You can definitely do better than THAT, especially for 8 grand. Sounds like that truck was abused. Tacomas may be bulletproof, but they're not invincible. And, in my opinion, the 2.7L can't get out of its own way. It's a strong engine for a 4 cylinder, but it's still very slow coming up to a freeway on-ramp (especially if you'll be towing). I would definitely try to test drive a 3.4L, and they aren't that much harder to work on, just 2 more cyclinders to change the plugs in <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />
The older 3.0L V6s were a pain in the ass and not as reliable as the 3.4 (from what I've heard from many owners), so don't nix the V6 idea just because the 3.0L has a bad rap. The 5VZFE V6 is a good, reliable, solid engine. Up until my recent head gasket leak at 160k miles, the truck has been nothing but an absolute DREAM (even with the added wear and tear of using a supercharger).

happy hunting!

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

get the 3.4

i just purchased one last week. its a 98 4x4 5speed with the 3.4 and it can get up and go. the mileage difference with the 2.7 and 3.4 is only around 2-3. also the truck has 150000 miles and has had no previous problems with the engine.

Since I am a former owner of an 02 i can say that the 2.7 would not be the best for towing. But I must say with a few engine mods it can do quite a bit. On my '02 I added the standard airbox mod. Then I put in a header from LC engineering and did the cat back- wow what a difference. it had no problems pulling hills loaded down .Now i have a DC TRD with a 3.4. It's okay but doesn't have much pep unless you step on it. Then the extra cubes show up. once i get done with some engine mods beyond the deckplate it might be better. One thing I will say- you gotta dump a bunch of cash into a 2.7 to make it anything like a 3.4. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

You are all a tremendous help to me and I really appreciate it. Used Tacomas are very hard to come by around here, especially from a private party. It seems everyone trades in at the dealers or just keeps their trucks to 300k miles. To buy used from a dealer is added expense and out of my price range. This 99 I've been after is the only private sale I've seen in a long time and it has the ex.cab, SR5, and 4X4 with 79000 miles. (I gotta have 4x4 for surf fishing and snow and easy trails) I've even done Internet searches out to 100 miles! I did an on-line pricing for this 99 and it priced out at 6,900. So 8,600 is too high. I'm also concerned about the semi-flat rear leaf springs and the brownish trans fluid. I'm going to test drive it next week. It's going to be 6 degree wind chill, a good day for a 4 cyl. BBrrrrrrrr!

Pricing on these trucks is an interesting animal. They tend to go for more than KBB at least around where I live.

I did a KBB on my truck and it came out at $8,500. I did a Edmunds TMV (typically lower than KBB private party) and it came out at $11,000. They are selling around here for $11,500 for the same truck/miles.

Used Tacos are hard to come buy and they tend to be very well used. You have picked a good truck to look for. They are solid and that is why people buy them and keep them.

If you think the dealer got it at a local car auction, let me know, and I can pull current auction listings and results. PM me. These are typically more inline with what a dealer has 'in' a vehicle and what they want out of it.

Ya it's funny, when I originally picked up my truck in Lake Havasu City, AZ, the used car dealers we visited said "if you want a Chevy, Ford, or Dodge, we can help you, but a Toyota? Hard to find. The problem is those things last so damned long that nobody wants to get rid of them." That's what solidified my desire for a 'yota, and I picked mine up without them even knowing it was supercharged, HA! Stickin' it to "the man!"

But as far as the Blue Book goes, I agree. Mine is KBB'd somewhere around $8000, but here in SoCal, they are still selling for between $10k - $11k. Makes me proud! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

ya brink....the brown tranny fluid says it all as far as maintenance goes. Best to pass it up.

If yer gonna tow with the 2.7 at least make sure it's a manual and not an automatic.

x 2; I should know. Got a couple steep climbs with a boat between home and the lakes.