A Subscriber suggested I do a full buyer’s guide/checklist for The Toyota T100, First generation Tacoma(same drivetrain). This also applies to the Tundra and all other Toyota Pickups and 4x4’s.. Although some tips are T100 specific, this is a general “what to look for” tutorial that will work for any quick pre purchase inspection for basically any vehicle. We do a FULL vehicle walkthrough from front to back. This is what you should do when you go to look at a vehicle for sale. Make sure you find any serious issues and problems before you drive it home!
1- Check for RUST!
2- Check for Prior repairs and body work, check all the glass to see if its original, look at the body lines, does the paint all match? Have the airbags ever deployed? Does the vehicle have a clean title? does the seller have the title? do all the doors open and close correctly?
3- Visually inspect the engine/transmission. Climb under the vehicle, is it wet from any leaks? is it actively leaking any fluids? Lift the hood and check the oil for condition and level. Quickly inspect the fluid levels of the clutch master cylinder, brake fluid reservoir, and power steering. Make sure the vehicle is cool, and then open the radiator cap and check for fluid condition and level. This is a good time to ask about prior maintenance and ask for any records if the seller has them. Its important to mention that the 5VZ-FE V6 found in the Toyota T100(1995-1998), TACOMA (1995-2004) AND THE TUNDRA (2000-2004) all require a Timing Belt replacement every 90K Miles OR 10 YEARS.
4- SMOG!! If your from a state that requires a smog certificate, make sure the vehicle has passed a smog check in the last 90 days before you purchase. If you choose to buy a vehicle and then deal with the smog check on your own, good luck to you. Let me know how it works out!
5- TEST DRIVE! Take the vehicle for a drive, how does it accelerate? how does it brake? Is the steering responsive? Keep an eye on the temperature gauge, you want the vehicle to come up to normal operating temperature, but not overheat. Run the A/C for a few minutes to confirm its cold, then check the heater. How is the alignment?, does it drive straight? does it pull to one side during braking? Listen for clunks, feel for odd vibrations, try to notice any areas of concern.
* Every car purchasing experience will be different, some sellers are friendly and welcoming and others are abrasive and rushed. Try and take your time and go over as many spots as you can to locate any potential areas of concern.
* I realized after I made the video that it is Extremely important to make sure the four wheel drive is optional on equipped vehicles. As you may or may not have noticed the 4 wheel drive shifter on our 1997 T100 sits an inch below the boot because it was never extended after the 3 inch body lift was installed(this is not my doing), but it is still fully operational. The 4 wheel drive systems on these older Toyota's are known to be very reliable. But always just shift the truck into 4 wheel drive and (you might have to drive forward a few feet) the 4WD indicator should illuminate in the gauge cluster (solid, not blinking).
Any questions or comments, leave them down below! what did i forget to mention?
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