Is it worth fixing this rusted out '99 Toyota Tacoma? CAR WIZARD explains
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- Is the end near for this 1999 Toyota Tacoma? It has frame rust, over 260,000 miles on the odometer and it's leaking. The CAR WIZARD 🧙♂️ breaks it down.
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You know David, I can’t speak for the group, but I can definitely speak for me. I’m here because you’re the expert because you’re the professional and because overtime you’ve done something that I’ve never experienced with an automotive professional, you’ve gained my trust. And if I ever get to drive across this beautiful country and something goes wrong, I know who I’m calling. So let the ‘Mary’s’, in the audience say whatever they want to say, nobody’s listening to them.
Mary’s and Karen’s 😂
Well said!
Woah woah, I'm definitely not an expert!!
I was recently at a local Toyota dealership getting my Highlander worked on, I was walking around the dealership and noticed. That all the new Toyota vehicles was marked up by $5,000 dollars I said wow and they still was selling Toyota at those prices.
@@patrickboyd3364 It's simple economics. If folks are tired of the high prices, stop buying new vehicles.
$1500 in repairs is not bad compared to a $600/month payment on a new truck.
@@ck6553why spend that one life under car repayments?
@I wish my pull out game was as strong as Khabib's You like what you like.
@I wish my pull out game was as strong as Khabib's 600/mo for for a new truck is an 84 month finance, and most buyers roll the negative equity into another vehicle before 9 years, compounding debt and trapping them in a "new safe" financial coffin. The most effective safety equipment is between your ears.
You only have one life. Why tie up a significant amount of your finances in a severely depreciating asset when that same amount of money could allow you to experience much more of what this world has to offer?
I paid 3k for my 98 frontier. Just as reliable as a toyota
@@MrBlaze256 reliable yup! As reliable as a Toyota? Definitely not
Thanks for taking care my Toy, Your crew did a great job and I was pleased with how thorough you are. 😂 I wish I had known it was going to be on TH-cam i would have cleaned it up lol very cool seeing it in the video, the seat is laid down because usually my dog is riding there and he is 95#s he's also the reason for a few scratches in the interior!
Nice truck! I recently bought my first Tacoma. 2010 w/ only 45k miles and I'm 53 so my friends say it's gonna outlast me. What do you use the clip on the dash for?
Thanks for sharing your Tacoma with us. That engine looks like it is in great shape. I wouldn't be surprised if it makes it to + 500k miles.
@@ianobodie2338 That's most probably for his smartphone. If its something else, even I want to know
I have a 99 SR5 TRD. I bought it in '05 with 73,000 MI. I was driving home from work February 20th of this year and a lady in a Tesla T-Boned me. The mileage is a little over 263,000 right now. The TRD with the rear Locker, I had it supercharged. I had to wait over 6 weeks for a collision center to be available to look at it. It will be going in a day or two.
All I've done in almost 200,000 miles and 18 years was the rear leaf springs, shocks, a starter, a door handle, a radiator, a fuel injector and two timing belts.
Tires, brakes.
Oh and an oil change every 5,000 miles.
It's bittersweet I love your truck.
Like I said mine goes away in a day or two to see if they can fix her or not.
I also have a 99 same truck but with the 2.7 4 cyl and a 5 speed manual, currently at 262k miles and counting. Still runs and drives like a top and doesn't burn a single drop of oil, I can literally go 9k miles and the oil is still to the full mark on the dipstick. I've had my frame repaired too in the same spot on both sides with 1/4" plate steel, as I live in northern Michigan but the truck is from Colorado. I love my truck and I'll never sell it, it was my first vehicle and I'm the second and final owner and I'll be driving it till the day I die or it crumbles into pieces.
I'm still driving the base model 1993 Toyota pickup I bought new. Over 300,000 miles so far. No rust except for the original chrome bumper that I replaced. Uses no oil, original clutch, alternator, starter, and rear brakes. Solid little truck.
Uses no oil ?? You don't put oil in your engine ?
@Vintage Triple X think he means it doesn't burn any
Oh! Thanks
Yea, oil is for the weaker brands, as long as you spit inside the oil cap its ready to go for a few more years 😂
@@isaacdelavega9487 oh okay.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks a 1999 vehicle is not old. I've seen people say a 2013 vehicle is old! That's barely old. I drive a 97 Lexus with 117K miles, no rust and nothing but normal maintenance done to it. I guess if you neglect your vehicles then of course a 2013 or late model car will be "old" to you.
If it had no rust and was in original condition you could put collector plates on it next year here in Canada!
I live in the Northeast, and that rear bumper is not rusty and bad, its got another 10 years of life still in it 😁
Lol I'm in Canada, and that's every truck after 5-10 years.
@@jordanmercier3616 *_Eastern_* Canada. aka Salt land. Not like this in Saskatchewan / Alberta.
Yeah he has no clue what "rusted" means. That thing is brand new.
@@buddyrevell6369 Needs to see the rust of vehicles from Toronto, Montreal, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse !!
@@LakeNipissing yup. I am in the northeast. He's crazy.
A friend had a 1989 pickup Toyota. Around 2005 he put a lot of money on it because it was very rusted. We told him that he could use that money as a good down payment for a new truck and he told us. By the time your have to throw away your plastic truck my Tacoma will be still kicking fine. Well he was correct.
Back in 2005 trucks were still good honest vehicles w/o much crap to go wrong.
@@engineer_alv Tacomas from 2005 were infamous for rust rot and blown head gaskets at around $100k miles. This Tacoma managed to beat the odds because 1st gens had such severe frame rot issues that Toyota feared that the US government was going to force the company to issue a safety recall. When they announced the 2nd gen Tacoma, there were a ton of internet claims that the frame rot problem was "fixed" but that proved to be a lie.
The thing I hate about old Toyota truck is that when they have a gorgeous no rust body the frame is always rotted out, and the ones that are all rotted always have the good frames
Yup. Had a great running Yota, came out after an ice storm to find that the cab was resting against the bed. Only noticed when I couldn't open the tool box. Had they not done that, it probably would have split in half. So, like Toyota, but not going to get one of their trucks. That bad experience ruined them for me. Especially when none of our older trucks had that issue despite the same neglect and abuse. Heh, should have put the Toyota drive train in the other truck.
i had a 97 limited 4runner with a clean body shit frame. got a 99 sr5 with 300k miles rotted to hell body beautiful frame.
Solution is to move out of a salt belt state.
@@xpvrrish that makes absolutley No Sense!?!??
@@Jeff-sp7bg solution IS to wash that nasty crud and crap off routinely...
I have a 2004 4runner (V8 and proud!) which previous owners definitely used and maybe even abused. 206K miles. This vehicle is dead reliable. By far the most reliable car I ever had. Now, I do maintain it religiously. Very impressive machine.
2003 V8 AWD. 240,000. Runs good as new and tows 3 jet ski trailer over a 6,000' pass from sea level into 110 degree heat like a BOSS!
That V8 will last forever
Back in January I purchased a 2008 Toyota Highlander 4WD with 138,800 miles it was a loaner vehicle at a local Hyundia dealership for 15 years, well maintained for all those years, before that I aways owned Acura TLs for over 20 years back in the 90s.i brought a 1989 Toyota Camery LE and a Toyota 4 Runner, now in 2023 aim back in another Toyota, my plan was to drive it and trade or sell it and get another Acura, but the more I drive it the more I love it, parts are cheap at auto parts store or on Ebay looks like i will keep this Highlander for a while.
@666KTY why are you yelling at me ?
@666KTY A non interference engine is great if the timing belt snaps, no damage will be done as in an interference engine.
I bought a 97 4Runner with 260,000 miles based on you channel. Drives like new.
You’re 100% correct Wizard, my 2001 Oldsmobile Bravada was a nice suv, but at 200k it was about at the end of the road. My 2000 4runner has 318k right now and o wouldn’t hesitate to drive it cross country right now. Oh and BTW I had a 2006 BMX X5 with a V8 and it was the worst car I’ve ever owned!
So what I know a guy had a ford ranger with over 400k miles he said he changed the oil twice a year no matter the miles
Yeah man, but that’s a Ford Ranger! When I was growing up, my neighbor had an f150 with over 400k on the old clock! But you know these aren’t the norm, yes it’s possible to get high miles out of domestic stuff here and there, but with Toyota it’s the norm rather than the exception.
That's why I replaced my 2007 Lincoln Town Car which had 464,000 miles on it and still running strong with a 2017 Toyota Camry LE with the 2.5.
I have not one but two Toyotas and I'm single! I have a 2009 Toyota Highlander and a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser. I keep them maintained - both have over 100,000 miles on them! Keep up the Toyota talk! People are sometimes brand loyal but they don't do the math as to how long their brand lasts!
I work in the automotive business, I see firsthand how all of these vehicles age, and you're absolutely right - Toyotas are top tier for longevity and reliability. Hondas are mostly very good, GM and Ford each has some good stuff and some bad stuff, Chrysler is mostly bad, Kia/Hyundai is mostly bad, Nissan CVT's absolutely suck, Subarus aren't very good, and anything European is destined to be a money pit.
Agreed
I have a 96 Toyota 4runner with 300k miles and still runs like a top. And I still take it 4 wheeling a couple of time a year with no problems. I WAS a die hard Chevy man until I got a Toyota.
I've been a Ford guy all my life. My 07 Crown Vic has 205,000 miles on it still going strong. I have a 75 F-250 with 193,000 miles on it and it runs great. After reading all the articles and watching all the videos, I realize that Ford has gone to Hell. I've never been so disappointed. Thank you Car Wizard for the straight skinny on all of this. Keep it up.
yep, my crown victoria was the last ford I owned. It was excellent. Everything after 2010 is a POS
Yeah they went downhill but so did GM and Ram! They were decent in the late 90’s early 2000’s. Don’t know what happened.
@@jaymoar3561 Greed happened...or more accurately "Short-Term Thinking" happened. Used to be that auto execs expected to be with a company more than a couple of years. Now management/accounting types want to boost the Short-Term price of the companies stock - as part of their compensation is paid out in stock shares.
So cut a few corners here, use some cheap outsourced parts there...boosts the profits and thus price of the stock in the Short-Term. They don't expect to still be with the company years later when all those Short-Term cost cutting measures result in unreliable vehicles.
I have 321k on my 97 tbird 4.6l and valve covers have never been off. I have an '04 excursion 5.4l with 212k . Treat these older vehicles well and they will last. Upholstery is another story.
They got cheap after they got bailed out. Like that handout wasn't enough
Who says you are pushing Toyota’s too much? That’s ridiculous, this guy is saying facts! And all the other channels like Scotty Kilmer, Car care nut, South Main Auto etc all say the same thing! And they all own Toyotas for their daily!
I have a 02 Tacoma with 276K. Did the valve covers a year ago. Not too bad for a DIYer but took about 5 hours. My rule of thumb for every 1k in repairs I want 10k more in miles. I wouldn’t hesitate to drop a new motor in. When I bought it new I never thought it might be last vehicle.
@@RobertD-y42 I still have the original rear brakes. Have you done the timing belt. By miles you're not even due, but by age???
Those wheels are from the newer tacomas. I love these trucks, I drive an 07 my grandpa gave me when I turned 18 and lately I’ve been doing a lot of work on my sales guy’s 97 4Runner. They’re so dirt simple and reliable.
I see a lot of gen 1 Tacomas running 3rd gen wheels nowadays.
1995 toyota with over 400,000 on the orginal 2.7l, just spent 1250 no new clutch kit, flywheel and rear main seal, totally worth it
Amazing 😱
Thank you Wizard for the great content, I for one will say keep on pushing the Toyota praise because it is reality. A lot of folks don't like reality and would rather go on believing that their poor purchasing habits are justifiable. I have a 2008 Yaris and it has been the most reliable, dependable, and useful car I have ever owned. With a properly maintained 134,000 Kilometers on the clock this little car will go for another 15 years without fail. I also love getting such great gas mileage during these turbulent times. Cheers, from Manitoba, Canada.
The Toyota Yaris is actually built by Mazda for Toyota .
@@youtuber5709 Uh, nope. 2008 Toyota Yaris RS Hatchback built in Japan for export to Canada. The only Mazda built Yaris is the model year after the GR Yaris was introduced to the EU market. 2015-2020 Models for US/Can. were restyled a Mazda 2. All other models and export versions were Toyota built in Japan or France.
@@robertsomerville320 So i was partially correct there are some Yaris built by Mazda .
I recently trade in my 2001 Toyota Camry with 262,000 miles plus and bought a barely used 2021 Toyota Highlander that intend to use for 21 years as I did with my Camry, you are absolutely 100 % correct in pushing on Toyota 👍🏼👏🏼
Chevy,dodge,ford fanbois are mad because someone is making more honest stronger cars
@@tinleo333 basicaly
Yep I agree.My 2005 toyota camry 3.0 v6 has 282,000 kilometres on the odometer and drives and runs better than most new cars do.After owning all the major branded vehicles over the last 35 years I will not own anything but a toyota.
@@tinleo333 ford ranger 2.3 is better than any of those toyotas
@@MrBlaze256 Thats your opinion maybe not the reality
We recently had a '98 Land Cruiser that came into the dealership where I work that had been sitting for years with over 370k on it. At the time when the car came in it had no brakes, the brake pedal went to the floor, and the emergency brake cables were shot so when you pulled it up to stop the car it would just drop down on it's own. At the end the bill was over $8k to get it back up and running again and the customer was happy to pay it and have us work on it. Yes I agree it's absolutely worth it. We've had a few other classic Toyotas that were also in this condition that we got back up and running again and the customers were also happy to pay us upwards of $8k to fix them!
I strongly feel that for an old car, as long as interior or exterior are good condition, why not fix the mechanical issues even if it costs more than the Kelly Blue Book value? But some people want to drop their old car immediately if the repair is too much to get a new one. Well a new one will be a lot safer.
It only cost 8k because they were dumb enough to have a dealership work on it
@@silenthillfarms not necessarily! there were a lot of things that needed attention on that truck! We had to replace the brake hoses, the fuel system, extermination of critters that had been living inside the HVAC, and much more. Yes I'm sure that there are some places that could've done it for less, but even the Wizard will agree that is a pretty conservative amount these days. He's even resurrected some cars that were nearly twice that amount to get running again.
@@mds2465 I don't think that's too ridiculous with everything you've listed. Is it expensive? absolutely. But the devil you know is better than the devil you don't, and I'd gladly pay $8,000 for good work to fix what you know has been reliable, rather than watch that $8000 instantaneously disappear as I roll out of the dealership in a $90,000 2023 Lexus LX.
@@hydrothermalworm7778 yeah sad to say but that does seem to be the pattern these days with newer cars. I know Andy the tech who worked on that truck is an excellent mechanic and he definitely made sure that it would be good for many more years to come, and after driving it myself after all was done I would have to say so as well!
I love my Toyota tundra 2013 had her since brand new and no problems 125k on the clock no problems i do baby it
MY daily! i drive my 98 Taco daily and its lifted on big tires. been 5 years and she still drives so good! Best vehicle i ever had!
There was a factory recall on those truck frames rusting prematurely for some (production) period in the early or mid nineties. I couldn't tell you what year the cutoff was but a friend got a notice in the mail after he bought an abandoned '97 Tacoma from a tow company. That truck didn't happen to have any significant rust on the frame so he didn't worry about it.
It had a 4-cyl auto with 150 ish thousand miles on it and the engine was clean as a whistle internally. He got a good deal on it because some kids had jumped on the roof and dented it in plus dented some of the body panels. We were at the tow yard sniffing for something to buy and I pulled the dipstick out and saw how clean the engine was. I knew it was a diamond in the rough.
Owned 2 that were bought back by Toyota. 95 and 96. They paid 150% KBB retail. People were scouring boneyards for em to buy and sell. In the end they cut off buybacks and replaced the frames because it was cheaper
Picked up an 06 4runner V6 Sport with 160k miles about 3 yrs ago for 8k as a second vehicle. Best decision I've made in a while. My dad bought an 87 Land Cruiser off the show room floor. We all loved that truck and he had it forever....So I know about Toyota reliability.
I have a 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser with 220k miles on it, recently (1 week ago) just paid $2,900 to get the timing belt replaced and a new AC compressor (it still worked but was noisy). It hurt having to pay almost 3 grand but I always remember that I could be paying 1k a month for a new truck lol
Love that you show the mileage of every vehicle!
I’m with you wizard on pushing Toyota vehicles. Although not perfect they are superior to the competition. I’ve had multiple’s of American cars that have been nothing but total nightmares, even when new from the factory. Two brand new vehicles I had to file lemon lawsuits forcing the manufacturer to purchase them back from me. I’m done giving American automakers second, third, forth or fifth chances. My last one a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel cost me 10k in rental car costs not covered under warranty. Due to being in the shop for months at a time on multiple occasions, 28 times it was in the shop in 2 years of ownership. I’ve owned 4 Toyota’s in my life and only one ever needed service for a recall done during a maintenance visit. Keep pushing Toyota as it may one day force American car manufacturers to step up their quality.
I hope the American car brands will get their crap together. They can build decent cars every once in a while. But honestly probably not anytime soon.
An ecodiesel grand cherokee isnt even american tho. Its literally a fiat engine with a german transmission
Sounds like the 1975 VW Rabbit I had. In 25 months it was in the garage 25 times - 8 times for regular service and 17 times for warranty work. there were 46 issues total, and when the master cylinder let me down at a red light I bought the core value from the dealer and sent it to Ottawa for examination. A few months later the Canadian government issued a recall on the master cylinders. I think it was built on a Monday after New Year's Eve. The VW local Head Office even recommended that I switch dealers for better service.
@@slyfox4564 It wasn’t just the engine that was problematic, the infotainment system was replaced twice, the emission controls including DEF system once, HVAC system broke twice having the whole dashboard removed. VM Motori made the ecodiesel for Chrysler it’s owner, never had any issues with ZF transmission. Doesn’t really matter who built what with regards to this vehicle, Fiat Chrysler at the time chose their suppliers and ultimately built the vehicle. There not one automaker in the world where the manufacturer makes all the parts.
Definitely worth fixing this durable truck , they're going for 12k with 200k miles on them in my area , upstate new york
And that's why they last so long. Because they bringing the money they get fixed. And poor rangers get junked
I have a 1996 4Runner with this motor, same paint color. It's at 346k miles currently, still going very strong. Mine seems to be in a lot better condition than this one despite the higher miles.
NiCE! do you live the salt life?
I've an Hilux from 97, even been used and abused and with some rust issues, it incredibly don't leak a drip of oil. Some rust spots to watch out are the frame section near the fuel tank, since it collects mud and debris. And the cabin section near the front doors, since the cowl drains to there.
You’re not pushing toyota you’re pushing quality some people just don’t understand what quality is
I've owned four Toyotas and one Honda. Can't disagree with the Car Wizard! Thanks for another great video.
"I guess there's other channels out there" - Wizard is a savage. Love my first genTacoma!
I have a 97 Toyota T100 with the same engine as that Tacoma. I changed all six plugs on it without having to remove the intake plenum. On the drivers side of the engine there is a couple of things attached to the plenum that have to be unbolted and moved out of the way, to make it easier to get to those plugs.
yeah, I definitely didn’t have to remove the plenum to change the spark plugs on my ‘00 taco also with the 5VZ
I’ve got a ‘05 taco 221k, 4.0 1GR auto. Love this truck, best vehicle I ever owned! Runs perfect burns no oil. I’m with you on Toyotas, especially the old ones. Can’t say I’m a fan of the new Tacoma. No back doors in access cab model anymore. And turbo 4 only engine choice until the ‘hybrid’ version in the spring of ‘24…
Pure overpriced yuppie mobile, with an infotainment screen big enough to disrupt your view of the road… Really Toyota?!?
I be sure hope my beloved ‘05 lasts until I can’t drive anymore!!!
Considering what even used trucks cost? Absolutely worth it. That repair wouldn't even cover the cost of a down payment! You save TONS with a paid off vehicle keeping it running.
I have a 15 year old Ridgeline at 293k it's cheaper to keep it going and fix the issues when they do come up
It’s amazing that a lot of people do not understand the wisdom in your statement, Mr Tilbin
I just bought a 1997 toyota vx grande, wagon, same engine, 1 elderly gent owner for 24 years with bill of sale in same name, always garaged, always main dealer serviced, zero body dints, near perfect paint 216 k kms. 30% under market value. Amazingly, he refused to sell it to me without a main dealer service!
$2k aud bill he paid. Valve cover gaskets done, full service, handbrake cable all replaced before he sold it to me.never offroaded, Its a keeper
100% correct in fixing this 24 year old truck and beyond the $1500 @ your shop - on to the frame shop and getting that touched up/repaired also! Just go price anything new today or even newer/used as it is all factoring in to helping to cost justify repairs such as this.
The vehicle manufacturers as well as car dealers and all of their markups i.e. "market adjustment add-ons to the windows sticker as an example" plus all the non-needed/non-functional useless electronic "chip" garbage on newer stuff - would much rather deal with older stuff any day! They are all pricing themselves out of the market and then jump to fully electric cars, trucks, SUVs - nope!
The Wizard is a very wise man. Who would be mad that Toyota is the best car company? Anyone who has owned Fords, GMC/Chevy and Toyotas knows that Toyota is the best made vehicle period. My current 2016 Tundra has had almost 8 years of trouble free ownership. Oil changes, tires and brakes is all it needs. NOTHING has broken or failed and the truck has never had ANY issues. What more could you want? How bout my clean truck is worth more NOW than when I bought it years ago. Amazing value.
Our family has been buying Toyotas for 40 years. Never let us down.
Mr. Wizard and Mrs Wizard your advice and expertise is solid GOLD! I have been listening to you for a long time and your the reason I chose to buy a 2021 Toyota Tundra after I dumped
my 2019 Ford Raptor with 11,000 miles and cam phaser issues. I love the Tundra because I know its not going to leave me stranded. I bought my wife a 2021 Lexus RX 350 and she loves it.
We are in are fifty's and done with cars and trucks that are riddled with issues and trips to the dealer. God bless and keep speaking truth to power.
I have a 2000 4Runner, it’s been a daily driver in my family since new and now it’s mine. 235,000 miles on the clock and it runs better than my dad’s 2012 Silverado with 55,000 miles on it. He’s had more repairs in the last 12 years on that than the 4Runner has needed over its whole life. You just can’t beat the Yota
I drive a ‘03 Sequoia with 250,000 miles outside of normal maintenance, wear and tear it’s never let me down or cost me any unexpected money.
I plan to drive it till the wheels fall off.
You are correct on the Toyota thing. Did you see the Tundra's that went 1,000,000 miles on the original powertrain? The Toyota engineers were so willing to learn and improve they bought the truck back and sent it to Japan to learn how they could improve on their past builds.
As a Toyota guy, I love hearing you sing the Toyota song.
My 2006 Avalon is the best highway cruiser! It has 200,000 miles and looks and drives great. I got a great deal on it as it had a broken front spring and a leaky exhaust flex pipe which made it sound horrible. The dealer I got it from was mostly off lease cars so this was too old to bother with. I put quick struts all around, with new lower control arms / ball joints and had an exhaust place fix the pipe. A GTA audio kit gave me bluetooth, other then that, tires and brakes and it just goes! I had actually planned to flip it... but my wife and I love it so it stayed.
My uncle had a Yaris that he bought brand new in the mid 2000's. Had nearly 275k miles on it. Virtually no repairs. The a/c still was ice cold. But was totaled be a deer. Probably still be running if that hadn't happened.
We bought a '98 4 Runner 4WD used CPO, in 2000 with 44K on the clock. 23 years later we STILL have this wonderful vehicle, with 352K miles on the odometer....original engine and transmission...ZERO problems with this masterpiece of Toyota reliability. It's never needed a charge on its ice-cold A/C. All power options continue to work flawlessly. We did some front-end work, but that's it. Love Toyota!! Best automaker on the planet. This car has criss-crossed the country numerous times. We keep it showroom...because it's worth it.
Appreciate the Wizard giving praise to Honda cars being on par with Toyota. Highly reliable cars though I always preferred the "sportier"performance and driving experience of a Honda. Sadly being from the North no car body is safe from the salt/brine rusting out the frame before it's time.
I have a 99 prerunner in perfect condition. Good thing I live in the south. I converted mine to 4x4, and it was super easy. Everything looks like it came from the factory installed that way. Just did timing belts, water pump, etc. I used all OEM parts. It’s been the perfect truck. Other than a radiator blowing out recently that’s all that’s happened in a real long time.
Did you have to cut a hole for the shifter?
@@blapblapism no because I got the whole shifter and console out of a 4x4 truck. When you pull up the console you’ll see the stamping where Toyota intends you to cut it away, but buying it that way was easier and just as cheap. Also I bought the harness to make the 4x4 light work properly. Don’t remember where I got the harness, but you can google it and they pop up. Not very expensive.
I’ll bet hoovies green Chevy in the background will easily last 300k. I’ve seen LOTS of them and have one myself. I other than oil changes, I’ve only replaced the intake manifold gasket and one brake cylinder. But that dang Toyota 2.4L in my driveway with the ring problem causing oil consumption is costing more in oil than my Chevy has cost total. But…. The thing is damn reliable though!
I needed similar work done on my 01 highlander but included knock sensors and I requested plugs “while their in there”. They quoted me over $3k!!!!! I grabbed my keys ordered $300 worth of gaskets, plugs, sensors, etc… and did it myself. It was definitely a PITA but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. I know shops are just trying to make a living and labor is high etc but damn that was too rich for my blood. Love the vids wizard and I agree on the Toyota sentiment 💯
Old Volvos is pretty good milage warriors as well. Closing in on 340.000 miles on my s60.
I have a '98 Tacoma 4wd with the 4 cylinders, it has 349000 miles. Recently I used Amsoil engine flush before the oil change and the idle it's better than before. I changed the clutch at 270.000 and that solved the problem with the first gear that was not engaging well. I suggest to use all the original parts or Denso or Aisin brands. Ciao
I have a 2000 4runner that will be 24 this year. Has over 220 000 miles
I like it and do my best to make it stay nice. But the paint is really starting to go. The clear coat is fine but it has black spots all over it that you have to look at. As the owner it just feels so obvious. I want it to last. But also can't wait for something newer. I would love to get it repainted but don't think it's worth it and it would be hard to find a good paint shop.
I'm new to the Toyota bandwagon. I recently bought a 2011 Toyota Tundra with the 5.7. Bought it with 140k miles and paid a lot for it. But, I know that I will get another 200k out of it. It's gone 10k now and feels new honestly. Only repair so far has been a bad PCV valve. That was a 26 dollar repair. I love it. Definitely a Toyota guy from now on.
Ive repaired a LOT of these with the readily available safe-t-cap components and some plate.
I have a 2021 Toyota Tundra, and I love it. When I'm driving to work, there aren't too many trucks out there that feel like I'm sitting in my living room recliner while in traffic!
445K on my daily driver 95 Tacoma. Starts and runs every. single. day.
That's Right Wizard this is your channel and you are the expert and Toyota is still #1 when it comes to longevity and build quality. I am so glad you are hammering home this point and refusing to fold to GM and Ford trolls!! Own two Toyota's one (Prius Gen 2 2007) with 300,000 miles and 16 years old. Had zeroooooooo problems with it!!! Two ( Highlander Hybrid 2018) Bullitt proof. You and Mrs Wizard keeping doing what you do. Thank you for your invaluable content.
My brother in law has a 06 Tacoma that he bought new. It's in excellent condition with 93k miles on it. Recently he was offered what he paid for it!!! He didn't take it!!! 👍🙂
Car Wizard, I’m fairly new to the Toyota brand as I had purchased a 2000 Camry for my son a few years ago and we just recently acquired a 2005 Camry from my father-in-law. I totally agree with you on their reliability. My last car was a 2007 VW Passat and I have to say it was the worst car I owned. From constant oil leaks to check engine codes and warning lights. Keep up the excellent videos. I really enjoy your channel.
I have a 97, I bought in 02. It's been my daily, ever since. It has 270k miles. Who knows what will happen, but I expect it to go another 100k. I've seen them for sale with 500k.
With my 2022 Tacoma 2.7 4-cylinder, I drove it home, parked it in the field and sprayed a whole lot of fluid film all over and in everything underneath the truck: filled the boxed section of the frame, rocker panels, ect. I know the new Tacoma/4Runners frames have a coating on the inside of any boxes sections now, but still well worth the very small investment. As long as you can keep these Toyotas clean underneath, then they will last a lifetime…
As the wizard knows if you see a rust hole in a frame the inside is at least twice as bad, that truck is dangerous with the frame where the leaf spring is attached being just about gone
Yeah, I don't know about this one, that frame looked really iffy. If you find a 90's Tacoma where I live, that's pretty much what they all look like, most of them even worse than that.
Hey Car Wizard.
I have my beloved Toyota Corolla 9th Generation (UK version) year 2005 with 106k miles - only had it last seven months and drives like a new car.
No oil burning (driven almost 3k miles), and she shifts beautifully on her manual gearbox.
It's my first Toyota and will likely be their customer forever.
I was very surprised that wizard said it would cost 7,8 grand to get one taco around that year and mileage. Toyota keeps it value. I would be very happy I could sell my 07 Tundra at that age for 7, 8 grand.
2007-10 Tundras are trading hands here in Phx for $15k+. Almost 20 years old at this point. They've definitely kept there value.
Keep right on singing for Toyota. I believe they're worth it. I've got another truck I know you like. My 02 Silverado Z 71 4X4. It currently has 325,000 miles. It's been well maintained and worked pretty hard too. Original 5.3 and original transmission. Over the past few years I've taken care of all the maintenance items, oil leaks, drivetrain seals, etc. Everything works as well as it did when new. That 5.3 is quiet as a church mouse and strong. I wouldn't hesitate to go across country in it.
Operated a small auto repair shop in the early to mid-seventies. Had both a Toyota Hi-Lux and a same year Datsun p.u. in at the same time. Remember taking the opportunity to do a semi-deep dive comparo. Night and day difference, absolutely no contest. Toyota was FAR superior everywhere I looked. Where Toy would have over-built, beefy components meant to last decades, Datsun (Nissan) would skimp, dooming their parts to an early death. Even just shutting the doors was dramatically different. Have owned a number of cool cars of various marques along the way, but my daily trucks and cars have been exclusively Toyota since then. Toyota never enjoyed the cachet of British and European vehicles, so the affluent have always turned their noses up to Toyotas, their loss. Out here on The Left Coast, we don't have much rust to speak of, so Toys regularly go 500K+ easily, still wearing many factory original components.
I have a 2000 Tundra that looks brand new. Drives brand new as well. 460 000 miles. Upgraded the front end and front brakes.
keep pushin the toyotas wizard, as you put it, they are the top, from my 12+ years experience too. 🙏🏻
I've had 3 different Toyota 4x4 pickup trucks and 1mid 80's 4 runner and I can tell you I love those trucks. My biggest gripe with the early to mid 80's Toyota pickups were the fact that on every one of them the frame rotted right at the front of the right rear spring mount by the gas tank. If it hadn't been for that then I'd still be driving my trusty old Toyota. That truck had the 22R (carbureted) motor and it never ever failed to start for me. If it would crank then it would start. I tried patching up the frame a few different times but the rot just kept walking farther past the plates so it got to the point where I just had to scrap it because it was unsafe. And that truck had about 220,000 miles on it too. Great trucks all of them. Now the 4 Runner? The engine gave out at around 210,000 miles. That one had the 22RE (injected) motor in it and I think that was one of the bigger mistakes that Toyota made. The 22R motor to me was bullet proof but every truck I've seen with the 22RE motor (and I've come across 6 so far)all had the same problem with blown head gaskets or blown whatever and they all sucked the water out of the radiator and dumped it all in the crank case. Toyota should have stuck with keeping the 22R motor with the carburetor. Much more reliable in my opinion. That all being said? If I found the right Toyota truck for the right price then I'd jump on it in an instant!
Yep I had an 82 longbox with the 22R bulletproof motor. Frame rotted right in front of rear axle spring shackles and floorpan caved under drivers seat. Sold the motor to someone who wanted it and junked the truck at 260,000
@@Cherokeelion I don't know if Toyota fixed that issue with their trucks. I've not purchased a Toyota in a very long time but I still wouldn't hesitate to get another one.
@@brianfalls5038 Im pricing Tacos right now for another one. Haha
@@Cherokeelion good deal
I hava 2002 4runner with 237,000 miles that lives fully half it's life offroad. Still going. I still have lots of maintenance done, like lower ball joints, bushings and inner and outer tie rods but it shows no sign of dying. The only reason to replace it will be when someone in our fam or friends circle needs an inexpensive 4x4, at which point we will get a 5th Gen.
Given the cost of used pickups-even ones 20 years old or more are fetching a premium price-a $1500 repair is more than worth it.
This morning leaving church I spotted a 98 base model 4x4 similar to this in a local car sales lot. I pulled in to see what they were asking for it. Window sticker said 19,995. I have an 01 4x4 trd off road. It's something I couldn't sell. Even if someone offered me that.
We had a customer with that same one. He had the frame replaced under warranty I think in 2009/200k miles. He sold at 330k to someone in New Jersey who of course swapped the odometer to 130k and resold it. Carfax apparently shows it’s still running to this day though. I wonder if the current owner can even tell it has 400k+ on the clock.
What a dirtbag
KEEP PUSHING THE TOYOTA BRAND!!
As many people as possible need to see it.
Please keep up with the Toyota content! Would love to see some 4Runners in the rarity when they break.
I find it amazing when you have someone who is the voice of experience recommending what to buy and people want to argue or try to present their "sample of one" experience. I have had a Camry over 440k and a Previa 200k. My current Highlander has 68k, is paid for, and, at 72, is my last car. Wizard has had numerous videos where someone decided he was wrong and they later regretted it. Get over your prejudices and do yourself and your family a favor, buy a Toyota.
My '97 4runner has close to 300k on it and you cant tell one bit. Besides regular maintenance, and a few minor repairs after purchasing it, ive had zero issues. Its amazing how bulletproof Toyotas are especially if you're good about maintenance.
We are a Toyota family. There are 3 in the driveway. I have a 2021 Tacoma which is my 3rd Toyota truck. I have also owned an FJ-60 wagon (my favorite of all time) and another Tacoma pickup. I came to Nashville Tennessee in my grey Corolla which I believe was a 79 nearly 38 years ago. All that is needed is maintenance and they will serve you well.
1:44 yep, those are from a 3rd gen Tacoma.
I agree that you should keep pushing the Toyota thing. I have an 05 4runner with the 1gr fe about to hit 200k and it still runs perfect. I only major problem was clogged cats
My uncle has a 1994 Camry with over 500,000 miles. The engine & transmission were never touched. It still runs great to this day.
I believe the original headlight bezels were glass. My 96 4Runner has glass bezels
I am a car guy, a hack DIY backyard mechanic. I tell everyone I know to go Toyota. My dad is a lifer Chevrolet guy he gave me the Silverado and bought a Tacoma with 115k and a brand new frame. I am getting a Lexus. I wish the Car Wizard would cover an AWD Lexus. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Wizard for the BEST car repair channel on TH-cam.
I have a 98 3.4 with 370k miles. I'd be surprised if it doesn't make it to 400k and pleasantly pleased when it hits 500k.
Immaculate engine. Wizard and Kilmer are the only channels I watch.
Look up, “the car care nut” He’s another good one.
With the price of new trucks, it is always worth it.
Yup, I have a 96 Tacoma 4x4 and and 99 4Runner supercharged 💪🏻
Toyotas are damn tough. However, I've got a '99 Suburban (OBS) K2500 with 285k on the clock. It's not perfect but it is still running strong. Looks to have had one Transmission rebuild and I just rebuilt the Transfer Case. Frame is flawless, body has zero rust, interior is mint. Engine has plenty of leaks tho but still runs strong. When the engine gives up the ghost I will absolutely put a new engine into the truck. It has held up unexpectedly well.
Those are bulletproof. I made the mistake several years ago buying an ‘05 Expedition over an ‘02 Suburban. One of the worse decisions I ever made.
My 2000 Tacoma Prerunner w/2.7 automatic has 112,500k on it. No doubt, I do all maintenance myself, as much as I can. I have a trusted automotive shop that does anything above my skill level. The truck takes care of itself, really, as long as I do my part.
My 03 has that engine (wit 150k mls) and needs valve cover gaskets, so that's a tough labor bill pill to swallow, but totally worth it :)
364000 on the 05 Silverado. And it was you Wizzerd that helped me along the wY with the correct maitnits on it . Thank you I will continue to follow you . I do love the Toyotas. Just do what you been doing . I'll be hear no dought
You are my favorite you tube Chanel sir .
Keep on pushing the Toyota thing, they are great vehicles.🤠👍🏼🇺🇲
I have the same truck 04 model. absolutely love it
I have 2000 4Runner with a rusted frame. Had a welder cut out all the rust and weld in some thick metal. Not perfect but it works. 206k and counting
I think that is illegal
@@loveydovey4u lol
@@loveydovey4u how so? Also who cares
@@alekwormuth734 Department of motor vehicles
Man I really miss my 2004 Tacoma. Dad bought it new in 2004, cheapest one on the lot, reg cab/2wd/5 speed, had A/C and a cassette player for options I think. Same body style as this one, ran like a brand new truck when I got it with 200k miles in 2016. I spent $1300, maybe $1500 bucks on it replacing all four shocks with new Bilstiens(it now thumped instead of bounced over bumps). New chrome front bumper because the painted factory one was all beat to hell with rock chips/flaking paint. New rear chrome bumper because the old one had been rear ended and was starting to rust(this was the 2nd rear bumper on this truck, dad got rear ended twice at low speed but never hard enough to dent the bed or tailgate). About a month after I put that shiny new chrome bumper somebody slid into my rear in a hard ass rain and put a new dent in my shiny new $300 chrome bumper. Also put on a kind of pricey metal roll up style tonneau cover and treated the bed as one giant trunk cause there is ZERO storage room in that regular cab. I LOVED that little silver truck, ZERO RUST, almost perfect paint, interior looked brand new, ran/drove like a new truck until some asshole speeding in his Dodge Ram lost control on the interstate when it was raining, ran into me, made me spin glancing into the wall at 50mph. Gotta say that little truck kept me safe, I walked away ZERO injuries. Really pissed me off cause I could have drove that truck for another 10 years/100,000 miles without so much as a hiccup in terms of unforseen repairs.
I bet that thing will be great once those few Leaks are fixed sure is a hassle to do simple valve cover gaskets but after its dont that oil burning on exhaust smell will go away shortly , my old V8 Vega ( I used to have in the late 1970s) was horrible for valve cover gasket leaks I dont miss that smell just thinking about it I can almost smell it .
1500 for a few gaskets and a bumper and a few hoses sounds expensive but in reality its actually decent price