T100 vs Tacoma

[widman]

I ruled out the S10 and F250, looked at a few more that won't hold enough.
Currently looking at a 98 Toyota T100 and a 98 Tacoma. The T100 has 98000 miles, V-6, automatic. The Tacoma has the 4 cyl, manual trans, 126000 miles and is $2500 more than the T100.

Were either of the engines in the Sludge category? Any thoughts or experiences?

 

[blackcherry06]

What did you look at that had a smaller bed than a 98 Tacoma? My sister has a 2001 and it's a very shallow bed, seemingly not much, if at all larger than an S10.

I don't know anything about the T100 but both engines in that vintage of Tacoma are bulletproof. You may want to check on the timing belt if it is so equipped...I know the V6 has one.

 

[MrCritical]

A neighbor has a T100 and loves it. If you don't need a full size truck, it might be the way to go.

 

[TooManyWheels]

I thought I remembered that these had some head gasket issues, so I did a little looking. They did have problems with both the earlier 3.0 and the 3.4, although according to the best info I could find they ended sometime in the '97 model year.

 

[widman]

The T100 won out. I changed the oil to 5w30 like it should have and the compression and scanner all checked good. (never want to risk it having been filled with STP)

 

[TooManyWheels]

The T100 sounds like a good match for your requirements. Let us know how it holds up!

 

[Whimsey]

Originally Posted By: widman
The T100 won out. I changed the oil to 5w30 like it should have and the compression and scanner all checked good. (never want to risk it having been filled with STP)


I'd be concerned with it having an auto transmission in your "neck of the woods". Has the atf ever been changed, if so how often and with the correct fluid? Was it used to tow frequently? What was the enviroment that it lived in? Maybe you want to give the auto transmission some "tlc", tender loving care .

Whimsey

 

[widman]

It spent most of its life in the Mississippi. Been here only about 2 years, maybe 3 (we are doing the paperwork tomorrow).
It has the tow connector, but that has never been used here. Fluid looks reasonable, but it will be gone in a day or so when I'll give it a good flush.
It looks like a good cross between super big and super small.

It will get to run around with drums of oil in the back and filters in the extended cab.