98 with 280k miles... Bad idea?

So Im looking at buying a 98 Tacoma limited edition v6 3.4 for 6000, however it has 280000 miles on it, original motor and transmission. Is it a bad idea to buy with so many miles on it? How long do those motors last? Thanks

 

If taken care of.... 400k - 500k.

 

In short, no.

The caveat is that you need to verify that the maintenance was kept up.

There are many people here with 400+ thousand miles on original trany and motor.

Read here:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-tacoma-buyers-guide.156943/

 

Welcome to TW!


The key thing is frame rust. If it's rust-free or has had the frame replaced, you should be fine.

The engines in first gens will last a lifetime! @BartMaster1234 has got 450K on his 3.4L/5-speed!

 

And he still hasn't lifted the front of his 4x4 either, lol...

@BartMaster1234


The frame rust is a more or less regional thing. If you live in a warm state that doesn't salt the roads in the winter, or live on the cost, your frame is probably fine, but you should still inspect it anyway since you don't always know where the truck came from.

 

I’ve been summoned?

 

I've heard of trucks from Florida rotting out. However, my truck has spent its whole life in Pennsylvania and my frame was fine when inspected as per the recall in October 2017. I only needed the rustproofing respray.

 

And the A/C in the crapmobile blows ice cold too!

 

I've needed exactly nothing.

I even left the rub spots from my tires completely untreated for 6 years, and this is all the rust that appeared in that time.

 

It does. That's what struck me the most. I bought it without an A/C button, and a broken blower motor. I bought a new blower motor from a wrecked 5-lug, and borrowed the A/C button from my PreRunner. Wold you believe it gets colder than my PreRunner?

 

Ok sounds good, thank u guys!
I'll check the frame

 

I would even check compression if you could, just because. Go rent a gauge for free from AutoZone.

 

Depends on how well the vehicle was maintained and what kind of shape it's in.

I wouldn't buy it as a primary vehicle because it lacks modern day safety features, not because of the mileage.

 

All depending on how it was taken care of before you.
Even a high mileage truck like mine at almost 600,000 miles can have a rust free frame.
Check for rust.

 

Folks really pick their daily driver based on safety features? Could be true, if so that would help me understand why tf some vehicles are bought

 

I’m sure Modern safety is something some people look for but that doesn’t make it’s safe,

 

In 2015 I was in a major roll over crash at highway speeds. It was the only time in my life I took my seatbelt off.
I walked away with only a damaged rotator cuff because of the curtain airbags. Everyone else remained unharmed except for bruises and cuts from glass.
I was in a 2012 Subaru Outback.
If I and my family were in my 2002 Ford F250 the results likely could have meant 2 fatalities. Or permanant disability of all 3 of us.
A and B pillars have better strength now and curtain airbags make major differences in side impact collisions and rollovers.

When I bought my Tacoma to replace my Ford curtain airbags were a must (2006 models and higher for the Tacoma).

Even in lower impact crashes more modern day vehicles are designed with crumple zones that protect a lot against injuries to the neck and spine.

Not everyone cares about these things but thats why I do. Plus I’m getting old enough where my vehicles are going to eventually carry children.

 

It’s pretty self-evident if the vehicle is rust-free and well-maintained. If so, expect a life-long relationship if you choose.

I’ve got 330k on my 2001, and still running strong. It’s for sale btw...