Right now I am thinking about getting a 4x4 Toyota truck, but I am not sure which one to get. I've searched through the threads, and I still am having a hard time decieding on which one would be right for me. I am looking to spend anywhere from $3000-$6500 (depends on how much money I can get from selling off a few of my other vehicles). I need something that will get decent gas mileage, safe and reliable. I also can't deciede if i want a standard or exteneded cab. I think I've narrowed my choices down to a '93-'94 pickup, or '95-'97 Tacoma, these seem to fall within my price range. What are going to be the advantages and disadvanatages between these two types of trucks? Would I be better off just spending just a little bit more money(which I have, but don't really want to spend) and buying a newer model Tacoma, say a '99 or 2000?
Truck Purchase Adivce
- Thread starter 123c
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Cube Dweller
Moderator
There is a huge difference between the 3rd gen trucks(90-95) and the Tacoma. It also depends on what's most important. If reliability and gas mileage are key, then a 4cyl 22RE 93-95 pickup would be optimal. But if you want a slightly larger and newer truck, go for a Tacoma. My brother has a 95.5 Tacoma w/ the 3.4 V-6 and it's been great, zero issues. Even though I have one, skip the V-6 in the 2nd gens unless the engine has been replaced and you don't care about gas mileage. Mine in the runner is pretty fresh 45K miles) bu gets TERRIBLE mileage.
- Thread starter
- #3
What kind of gas mileage do the 3.4 V-6's get in the Tacoma's?
I typically get between 18-20 in my supercharged 4runner, you could get better in a N/A truck. The 5vz in the tacoma is very reliable and will outlast a 22r if the proper maintence is done to both. The 4 cyl Tacos (3rz) are just a reliable but they do have a ocasional problem with a cracking cylinder head and burned valves, most of these problems stem from a cracked exhaust manifold. If you have the money and are looking for the best DD then go with a Taco. If you plan to wheel lots save some money and get a older truck with a lower inital cost and spend money on 4x4 parts.
- Thread starter
- #5
So if I go with a Tacoma for a DD, what could I get for lets say $6000-$7000? Most of the Tacoma's i've seen for sale in my area have been going for over $10,000, and these are like '98s.
- Thread starter
- #6
Anyone know when toyota used R-134a prior to 1994?
i have a 93 pickup. Its nothing special just the 3.0 v6 and extended cab. I just replaced the plugs and plug wires and can get, while driving it nicely, over well 20(23-24ish)MPG and that is running 31 x 10.50s(i got this good this weekend on road trip.) I usually get right around 18-22.
The tacomas are a little bit bigger than the "minis" and are newer so the price will be higher. I enjoy driving my mini on the road and on light trails, which it handles with no problems. I have never driven an older tacoma, the only one i have driven was a 03 and it was a brand new "test drive" with my dad so i cannot comment on the tacomas driving ability or anything like that.
Around here in Central Missouri i have seen mid 90s to 98 tacos go for relativly good prices that are lower then the 10,000 you quoted. If you want me too i will keep an eye out for one and let you know.
lunyou
The tacomas are a little bit bigger than the "minis" and are newer so the price will be higher. I enjoy driving my mini on the road and on light trails, which it handles with no problems. I have never driven an older tacoma, the only one i have driven was a 03 and it was a brand new "test drive" with my dad so i cannot comment on the tacomas driving ability or anything like that.
Around here in Central Missouri i have seen mid 90s to 98 tacos go for relativly good prices that are lower then the 10,000 you quoted. If you want me too i will keep an eye out for one and let you know.
lunyou
123c said:
I think that some late 93s were R134. Not hard to convert, tho.
- Thread starter
- #9
I found a 1998 Tacoma SR5 TRD for $11,000 at a local dealer, it has 146,000 and runs flawless, the body has some dents and dings and the paint is rubbed off where a canopy once sat. I am thinking I might go in and try and offer $6,000-$8,000 cash for it, and see if they will take it. I had good vibes when I was testing it out.
- Thread starter
- #10
One more question, what problems come up with the 5vz, i've seen that the replacing the timing belt can be a big pain...
I have a 95 T100 ext cab 4wd drive that is well within your price range. If yer interested let me know.
Timing belts aren't that hard. haven't had to do the 3.4 yet, but I did several on 3.0 Camry V6s and those weren't too bad.
Dan
Timing belts aren't that hard. haven't had to do the 3.4 yet, but I did several on 3.0 Camry V6s and those weren't too bad.
Dan
- Thread starter
- #12
I think I am going to pass on the 1998 Tacoma, I've gone back and looked at it a few times in better light, and the truck looks like it has been abused, I also noticed some wear patterns in the tires, which would explain why it was wondering when I got it up to highway speed 
- Thread starter
- #13
I wound up buying that 1998 Tacoma anyways, I bought it for $9500, I evaluated it again today, in even better light, and it's not all that bad, the worst dent can be fixed easily, I think i need to get the fluid changed, some of them looked a little dirty...
- Thread starter
- #14
How do I use the e-locker, do I just push the button?
Yes, but you have to be in low range.123c said:
PRF
123c said:
Like the above post, you have to be in low range to engage the locker, but there is a modification for 2004 and previous 4x4 Tacomas with the factory E-locker that will allow you to engage the locker in high range. "the gray wire mod" it is called. do a search on pirate4x4.com, or ttora.com for the instructions.
If you want a real toyota you want a Land Cruiser I liek the diesels!
