

$6,000.00 for mine..

 

[hoch]

Well maybe I need to go for a drive and import one from your state then.
Here is an example of my choices..98 taco 100K asking $12,800... anything for $5K to 6K is pretty rough looking usually. Here is a 94 with 144K for $4800
I hear what you are saying...I truly wanted what you have being an 01 - 04 double cab but they sure don't come cheap! My 4 runners are cheap compared to them.

Wow, those are some steep prices. Here are some examples in my state (Utah)

ksl.com - KSL Car Classifieds

ksl.com - KSL Car Classifieds

ksl.com - KSL Car Classifieds

This is just from skimming. There are some awesome deals that come through, though. But they're snatched up quick.

 

[Duane]

Wow, those are some steep prices. Here are some examples in my state (Utah)

ksl.com - KSL Car Classifieds

ksl.com - KSL Car Classifieds

ksl.com - KSL Car Classifieds

This is just from skimming. There are some awesome deals that come through, though. But they're snatched up quick.

Well I went and took the 2wd Taco for a test drive today and I am thinking to myself on the way home "cackalak han" was right.. so there you can say "I told you so" I think it could be a great truck for summer but right now we have snow covered roads and streets...that thing would spin spin and then spin some more. He even has milk crates in the rear corner of each side in the box with bricks and barbell steel weights.... another turn off for me was the bracket holding the battery down is gone and has a tarp strap in its place, the transmission oil hasn't been changed since who knows when, the drivers door handle is failing and his service history is from about 4 different places including Walmart for oil change convenience and maybe saving 15 to 20 $ or so.
Underneath the frame has been sprayed for rust prevention from this frame recall from Toyota which almost looks like an undercoating now you can't see anything really but places coming off that show rust under it. hmmm sort of wonder if the truck didn't come out from down east where they use all the roadsalt. Actually just went out and looked under my 96 with 3 times the mileage on it than this 98 Taco and it looks far better.
I think I have my answer quite clearly.
Thanks for the input and the links as well.
Timztoy thanks for the offer but I think I am stuck on 4X4's now...

 

[hoch]

Ha ha, well, I am glad you didn't get the 2WD. Keep your eye peeled for a 4x4. You've already got a vehicle, so no time crunch for you. Take your time and look for good deals. Don't be afriad to go out of state. I bought mine from Reno and flew out there and drove it back. Good excuse to take off work and hit the road. Check craigslist from your area AND surround areas, too. Also, look at eBay. A guy on Yotatech got an 01 or 02 Doublecab TRD w/ 90k miles for $9k. Clean title. What a steal.

EDIT: Just saw this today. Not a bad deal at all. Black 02 Double Cab TRD 4x4 w/98k miles for $12.9k Could probably talk him down to $12.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=&nid=443&tab=list/view&ad=1875178