16th Dec 2009, 10:13
I had to sell my newer car due to economic factors, and have been looking around at used small trucks. I always buy domestics new, but don't have problems buying a used Japanese vehicle (that doesn't hurt our own industry). I was surprised to find ZERO used Tacomas older than 1995 in our area. How far back does the rust issue go? I prefer the styling of the mid-80's, but can't find any that old. I've found plenty of mid to late 80's Rangers.
17th Dec 2009, 19:46
To comment 10:13:
You can't find any Tacoma's from that era because most of them are still being used and loved by their original owners. If you can find an 80's Tacoma, buy it and fast. Those things were BULLETPROOF. I never personally owned one myself, but I have a friend who is still driving his. It's completely original with over 600,000 miles. He has kept up with all the maintenance religiously (as he is a retired mechanic) so it runs beautifully. However, even with a minimum of maintenance these things last forever. However, there really isn't such a thing as a bad Tacoma minus the ones that were recalled for the rust issues. And even those were bulletproof mechanically.
23rd Dec 2009, 17:31
The Tacoma was introduced in 1995. So if you're not seeing any prior to that, it's because none were on the road yet.
24th Dec 2009, 15:26
The first real "Tacoma" came to the states in the mid-60's. Toyota began calling it the Tacoma in '95. And you won't find any from that era simply because Toyota only produced a little more the 200 of them.
As for "Tacoma's" of the 80's (I'm not sure what they were called then), I know they exist as I've seen them driving around my area quite frequently. One is for sale down the road from my house, 1983 Toyota Truck is all the sign on it says.
15th Dec 2009, 13:13
My 97 Taco was bought back by Toyota due to rust perforation. :(
It was the worst day ever. I just broke 90K and the rest of the vehicle was literally flawless. What is stated in the comment above is true, however your VIN must fall into the recall affecting the 95.5-00 models.
Anyway, the only issue I ever had with my 97 was the TPS started flaking, which I replaced myself. Best truck I have ever owned. Wish the Cali Toy plant would have got the rust protection right. I would have kept it forever.