Tacoma choice?

[rdoyle78]

Hello, I am looking at two 02 Tacoma's, automatic, 4x4, regular cab. Both have an asking price of just below $13k. I could use some advice on which I should more seriously consider. The first one has 69k miles, but is certified used by Toyota. The other one has only 54k miles, has allow wheels and a cd player but is not certified used. I have heard that Tacoma's last forever, so my choice is really choose a warranty or 15k less miles.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

[viet2100]

Definitely go with the certified. 15k miles isn't gonna hurt ya. As far as the wheels and CD player goes, you can do that yourself with aftermarkets no problem. Hope that helped, but definitely wait for other opinions.

[ycart1201]

do either have copies of work done to them? like reciepts for regular oil changes? and services?
be sure to get the specifics on what the warranty actually covers. You might be suprised that it doesnt cover as much as you think.
if i was buying used, id do a carfax report. (www.carfax.com).

Hope that helps,
Nathan
ycart1201

[RedToy]

Without seeing either, my gut reaction would be to go with the certified one. If I'm not mistaken, doesn't it come with some sort of warranty being certified and all?.... At a minimum you know it has been checked over.

[rdoyle78]

The warranty is from Toyota them self: Toyota.com : Toyota Certified Used Vehicles

I found the truck by searching on Toyota.com...it has a bumper to bumper 3 month/3,000mi and then a power train warranty until 05/2009. They both have carfax and are 1 owner. Being that it'll be my first Toyota, I was hoping that the 15k more miles would not be an issue (as I have heard these trucks last forever). I will probably go w/ the higher mile/warranty Tacoma.

Thanks again for the advice!

[Snakeii]

For options that are difficult to install, like the AC, engine, etc, Id look towards that as well. But if they are the same that isnt a concern. Carfax, definitely. Check it over, take a friend or two to help, really good, under the hood, interior, put it on a lift and check it out for damage. Make sure it passes emission, a dealer might pass it in its own shop just to get rid of it, but in a year or two when its due again it may fail. Check for unmatching body panels, flaking paint, molding that is wavy or is off... all signs of body damage. Check all the fluid levels.

The main things that make or break a Toyota, and most other vehicles (the Big 3 are already broken ) is maintenance. If properly maintained and driven either one will last you well over 200k without a bat of a eye.