I need Toyota advice

[JEEParon]

I need some yota schoolin. I'm lookin to get an early 2000's tacoma 4x4 3.4L for a daily driver. I know these are pretty reliable but what are some common problems to look out for? And how concerning is 180k+ miles on one of these rigs?

 

[skinny_pedal]

Do the timing belt and just drive it. They are super reliable. My dad's work truck is a 2000 pre runner with over 250k. Doesn't burn oil. My brothers 96 4runner has 330k. Doesn't burn oil. When they come in the shop it's usually for an Evap leak or minor service. I highly recommend the 3.4 v6.

 

[Mark m.]

Do the timing belt and just drive it. They are super reliable. My dad's work truck is a 2000 pre runner with over 250k. Doesn't burn oil. My brothers 96 4runner has 330k. Doesn't burn oil. When they come in the shop it's usually for an Evap leak or minor service. I highly recommend the 3.4 v6.

What he said.

 

[Donkeylips]

Great engine, great truck. I own two 3.4l. Both have been good to me. One has 22k on it. I'd drive it anywhere with out a second thought. Just don't expect anything above 18 mpg.

 

[bent]

My 02 Taco has 352k on it, no smoke, good power, full synthetic its entire life, timing belts and tune ups only. Its why they are so expensive :redneck:

 

[BARYOTA]

I've had my 98 4runner a little over 12years 165k just regular maintenance flush coolant spark plugs oil and air filter and its never been in the shop sounds like a good buy do it.

 

[mudmaster]

My 2000 4Runner has 218000, no engine issues.

 

[toyzuk]

they had frame recalls(rusty frames) but if its from here the frame should be fine. my roommate was looking for a 01-04 and we looked at quite a few with TONS of rust underneath that was just painted over. he just bought a double cab 02 with 260k on it and it runs better than some we test drove with half the miles.

 

[Dogboy]

I worked on a 2000 Tacoma at work from Utah, it was somewhat rusty, except the frame was completely rotted through on the bottom, in front of the rear leaf spring hanger.
I don't know if that's the problem rust area, but it's somewhere to check if you are concerned.

 

[JEEParon]

Thanks for the input everyone. :awesomework: Looks like I'm fairly safe expanding my search to some of the "higher" mileage rigs. How often does the timing belt need to be changed roughly?

 

[NOISYBOY]

I would say around 80k

 

[zukkev]

Info from Mitchell says---
95.5-98 change at 60K (severe service)...Normal service does not give a mileage replacement interval, so I'd error on the side of caution and say 60K...

99 and up change at 90K (normal or Severe svc)...NOW, depending on circumstances, and driving habits, I have personally seen these go as far out as 120K on the OEM belt before replacement, but I wouldn't advise it...

 

[Glenn]

Info from Mitchell says---
95.5-98 change at 60K (severe service)...Normal service does not give a mileage replacement interval, so I'd error on the side of caution and say 60K...

99 and up change at 90K (normal or Severe svc)...NOW, depending on circumstances, and driving habits, I have personally seen these go as far out as 120K on the OEM belt before replacement, but I wouldn't advise it...

Is that engine an interference motor or non interference motor?

 

[BUILTnotBOT]

We hunted for sometime for my wife's Tacoma. Eventually found an 01 3.4 supercharged 119k on the truck. Just be patient good ones are out there just gotta have the cash to jump on them.

20k later and overall the truck has been amazing to own. Firewood, commuter, grocery getter, light wheeler, recovery rig I honestly wouldn't own any other gas pickup out other than a Toyota. You cant go wrong

 

[JEEParon]

Thanks again everyone for the input. Stayed patient and finally found a great one and brought it home yesterday. It's an '02 double cab sr5/TRD with 148K miles and its immaculate. I never thought I'd ever say it but I'm officially a Toyota owner. :redneck:

 

[Avanteone]

Sweet ride!

 

[skinny_pedal]

The double cabs are bad ass. Usually fetch a pretty penny to. Good score:awesomework:

 

[toyzuk]

i looked for about 6 months to find this one, bought it stock with 108k on it about 5 months ago. i still have to lock it up and gear it before i start beating on it lol.

 

[zukkev]

Is that engine an interference motor or non interference motor?

Does not state that it is...Googlenet also leads to many that state the same, although there are a couple that state it is...I have seen/replaced a few broken 3.4L belts, and every one has been ok, as in non-interference...