1995 Tacoma, 4WD 2.7L Manual - What to do??

Hi everyone!

I currently have a 1995 Tacoma with a bad engine and am not sure what to do. My ego doesn't want to scrap it but my wallet isn't where it needs to be to get it running again at the moment.

I bought this truck back in June with my sister, who has been the primary driver of the truck. The truck was purchased with 216k mi and since then she's added some 6k mi and had minimal issue with it until she let someone else borrow the truck. The truck was towed back with a loud knock and an unreliable story of what went down, how far it was driven with the knock, etc.

So now comes the question, what do I do? I have a valid smog still and could sell it AS IS as a project car, but have no idea what the value of this truck really is if the engine is taken out of the picture. I don't have space for it but could probably rent a garage to store it until I can get it running again, but am not sure if it's worth the trouble.

Any advice on what to do, how much I could sell this truck for as is, and how much crying I should expect to do in the process is greatly appreciated ! I'm located in SoCal by the way.

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Everything done to the truck was completed by the previous owner and I don't have records. The only additions we've made is swapping the gauge cluster for one with a tach and adding a radio. It came with locking hubs and the 31x10.5 tires. I've tried to include photos of all the rust, leaks, and other problem areas.

 

The truck looks like it’s in really good shape for a 95, bummer about the engine and sketchy friend. I don’t know much about engine rebuilds, so my opinion is gonna be based on you selling it in the current condition.

The number one issue/thing to examine when buying one of these is rust, which your truck essentially has none of. Thank california weather for that one. It might look rusty in some spots, but IMO it’s super minimal and all surface rust.

If you have the time to detail the black paint yourself, take some nice pictures, and sit on it a bit I’d imagine you could get ~4k for it. The 95’s are cool because it’s the first year of tacoma. If it were my truck, I’d rebuild or replace the engine and put another 200k+ on it. Hard to find a vehicle this reliable for 4-6k these days. Just my 2 cents.

 

If i were you i would save it and save up some cash and swap the engine because your truck is rock solid and it is getting harder to find them like that now. im sure if you sell it down the line your going to regret it when your researching for another one to buy and the crazy money people are asking for them. Thats my 2 cents save it

 

Motor swap, plenty for sale in the marketplace here in the forum.

 

Another vote for keeping it and replacing the engine; that truck is a gem. What the hell did they do to grenade the engine, anyway? Would love to know the story they aren't telling...

 

Same here. Even if you put 2-3k into new motor and all little things tell me where will you find a vehicle for that money that is not junk and will run for the next 200k+ miles. If you sell it "as is" you probably will get 3-4k or probably less if you are in hurry. Looking from the pictures that truck is not in "for sale" condition (looks like it did not receive much love for some time). Only someone who knows Tacoma would pay you the real value. And you will have to deal with low ball offers from people who would want to flip it.

 

Save it or sell it. Don't scrap it.

 

Yikes, I was hoping for around 2k at best! Glad I didn't make any rash decisions so far. Thanks for all the advice guys. I'll definitely sit on it for a bit and see how finding storage goes.

Before I post any ads, I was planning to detail it and am also waiting on a new ignition cylinder. I'd bought it with the hole in the bench seat, but didn't care as I assumed I'd switch the seats anyway. Is that a spot I should look to patch up?

 

When I had head gasket issue and I was not sure if I am able to attack it shops quoted me around 2k for the job. And I was getting a offers to take it for 3k as is. I said f-ck it, and with my son's help we replaced that head gasket and basically refreshed the entire top for less than 250 dollars in parts and 2 weeks of work (after my daily work). That was 8 years ago, the truck still runs strong and I do not need any payments to make.