Looking to buy an older Tacoma

[bobhill8]

Good morning, Hope this is the best place to post this. My son (16) and I are driving to the CO/WY area next week for about a month. Will be in the mountain west from roughly Denver to Jackson, WY and would love to find a Tacoma in the 2002-2006 range to buy for his first vehicle- hopefully from someone who has cared for it well - which is what Samba people do. We have seen plenty for sale online but of course knowing at least a little background is nice and finding a good seller can make all the difference. If you have one or know a lead on a good one, I would greatly appreciate it. Being from the northeast, rust is our biggest concern. He would prefer a standard but it's not a deal breaker. 4x4 with a 6 foot bed. Thanks for any thoughts. Bob

[Cusser]

I believe that Tacomas up to 2003 are the nice sized ones, that later ones are physically larger.

Myself: I have two Frontiers, 1998 (260K miles) and 2004 (105K), both 4-cylinders with timing chain and 5-speeds, great AC too. Both very reliable, nice trucks. It appears more of the 4-cylinder models are manual transmissions than the V6 models.

In 2005 Frontiers got big too.

Tacoma will generally run a couple of thousand $$$ more than a Frontier.
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1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297

[skills@eurocarsplus]

be careful

https://carfromjapan.com/article/industry-knowledge/the-history-of-toyota-tacoma-frame-recall/

I have heard issues that some shops have reported the replacement frames have begun to rust.

I try to buy one from Arizona with no paint left and cooked plastic before I would consider one from the northern states
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[bobhill8]

Thanks guys. I have actually had 4 different Toyota trucks, including a 92 4x2 that I drove all through Mexico and a 98 that was recalled - they bought it back from me for $12,500 after I had 150,000 miles on it. Currently have a 2007 Tundra with a recalled/replaced frame - we'll see how it holds up. I am not averse to driving farther south. Guess I thought that CO in general was not considered to be the rust belt. Obviously it depends on what they are spreading on the road these days. Also have always had an appreciation for Frontiers, but it's not for me. Once a 16 gets his mind set on something.......If you see something, please give me a shout!

[obus]

i see some nice ones that pop up on BAT every now and then that are in great shape

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2002-toyota-tacoma-sr5-4x4-4/
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July 1959 Mango Standard Bus aka Obus L346 L347 https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=256592&highlight=
June 1973 Pumpkin Orange Thing aka Othing L30H
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=711775&highlight=
1960 Paprika Red Karmann Ghia Convertible aka Schatze L452 built 5/20/60
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...highlight=
66 21 window bus built 8/31/65 https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=777273

[Zundfolge1432]

I’ve had a bunch of them and currently own 3 2006 Tacoma’s. Why? Because I know them and what goes wrong with them. Frame rust is a concern yes buy from a southern or southwest location. Also be aware 05 and early 06 has head gasket issues. Go over to Tacoma world forums for information on that and everything else.

[HMVWNAB]

https://www.tacomaworld.com/

[bobhill8]

Thanks for all the tips but just to clarify, I'm wondering if any Samba folks have one for sale, or know of anyone who does. Have a great summer all.

[HMVWNAB]

Try your local Offer Up site.

[cdennisg]

CO, WY, and neighboring states, though often snowbound, don't generally salt their highways. Even in winter, humidity is pretty low overall (that 's what makes the skiing so good) Some local municipalities might salt their streets. AZ and NM cars may be very dry, but CO and WY should present well, and not have the burnt paint and interior issues common with high heat/sun exposure.

Wish I had a lead for you here in the Northwest. I know many people with those trucks, but none for sale right now. I'll keep and eye out though.
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[bobhill8]

Thanks cdennisg - I appreciate you keeping your eyes out. I'd love a reason to drive up your way. Have had some amazing trips to your area. Bob

[cdennisg]

I know it is just a craigslist ad, and I do not know the guy, but stuff like this is out there. The Spokane and Coeur d Alene area are pretty dry overall, especially Eastern WA and areas South and West of there. Same goes for Southern and Southeast Idaho

https://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/d/four-lakes-2002-toyota-tacoma/7126408540.html
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[Cusser]

[cdennisg]

[Zundfolge1432]

[Onceler]

I had a 2002 v6 4x4. Terrible gas mileage. I’d of rather had a full-size if I was gonna burn all that gas anyway.
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1972 Karmann Ghia

[cdennisg]

[Abscate]

I admire the vision but how are you going to move it across the country to MA?
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.ssS!

[bobhill8]

Hey Abscate - a valid question. We are driving a beat up Corolla out west that owes me nothing. IF I find the magic vehicle, I will either sell the Corolla for short dough on FB Marketplace near whatever town I am in, or donate it to some local charity (NOT Kars for Kids!). If we don't find a truck, we just drive home.

[bobhill8]

Thanks Zund - I had a similar 98 to what you are selling. Nice truck, but not what my son is looking for. Def wants the 4x4. Best of luck with the sale.