New to Toyota!

[cohiba54]

Ok guys here's the scoop. I'm going to go look at '99 Tacoma Prerunner x-cab with the TRD off-road option. Still done know the engine displacement or mileage but thought I'd ask a few questions before going out to see the truck.

1. What are some of the known major and minor problems that I should look out for?
2. Any info on what the compression ration should be?
3. At what mileage intervals will the transfer case chain need to be replaced?
4. What should I offer?

Thanks
Rene

[75K30]

hey Rene:
welcome to the site. Not too sure what that nonsense above is all about, but lets see if we can actually address some of your questions.

1. Known major problems: Well they last forever, and just keep on runnin. If that seems to be a problem then it is up to you.
2. Compression, well this one has me shrugging my shoulders. You are not even sure of the engine configuration, so we will not be able to speculate on compression. Although, it is a factory engine (assume), so it sgould ba around 8:1 maybe up to about 9:1. It was designed to run on pump gas, so actually knowing the ratio might not be a factor, or on my need to know list. Now if you are asking about cylinder pressure, like a compression test, because you are concerned about buying a truck that is wore out, you could simply have it inspected by a mechanic, or just pull the PCV, or open the oil filler cap on the valve cover while it is running. If you see excessive smoke coming out, then you know that the engine has a fair amount of "blow by" and has seen some heavy use, and the rings are letting some compresion by.
3. 99 toyota I believs still use an all gear case. I could be wrong here, but I believe they are still using all gear. I have yet to see a Yota run through a shop with t-case troubles. Have seen plenty with a gazillion miles and no troubles from the case.
4. Again that depends on the condition, equipment, and such. It is in Texas, and Texans are very proud of thier trucks, as long as it is not a Japanese truck, so you might be able to strike a little bit better deal, especiall if the place selling it is like cartoon boy just above.
What was that all about?
Good luck with your decision. Let us know what you decide.

[cohiba54]

Waiting on the dealer to call back on what engine. The gal I first talked to said it was a v8 but she wasn't sure (which is not what I was looking for), so I'm having her confirm what she is talking about along with getting the correct mileage. The compression question was to establish what I should expect when I do a compression check across the cylinders, I'd like to see at least 10% of spec. and <10psi loss within each cyl.. But you brought up a good point about the pcv and the oil fill cap, forgot about doing that as quick check. I've owned and rebuilt 2 full size Jeep Cherokees so forgive the ignorance on the t-case question. For one I'm glad to hear that Toyo uses all gear in theirs. Also glad to hear they run forever....

As far a cartoon boy, It's the internet! I don't really give much credence to non-censurable comments. Especially when, well let's just not go there!

Thanks again for the info.
Rene

[75K30]

No worries. No need to request forgiveness for a question. That is what the site is all about.
Getting back to the truck. If it is a Taco, I doubt that it is a V8. Don't recall any V8 Taco's. Only the T-100's, (dis-continued) and now Tundras are the only trucks available with a V8.
Might be a 6 cylinder, but could very well be a 4 popper. All are great little engines, and I have mad respect for the 4 cylinder. That little thing knows how to work, and never complains. Darn thing just keep coming back for more. The 6 cylinder is a little bit tough to work on. The starter is a real mutha to replace, and everything is pretty tight under the hood, but it lasts so long, it rarely needs to be opened, so it is a fair trade-off.
Is the truck lifted or anything? Knowing this is a good piece of info. A little truck with big old tires may be an idication that it was off road a bunch. This might prove to be information that is more valuable than +/- 10% compression, you know......

[72'CaminoKid]

a buddy of mine has a 2000 tacoma i think 4cyl. possibly 6. it's got over 165k miles on it. its only 2wd but he dawgs it out and treats like like a 4wd. gest problem he's had to this day is a bad alternator and just replaced the radiator. great trucks

[peterbilt]

stupid tacos, anit worth a ****, and a waste of a truck.

[Ford4x4Chik27]

Originally Posted by fordguy

stupid tacos, anit worth a ****, and a waste of a truck.

You my friend, have obviously never owned one Don't mock it till you try it.

[Ford4x4Chik27]

Toyota trucks, through the 4th generation are all very good trucks. I'd say watch out for the 3.0 in the 3rd gens, but other than that, you really can't go wrong



And yes, fordboy... I HAVE tried them... several of them

[mudseeker]

Originally Posted by fordguy

stupid tacos, anit worth a ****, and a waste of a truck.

so basically if it's not a ford then it's a piece of ****? i'm not a fan of ford or toyota, but every truck has it's strengths and weakness. hopefully you will learn that one of these days.

[Ford4x4Chik27]

Originally Posted by mudseeker

so basically if it's not a ford then it's a piece of ****? i'm not a fan of ford or toyota, but every truck has it's strengths and weakness. hopefully you will learn that one of these days.

He'll learn someday, he is only 15 We were his age once