looking to buy a 2004 tacoma

[dblugly]

I am looking at a 2004 Tacoma with 185xxx miles. Other than the timing belt and water pump, what else should have been replaced. Are there any things I should look at other than the obvious leaks, rust, signs of abuse, Etc...

Edit: it's a TRD 4x4 extra cab

 

[bowyer2002]

that is a lot of miles - as I have only 165K on my '01

 

[dblugly]

So far I have found low miles beat to crap, or high miles and they look like a lower mile vehicle.

 

[Jacket]

Check the CV boots, ball joints and steering boots for sign of damage or tears. And I'd look for full service records to confirm regular oil and ATF/MT fluid changes.

And at those miles, you're almost up for a second round of timing belt and water pump R&R.

 

[Duane]

I always look for levels and color of fluids especially in relationship to when they were last changed.
This includes coolant especially, brake and power steering fluid.
Engine and tranny fluid most important as those are the pricey and labor intensive items to remove and fix.

always check for body part fitting and any signs of damage or collision, over spray etc.

Check to see that everyting works.. I do figure eights in a parking lot in four wheel drive hi and lo, check the rear diff lock for function.. does an 04 have that still?? I think so

Check for frame rust...
oh and I looked at an 01 last year... darn thing had a cracked vaccum hose near the back of the intake manifold..who knows how long it was ingesting unfiltered air...

I would stay away from after market intake filter assemblies, light assemblies etc.

Also higher on fix it lists are rebuilding starter and alternator if they have been done yet. Don't replace them..Keep the OEM and rebuild them.

 

[ken_79-fj40]

I wouldn't worry about the mileage if it's been treated well. My 00 4Runner with the same drivetrain has 206k on it and it runs just like the day we bought it. So does my fathers 98 tacoma with 180k. Nothing but regular routine maintenance, shocks, and a couple wheel bearings have been needed. At that mileage when you do the timing belt I would also replace the idler pulleys, front crank seal, and change the tensioner. And of course the water pump. If it's an automatic you might want to consider changing the radiator to. I know 4 runners are well known for failures that cause the transmission fluid to get into the coolant once they have some miles on them. Hasn't happened to mine yet, but I'm going to swap out the radiator soon. If it's anywhere in the rust belt the frame is a concern too. But on most 01-newer trucks if it's an issue Toyota will actually swap out the entire frame, rear springs, etc. I've seen the local dealer working on a few, looks like quite a project. But supposedly 2 techs can do one in a day.

 

[srogers]

On my '01 with 101k miles, I just replaced the steering rack bushings, which were causing a vibration in the steering wheel (especially noticeable at low speed turns in 4WD). Just another argument for the tight figure 8's in a parking lot...

 

[dblugly]

Thanks for the info, I passed on the 04 gonna look at an 01 today.