It’s not surprising anymore to see the sky-high prices used Toyota pickups are commanding. In some ways, however, now that the demand for used Tacomas is clearly not a passing fad, it may pay to be a bit choosy. Like the 911 and 356 bubbles of the Porsche communities, there was a time when buyers were taking anything they could get, convinced there was no hulk ugly enough to lose money on. While the used Toyota market didn’t get quite that nuts, buying a truck like this that’s optioned with the TRD Off-Road package and showing under 100,000 miles is a smart way to go. Find the 2004 Tacoma SR5 here on eBay with bidding to $11,300.
Now, I don’t necessarily find myself compelled to line up and spend a bunch of money on a used truck. I get these Tacomas were famously overbuilt and a simpler truck than what is offered now, but there’s just so many other used vehicles I’d rather blow $15K-$20K on. In a way, I almost start to wonder if we just accepted that prices would accelerate without ever asking why. On certain auction sites, you see a price that would otherwise be considered bananas but then the commentary below just pats the buyer on the back for being a strong bidder. It’s an odd thing to reward people for spending too much, but when it comes to the list of odd things have happened in the past 12 months, Tacoma prices are pretty low on my worry list.
Now, it is a wonderful time to be a Tacoma seller. Kudos to you if you were smart enough to keep your used pickup in semi-decent condition, or keep the odometer reading out of the six-digit range, as you’ll likely make all of your money back against the original purchase price (inflation notwithstanding.) The interior of this SR5 package Tacoma is in excellent condition, with the beige cloth showing surprisingly little soiling. The Tacoma is equipped with an automatic transmission, but more importantly, the TRD Offroad Package that gives it a locking differential. As the seller points out, the combination of a V6, SR5, extended cab, and the TRD equipment makes this Tacoma the one to own.
The frame issues that plagued many Tacomas of this generation has been documented to the point that many of the faulty trucks have been documented and removed from the road (or given a new frame, compliments of Toyota). This Tacoma is currently in White Marsh, Maryland, but the history file shows it’s been in Indiana since new. The seller most likely snagged it at a dealer wholesale auction, as there’s plenty of mom and pop shops that don’t realize how much money a clean used Tacoma will bring at auction. That’s just my guess, anyhow. With two days left and bids closing in on $12,000, where do you think this no reserve listing will end up?
Looks great at first glimpse….however ebay pics show that there are some pretty significant frame rail patches in place….too bad, otherwise in incredible shape!
1st Gen Tacomas (1995.5 – 2004) had incredibly durable interiors. No need to wax on about the condition. Unless somebody really thrashed one, the cab is gonna looks pretty good.
This particular truck’s frame is in desperately bad shape. There’s a repair running most of the way down the passenger side. And the body mount for the right rear of the cab is nearly rotted away.
With these trucks, you gotta focus on the frame. Nearly nothing else matters.
Ask the seller for pics of the rear shock pickup points.
5TEWN72N04Z316128
Oh my can I shed the light in this truck. I had a beautiful 04 Tacoma with 56k miles. Beautiful inside immaculate outside. Here is the problem this was many of problem years Toyota had frame issues with. Unless this owner was that was lucky enough to get a new frame I’d say run away. I fought with Toyota and got no place. My mechanic told me when he was inspecting it to get rid of it. Google videos on 04 Tacoma frame replacements. I sooo loved this truck and I’d say being in road salt city this one has issues
Yes, the frame issues have been well documented.
https://carfromjapan.com/article/industry-knowledge/the-history-of-toyota-tacoma-frame-recall/
I have owned five Tacomas, ranging from 1995.5-2016. As far as I’m concerned, the “one to own” is a 2002-2004 with 4 cylinders. The six is not very good on gas and, unlike the 4, has a timing belt. Although considered to be reliable, cooling and cylinder heads can be a problem.
My 2002 3.4 V6 TRD has been the most dependable vehicle I’ve ever owned. Bought used in 2011, I will just never sell it. And a 4 cylinder truck out here in Colorado, because of the altitude would not get out of its own way.
These are still common on the west coast, if someone wants one, that’s the place to look. Fly out, drive back. Rust is not an issue, and never has been. I have many friends that have owned Toyota trucks, 2wd, 4wd and 4Runners, that range from the late-80’s on, not one has ever uttered the word “rust”.
Steve R
Unless you live right next to the Pacific Ocean.
Where I live, the salt air only penetrates one, maybe two miles, often less, beyond that it’s not an issue. Where it is an issue all cars will rust from the top down, not from the bottom up.
Steve R
You clearly haven’t spent much time in the West Coast, where cars that turned to dust most anywhere else, are still been driven around.
I lived in Eureka,CA most of my life,& have seen
some rusty trucks – not as bad as where they salt
the roads,but still bad.
Just check some that are kept along the waterfront,
or driven in salt water.
I wonder when these pictures were taken. This thing looks perfect.
Nah. Pass. Just one more appliance.
Awesome looking truck! I remember when the Toyota Tacoma looked like this. I find this way more attractive than what’s being sold today.
Was this year part of the frame recall? Serious rust problems, I believe.
All that glitters isn’t gold is what comes to mind. There is a major spread (gap) in the front top of the bed to the lower bed to cab. After seeing the pics, Stevie Wonder can see the poor chassis repair. I’d run over the hills and far away from that “beauty”. Looks nice for a clean car, but not from the bottom view.
Nice catch. Most people wouldn’t notice things like that gap actually.
I really like these 1st Gen Tacos. But the frame rust problem would scare me away. I’d get one of the later models instead.
I have a 2004 SR5 extended cab with the 4 spd., 4 cyl., 4WD. and a matching cap. Bought it with 142k miles and a spiffy new Toyota replacement frame. I saw the invoice for the frame replacement charges and it was pricey. I immediately took the truck directly from the dealership to my mechanic for Fluid Film application. Now at 227,000 miles, I’m thinking about 4 new tires. I’ve kept up with all the required maintenance and it just keeps going and going. Very dependable and comfortable for a small truck
A few years ago I bought an 04 out of a local scrap yard. Well because it’s a Toyota. Frame was toast. I have a newer X runner that sits in the garage and is more or less a show/race truck. At the time Toyota kept sending notices for me to bring the truck in to have the frame checked. I kept throwing them away until a service rep called to explain I was giving up a possible 15 year extended warranty. So I brought the 05 in and they coated the frame.
While there I asked about my 04 that came out of the scrap yard. They asked me to bring in in too. I hauled it in. They looked it over and confirmed that yes it needed a frame. Then asked if I wanted a free rental car. I declined. The Toyota mechanics went over the mechanical condition and found it needed brakes rotors and a steering rack. They if I bought everything they would install for free. Off to Autozone.
Two months later it was completed. I was in no hurry. The frame replacement included brake and fuel lines rear leaf springs. It rides and drives like a new truck. It was a $15,000.
Chevy Dodge and Ford all have frame issues too. Toyota stood up and fixed their problems. Not hide. That is why when you buy one new or used you pay more.
The frame issues not withstanding, early Tacos are going for insane prices. I have owned several 4 runners of the same era. Toyota’s 3.4 5vz is definitely one of the most reliable engines ever built. I bought my daughter a 98 4runner with 220k on it. Several months later I found a thrust washer in the oil pan when changing the oil pan gasket. The car finally died 7 years and 70k miles later.
WOW! That’s got “who cares” written all over it!!