Is it really worth fixing this '02 Toyota Tacoma for $4K? CAR WIZARD shares a mechanic's view

Car repairs are seldom cheap, and that includes the repairs needed on this 2004 Toyota Tacoma truck. The CAR WIZARD 🧙‍♂️ shares what it needs and if it really is feasible to spend that amount of money on this truck.
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[@brianwaldo2642]

$4k to keep a Taco on the road is well worth it. I’ve got a 2011 and do not hesitate to give it what it needs. This truck should last a long time and is the fraction of the cost of purchasing a new one.

[@trwsandford]

a Yoda Taco! Delicious! Spicy!

[@242tdryan]

Rust free Taco or any vehicle for that matter is worth putting money into. but rust is an absolute deal breaker.

[@smith6ar]

It is a truck not a good food don't be disrespectful

[@alfredonski]

I still cant believe I scored a 04' Tundra 2Door with Long Bed for just $6k and only has 175k miles. Such a fun project car and work horse too.

[@smith6ar]

@@alfredonski yeah I got one for $6k with only 174000 miles so they're

[@jamesclapp6940]

The cost of the repair is a factor but the real issue is the cost of any replacement vehicle and the financial burden of buying a new vehicle

[@2steaksandwiches665]

This. I’ve been through this with cars in my past. It wasn’t an enviable position but it was what it was

[@jeffjackson9679]

If you have a second vehicle and the vehicle has some sort of sentimental value to you, I guess you can keep throwing money into a 20 year old tuck. But, if it's your primary vehicle to get to work, and you have a decent commute, is it really worth the hassle to call into work due to your vehicle being down, and risk (after doing that over and over again) losing your job?

[@2steaksandwiches665]

@@jeffjackson9679 It’s a Toyota and it would be difficult to replace it for 10 grand.

[@trwsandford]

@@jeffjackson9679 Yes. Perhaps do a better job fixing it, so you don't lose your job.

[@jeffjackson9679]

@@trwsandford Many parts on old vehicles (like an alternator) can just go out without warning, and not everyone is a mechanic and have the tools and know how to do the work. Lost track of the coworkers I've listened to in the past that were "know it alls" and just knew replacing this part or that part on their car would fix what was ailing it, and they got it completely wrong and had to have a real mechanic fix it for them.

[@alanwrobleski]

If it's not rusty, it's worth whatever it takes to keep it on the road.

[@01Bouwhuis]

Whahahaha, my thoughts on y 2004 v70!

[@2steaksandwiches665]

@@01Bouwhuis I’m a Volvo fan boy but I had to give up an old Volvo because it just wasn’t worth it.

[@jimothy138]

if its not rusty and its a cult/desirable car its an appreciating asset

[@AsianNIGMA]

Right, just sold our truck before it started to rust out (before we got it, it spend over a decade in Iowa In heavy salt) the previous owner tried to take care of it but there’s only so much you can do

[@bindingcurve]

Dud, it is rusty. Why do you think they are charging over book

[@mikenormandy9250]

Just on the title alone, the answer is ALWAYS YES. On a Taco, Yes yes yes! ESP if it had the frame recall done and repaired or replayed!

[@meatmissilef111]

The 4cyl is anemic though. It's more worth it if it's got the 3.4 V6.

[@areallytallguy]

@@meatmissilef111 uh no, it’s still always worth it. 99% of people do not care about power.

[@erniecarrasco9107]

What if it was an Arizona Taco an 02 and didn't ever need the frame recall?

[@managersamuel]

Way cheaper than buying another one nowadays

[@MajorCordite]

That is not an option for many people. One owns a truck and usually has a budget. If you spend your last nickel and 6 months later the transmission goes, what next? I have been down that road many times with older trucks. Then there are suspension and climate control issues as well. Sometimes just best to walk away and let someone else adopt the money pit.

[@charlesecheese8499]

Cost/benefit analysis comes into it most certainly. Getting a thorough pre-purchase evaluation done by a good shop (no doubt including Omega) is essential in making that call.

[@saleenmav]

That’s a silly argument because there is literally zero comparison between this truck and a new one. It’s like saying a base model Kia is a helluva deal because a Bugatti is so expensive. Completely unrelated.

[@zzoinks]

​@@saleenmavYou can compare it in the sense that one has a monthly payment and interest and the other doesn't. Unless you borrow for the repair cost, but it's still less of a loan than buying a new truck. So if cost is your primary concern repairing the old truck for less than buying a new truck maybe better idea.

[@zzoinks]

​​​​​​​​@@MajorCorditebut are you saying that somebody should take a car loan out for a new truck if they don't have a lot of money? They might as well borrow the money to fix their current truck because they'd be borrowing less, so the emergency fund remains. They'll pay interest fees but that's no different than a car loan. Just because a car loan is easier to get doesn't mean it's a good idea, especially the extremely high interest loans on overpriced used vehicles (since some loan companies conspire with dealers to raise vehicle prices and therefore loan principals). The loan companies won't stop you from taking out an insane car loan that you can't afford that would mess you up. And unless somebody buys new or certified used with a warranty there's no guarantee the new truck won't have an expensive breakdown even after spending a lot of money to get it. The way I see it, somebody financing a car is guaranteeing themselves huge bill every month just to own the truck and it leaves them without money for repair, gas , maintenance, and insurance. For their current truck they don't get a guaranteed repair bill every month unless it is actually that broken. Perhaps there are going to be more chances to get a multi thousand repair bill once in a while though. I guess it depends on how reliable the truck will be after the repair.

[@bogotstogoskiing]

I have an 03 xtra cab with the 3.4 V6 and 5 speed manual. I've owned it for 17 years and it has been flawless. Suspension became soft at 139k miles (probably just needed new shocks) but I took it as an opportunity to lift the truck. 2.5 inch Old Man Emu and the thing drives like it's on rails. Love it and I'll NEVER get rid of it!

[@tiko4621]

Such amazing trucks. I worked for a quick lube shop for awhile, I saw Toyota pick ups and old tahoes with crazy high mileage all the time. Really formed my love for Toyotas and GMs LS motor.

[@jasonkarov]

i have a 2001 , same as yours, and will keep it forever. Just had timing set, water pump, and fluids changed.. Always oil undercoated. I'd rather have this one than a new one because it's far easier to repair, and ultra-reliable

[@legion1630]

is your truck 4 x4?

[@bogotstogoskiing]

@@legion1630 absolutely. With a factory rear locker.

[@RetroMotiveAdventures]

And this is why I'm lucky to live on the west coast... Even our classics and barn finds are usually rust free.

[@curtisjknight6367]

One of the few things that keep me from leaving California...No rust. Never.

[@rickhunter6513]

Not worth the ridiculous high taxes, high restrictions and crime to live on west coast. No way

[@laurat1129]

Before even watching, I said Yes*. Especially since it already had the rusty frame replaced under warranty(!), everything else is just gravy. It still costs a lot less than a new(er) truck, like you said. Heck, Ford will sell you a bn truck w/surface rust underneath and call it "patina". (ETA: I think *TCCN would agree.)

[@2steaksandwiches665]

I absolutely agree man. I didn’t even watch this video before responding. These things are gold especially in this market.

[@YouDontWannaFightMe]

The Car Care Nut is such a great channel! His videos are very informative and helpful to me as a Parts Specialist at a Toyota dealership. I got lots of customers who love their 1st gen Tacomas and have the money to fix them and keep them looking nice.

[@johnmichaelkarma]

Lived in Detroit for entire life until recently. We would see and be amazed at the level of rust on many car n trucks. Shocking stuff, lower door skins flapping in the breeze, door handles missing because of surrounding area gone from rust,shock towers rusted through, etc etc. Growing up in Michigan there was a predominate thought that cars are only good for 100,000 miles because by the time they reached that many miles the bodies were gone. That has changed over the years because of better metal protection processes but salted roads still eat em up. Because of all that from very early on I would travel south n s/west to buy my 10 yr old vehicles. Never ever had a problem selling my clean 12-16 yr old cars. Don't buy junk n ya won't have to try n sell junk.

[@Sonny_McMacsson]

Leaving salty, wet mud coating the car (like from driving on dirt roads) really accelerates the process compared to winter alone.

[@humanbraininrobotbod]

I grew up in northern Michigan - we were always amazed when a car made it to 100k miles. There were plenty of rusted out hulks in the junkyard with a lot fewer miles than that.

[@johnmichaelkarma]

@@humanbraininrobotbod yes, I noticed in the AutoTrader magazine way back when that the southern issues were loaded with engine rebuild shop ads while in Detroit there would be hardly any

[@johnmichaelkarma]

@@Sonny_McMacsson Yep, particularly the rear wheel wells would accumulate n hold the wet mess so it could do its thing. I spent a lot of time in the quarter car washes.

[@rachelgreen1368]

If you live in rust belt you should use anti rust treatment every few years.

[@jeffzekas]

The question is not, how much will it cost to fix it? But rather, how much would it cost to replace it? Since new trucks are over $60,000, fixing it is the best move

[@anajay78]

100% agree

[@joelcleare]

New Tacomas are $ 60k+ 🤔

[@Barely2JZ]

@@joelclearetry building yourself a fully loaded one on Toyotas website. You’re getting damn near these days.

[@jimharrington7532]

Any Toyota is worth it..Will last forever......Toyota is the best..

[@YouDontWannaFightMe]

I’m a Parts Specialist at a Toyota dealership in the Pacific Northwest and can say that these things are definitely worth fixing if you can get the factory parts for them. I have a lot of customers with Tacomas like these and many of them say they often get people asking to buy theirs off them. Rust isn’t really an issue here, so that makes these trucks even better.

[@markbeeman6894]

Buy a real truck. 06 Silverado for that price.

[@SteelJM1]

@@markbeeman6894 lol junk

[@MrMCDiggles]

Would you say the same for the 2012 Corolla. I bought one a year ago with around 100k miles. No major damage or issues.

[@tylergronk-wd9dx]

​@@markbeeman6894 Sell that pos and get a gen 1 tundra

[@tylergronk-wd9dx]

​@@markbeeman6894silversdos are junk, and shitty offroad stock too. My gen 1 tundra is better than ur chevy in every way shape and form

[@vonJaerschky]

That's a sweet Taco! I'd put the money into fixing that up for sure, especially with the new frame.

[@chrismiller1818]

You will start seeing more of this with the cost of new vehicles skyrocketing

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

Or not since we are going into a steep economic downturn as predicted by the markets which are leading indicators of trouble ahead. Vehicles are getting repoed like crazy right now.

[@janet53589]

To anyone with rust issues, don't forget to make sure you chemically treat the rust, then use rust inhibitor paint. It really works. Get to it in time!

[@geraldscott4302]

If the body and frame are solid, it's worth a lot more than $4K to fix. it's worth a new engine, a new transmission, whatever it takes to keep it going. It is so much better than a new one for $60K+. And being a 2 door standard cab short bed it will hold its value much better than some 4 door taxicab truck. I have a 1993 Chevy S-10 that I bought new. Just over $10K new. I have over $35K into it, not counting labor, which I did. I built the engine, I bought the custom transmission and rear end. It is a 2 door standard cab short bed 2 wheel drive 5 speed manual transmission. Last year of the square body S-10s. It has been extensively modified. Carbureted small block V8, built transmission with Hurst T handle shifter and posi rear end, rear discs, The entire steering, suspension, and brake systems have been completely replaced and upgraded, new exhaust, tires, wheels, bumpers, grille, cowl hood, new interior, still has ORIGINAL paint, and only 71,000 actual miles. It has never been used for a truck, or even as transportation. 95% of the mileage is highway. It was and is used only as a toy. It has been garaged since new. It was a 30 year long project, and I still tinker with it. It is an AZ truck, not a speck of rust.

[@cesariojpn]

Fix up the Tacoma, sell it in Hawaii for $$$ since the Tacoma is the defacto Official Sate car of Hawaii.

[@Slim1962]

I was just wondering if the Tacoma was a manual transmission and how many miles were on the truck. I love your show wizard and keep posting more videos when you get a chance. Thanks.

[@laveritesurlestemoinsdejeh8522]

At 8:08 you see it's a manual tranny, no oil pan and a drain plug.

[@jonlong1670]

It’s a 5 speed manual with 190,000 miles on it

[@oambrosia]

@@laveritesurlestemoinsdejeh8522 you can also see the clutch master cylinder when Mrs. Wizard is panning up top.

[@timroyall6513]

Wizard always has something free to give away. Like good advice!

[@cameronwood1994]

That's pretty good for a 2002 vehicle. Here in Scotland, from my experience, you'd expect to encounter serious structural rust at just 10 years old. The climate is ripe for rust, being damp and about 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F) for all but a handful of days, especially as the roads are salted for about six months of the year. Certainly, there's plenty of 5 year old Ford's and Volkswagen's with rusty wheel arches well on their way to the scrapyard!

[@swamp-yankee]

In Massachusetts the average lifespan of a vehicle from manufacturing is 13 years, but my 02 Tacoma is as solid as the day it rolled off the assembly line. It missed the recall and I bought it with a bad clutch and bad frame, and we put new rails from just under the cab, new springs from a 3/4 ton gm truck my neighbor had laying around, and a clutch. Now I’ve got the frame solid well oiled, and I’m going to see how long I can make it last. I’m sure I’ll get at least a decade of work out of it.

[@cameronwood1994]

@@swamp-yankee It's about the same on average across the whole of the UK, but in Scotland which has notably harsher conditions, it's about 10 years.

[@hughgolo8660]

Yup, rust was the usual reason for most of my bangers ending up in the scrappys.

[@swamp-yankee]

@@cameronwood1994 do y’all do undercoating? I just welded up a 40 year old Toyota 4x4 that lived it’s whole life in northern Vermont on dirt roads (worse conditions then here), and the only rot was around the spare tire crossmember where the salt built up and they failed to get the oil, and on the passenger side floor where the windshield leaked while it sat in a field for about a decade. Undercoating definitely saved that rig.

[@cameronwood1994]

@@swamp-yankee I'd imagine most people probably don't even think about it, but then again people always want new cars here. There's a few reasons for this which are unique to the UK. Firstly, our registration plates change on six monthly intervals every March and September, so unless you have a private plate everyone knows how old a vehicle is and where it was first registered by the first four characters of the plate. It's also attached to the vehicle, not the owner, and stays with the vehicle for life. We've just moved onto 72-plates. Next March well go 23-plates. Secondly, warranties typically only last three years, although some are longer. This, coupled with lease deals which are everywhere, means that people often have new cars every two or three years. This means that the market is flooded with cheap, used cars which means that the second owner probably pays just 40% of list price for a three year old car. They've often financed this also. Thirdly, car crime is very high here, with around one-in-four cars having a hidden past, be it stolen, used in crime, a write-off or having outstanding finance. A large proportion of cars, even with a clean history, get exported to East Africa, because cars are a lot more expensive there, and they're also right-hand drive countries. Finally, most shops that do undercoating are complete cowboys and what you can't see they won't bother with. I can vouch for that first hand. Basically, unless you do it yourself you're wasting your time!

[@ThePhamtographer]

I picked my '04 Xtra Cab with the 2.4 in February, and it already had 309,XXX miles on it for $6,000. I had to do a lot of maintenance items to it since it was slightly neglected but I didn't hesitate to drive it around between having time to actually work on it. I'm keeping it as long as I can. Californian here, so rust is a non issue. These trucks are great if kept up properly. The HUGE achilles heel on all these Toyota trucks of this era are BALL JOINTS. If buying one used, just replace them for peace of mind. Mine blew out while I was driving and it was an experience I don't want to repeat.

[@fz094ever4]

4,000 is overpriced for this one. 500 for both bumper and labor should only be 30 minutes for both bumpers.

[@brianlego98gaming]

Not only these giveaway bots, there are also spambots posting inappropriate dating sites, I hate those type of spambots

[@brianlego98gaming]

And speaking of buses, can the Car Wizard use the bus as a backdrop for the vans we buy or not buy video?

[@md2k8]

@@brianlego98gaming Excellent idea

[@dennishernden2264]

JB Weld tank repair on that oil pan.. used it on my C10 oil pan that was so pitted and rusty (yeah I didn't catch the rusty part when replacing the gasket because the inside was pristine looking metal) the oil was seeping through the metal of the pan... wire wheel, clean-n-wipe, spray a can of brake cleaner and apply. works great.

[@duncanmoves905]

Was gonna comment the same. 30 dollar fix vs 4K lol

[@dennishernden2264]

@@duncanmoves905 Yeah over the last 45yrs of auto repair-n-upgrade I can't believe the number of times the o'l JB fix has come through in a pinch. You forget because it always just works.

[@JoseOrtiz_1416]

Fluid film yearly and religiously would prevent a lot of that rust. I use it living in the northeast WNY area and it’s been working amazing for me

[@dustinryan9671]

I use Woolwax been very happy with it.

[@JLeeChron]

Yes sir

[@TheCobruhAlienat0r]

I think I read somewhere that the reason these Tacoma's needed new frames was because of a design flaw that trapped moisture in areas that fluid film wouldn't get to so it'd still rust out no matter what you did.

[@dustinryan9671]

@@TheCobruhAlienat0r both fluid film and Woolwax instruct to spray inside all tight spots, it's very time consuming especially if your on the ground, additionally during the winter making sure you get your undercarriage washed is critical.

[@TheShowtime85]

Yeah takes 30 minutes to do once a year to save tons of money from buying another vehicle but people still don’t do it. Mind blowing

[@ih302]

I live in Newfoundland Canada, trucks this age do not exist around here unless they were imported or not driven in the winter. I've seen many trucks half the age of this one that were way more rusty.

[@jacquesc3166]

I can relate, Ontario roads are salted to the absolute max between Dec-Mar. Domestic vehicles 5-7 years body lifespan, import anywhere between 5-15 years. My G sedan turns 10 years old in January, Krown'ed since 2016 and no body rust but I know death is inevitable.

[@In_memory_of_Dad]

Here in the UK the are called a Toyota Hilux and we got ours with a 2.2 petrol or a 2.4 or a 3.0 diesel and they are literally Indestructible!!!..👍🙂👍🇬🇧🇺🇲🇬🇧🇺🇲

[@organiccold]

Oh yeahhh they will overlast the planet

[@MajorCordite]

Those Hiluxs are a tad different around the world than these Tacomas here in the US. In the US the frames have to be collapsible to meet DOT standards. So your Hiluxs are a bit more beefier than our Tacoma’s, but all still great trucks!

[@21Piloteer]

The frames are collapsible? What???

[@jmccoppen]

@@21Piloteer He probably means crumple zones at front and rear for safety

[@davidhoover2446]

I liked those older Tacomas with manual transmissions. Those larger 4 cylinder engines have great feeling torque under normal driving, which is nice. I drove a 1994 Ranger with 4.0V6 with 5 sp manual for a long time though, and I liked it better than the Toyota. Both were good and simple trucks IMO.

[@AsianNIGMA]

They’re gutless idk what you’re talking about, but then again all Toyotas that aren’t V8 are gutless

[@samholdsworth420]

@@AsianNIGMA correct...slow and uncomfortable!

[@erniecarrasco9107]

@@samholdsworth420 but last you 400,000 miles and is a good work truck that saved you money. Ignorant

[@LLCOOLF5]

@@samholdsworth420 ha I own a 98 single cab Tacoma. and trust me it leaves everything that tries to race it

[@samholdsworth420]

@@LLCOOLF5 and by leave you mean you get left behind? Let's race, my 00 GMC Jimmy vs your yota hehe

[@trentryan27]

Fluid film is a great way to protect against rust and corrosion, for everyone who lives where there is winter and road salt is used, fluid film sprayed all over the bottom of the vehicle in the fall will do wonders, can even spray it on existing rust stops it from spreading

[@mikewooten13]

Please advise you customer to replace his lower ball joint’s

[@pabloamericano4930]

Thank you for your concluding advice. I have a 01’ Prerunner with 266k miles and it’s hitting that point of needing work. But your advice was what I needed to hear from a professional. I’ve looked at getting a new(used) truck and it’s just too expensive like you said. Thank you 🙏

[@bfields1448]

Just bought a 2000 prerunner sr5 trd with 180,000mi for my son. Zero rust.

[@thenman23]

what does it need? just get a reman tranny to give it new life

[@rodm2345]

​@@bfields1448So I shouldn't pass on a 1 owner 2000 prerunner with 280k miles?

[@bfields1448]

​@@rodm2345nope

[@jeremyTallen1]

As a mechanic that works from home for myself. My best option when people bring a rusted vehicle to me is to just purchase the car from them and they can go buy something different and then I can work on the vehicle at my own pace and don't have any surprises for a customer while dealing with rust issues.

[@bill2070]

Lol that's an interesting business plan.

[@tylergronk-wd9dx]

Didn't know u could be a cuck and a mechanic

[@LankyLarrikin]

​@wano2363It does when you buy a 6k car for 1k and spend 1k on it

[@ryzen397]

I have an 04 Tacoma 5 spd with the 3.4L in it and love it. I bought it with 90k on it and now its got 130k. It has the TRD package too with the locking rear diff. It's a bad ass little truck

[@ram187mt]

I have The same 2004 TRD SR5 2004 Xtra cab with 36k miles!

[@MicrophonicFool]

We all love YOUR love for straight-ahead advice. Whether pracricality of a repair or the Modern times of inflated everything.

[@davemckee4907]

I have had vehicles that the repair cost was more than the car was worth,but the customer was fine with repairing it because they liked the vehicle and new car cost is so high.I also advised some customers not to repair their vehicle because it would be an endless money pit.Sometimes they listen and sometimes they don't.

[@ditzydoo4378]

This 2002 Toyota is well worth the $4000 to keep it going. Like my 2002 Ranger XLT four-door all "Manual" 4x4 off-road posi-rearend. I just replaced the motor and all new accessories with a Jasper Crate engine complete and out the door for $6800 (3-year 100,000-mile warranty). Its body and frame are cherry and will be with me for another 20 plus years.

[@mr.c0stell0]

I hated the shortcab was so tight

[@ditzydoo4378]

@@mr.c0stell0 same here, which was why it took so long to find an XLT 4-door model. as to short cabs, my first was a used 1969 Datsun 1300. God, I loved that little truck and still hate I ever sold it.

[@mr.c0stell0]

@@ditzydoo4378 ive never seen one in person ever, very cool. I knew they were big in Mexico.

[@mrsmith1339]

Why should you fix your old vehicle? It is the devil you know vs the devil you don't know. Recent prices: Focus water pump. $500, Lexus RX350 brakes $1200, Acura MDX alternator $800, and 2005 Cadillac DTS Motor mounts $1600 with dealer labor at $200 per hour plus evironmental and shop supply charges. This is all in SW FL where rust is not an issue.

[@builderboyz81]

Ive sunk double that into my 2002 TRD Tacoma. Worth every penny when you consider youll be $30k deep into a newer comparable truck.

[@SavNout01]

I love my 04 Lexus Rx330, EXCEPT for the rear end is rusting away! Engine rubs like a champ and interior is excellent. Toyota does this intentionally. I seriously think they do. My wife's 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe looks brand new underneath. Just factory undercarriage protect.

[@MyDyerMaker]

It depends on what I used the truck for. I'd hate to spend 4k on a 20 year old single cab truck with rust issues and high miles.

[@badhombre8383]

If you’ve ever owned a Toyota you’ll realize a 20year old Toyota shows wear like it’s only 5-10 years old. The interior eng trans.

[@jasonkarov]

Have a rustfree 2001 v6 5spd 4x4 Tacoma, it's by far the most reliable ride I've had in 45 years of driving. Def worth putting even 10K into because a new one is 45k , and not as well made, imho

[@Thisious]

That's such a nice truck. I'm glad it's getting repaired.

[@rosssmith9941]

Legendary truck

[@rodcros]

@@rosssmith9941 What I like is the proportions of the body. It looks right. The extended cabs put me right off. The frames are too long for off-road stuff, and in the showroom they're pug ugly. That's why in 2008 I bought a 2002 regular cab, 2.7, 5 speed, 4WD.

[@rosssmith9941]

@@rodcros 2.7 is a legend

[@wnybricky1559]

Toyota recalled mine.. I bought it for 6300.00 with 130k and drove it to 185k and they gave me 9400.00 for it.

[@herculesrockafeller]

Immediately clicked on this because I have an 02 with . . . numerous issues

[@isaac24]

My grandpa has an 06 Tacoma with the 4 cylinder. It's now at 260k miles, and it looks BRAND NEW. The frame was replaced in 2019, and for a Michigan car, it has zero rust elsewhere. I'm a GM guy, but that truck is amazing. I'd drive it in a heartbeat.

[@trwsandford]

I'm a Ford truck guy, but there are plenty of GM trucks I'd happily drive... and much like you, I wouldn't hesitate to drive a Yoda Taco. Older Dodge trucks would be considered... but I'd be very picky.

[@harysuper]

@@trwsandford I had a silverado before my tacoma and i love both. I even love the old ranger and F150s. I am very picky but I love the big 3s offerings in the 80s and 90s and early 00s.

[@nickgibb4687]

my late grandmother had a 83 corolla she passed in 97. 15k miles of pristine showroom quality. now well....shit is falling off from the factory

[@MustafarRecRoom]

As long as the rust monster hasn't eaten through body panels/floors....yes, it's worth fixing what you already have at trucks costing $60K+++...

[@HypocriticYT]

Vehicles of this age you can divide the repair costs over the age and you’ll find its inexpensive driving 😊

[@fredkaminski3668]

Seems to me that the Wizard want to just work on expensive Italian cars where the owners are loaded with $$$$. “Oh it has surface rust on the skid plate, the cooler line is rusty, the backing plate is rusty”. Wizard needs to watch South Main Auto channel. He doesn’t want to work on older cars because it takes too much time searching for parts. He doesn’t want to work on rusty cars because you can’t use a impact gun. Come on Wizard! Give yourBALLS a tug!

[@Ltdeathsquid]

Sometimes it's just worth it for other reasons too. I recent;y spent $7k in engine and transmission work on a 2004 Crown Vic Police Interceptor that I bought 8 years ago for $2700. The car means a lot to me and as far as the condition of the rest of the car goes, It would be hard to find another in a similar state. Call me crazy, but it was worth it to me, and I'll have a good, dependable driver for quite a while going forward. Also probably helps that it's not my only vehicle too.

[@samholdsworth420]

How Many miles on the Vic?!

[@Ltdeathsquid]

@@samholdsworth420 220k. Had the work done at 212k. Should last a lot longer this time around seeing as it won't be beat on as a police car. Just a highway cruiser now. Should add that I bought it with 117k on it.

[@samholdsworth420]

@@Ltdeathsquid great cars. They're definitely worth fixing

[@goropeza101]

Panther platform cars are proven to go a million miles!

[@MK-zm8vl]

It's a Toyota so I get the draw, but paying 7 hours labor at $120 an hour, to fix a leaking oil pan... that's rough. And frankly could have gone a long way in servicing worn out suspension components... If it was a Ford or Nissan, the comments section would be blowing up those design engineers...

[@FWDSUXARSE]

Definitely worth the money. Trying to find that exact truck for the price of the repairs would get you a completely broken truck that isn't drivable. The investment in repairs is worth it.

[@mazdafiero112]

Oh a yeah ago I put $3650 into mine for new rockers, left and right.. place just cut off the old ones, repaired any rust and welded the new ones on and coated them.

[@adamdaley8090]

Just put 3k into my 02 4runner limited, about to hit 300,000 miles.

[@theylied1776]

What? I got a message claiming that I won a super double secret contest held by The car wizard. And if I drove all the way to Kansas I would have free brakes, full detail, new tires, transmission fluid, radiator fluid, induction service, throttle body cleaning, differential oil service, new spark plugs, and an in cabin filter. So, you're telling me I didn't win?

[@genedunn9283]

Definitely worth fixing! I bought a 2007 2wd access cab 2.7/AT from a friend. He was the original owner and the truck had 261k highway miles on it. He blew a head gasket and brought it to the Toyota dealer for a repair quote. They told him the truck has an outstanding recall for a frame replacement. They replaced the frame and anything else underneath that wouldn’t come off easily. I picked up a 25k mile engine from a reputable salvage yard and dropped it in and gave it to my son. It’s got just about 350k miles on it now and the only thing it’s needed beside oil, filters, tires, and brakes (normal maintenance) was an A/C compressor clutch. It’s still a daily driver (50-200 miles a day).

[@honkhonkler7732]

Considering pretty much all of these in good shape never dip below $7K in value, $4K to make one right doesn't sound bad.

[@loringmccrorey6981]

New oil pan alone says it could possibly get another 100,000 miles out of her. It's a yes for me.

[@jeffjackson9679]

You realize their are many other part that go out on 20 year old vehicles right? I don't care what brand it is, transmissions, various pumps, engine components, suspension parts, etc etc. don't last forever.

[@derekp6636]

compared to 72 months of 800 bucks a month for the current 2024 replacement? yup....

[@forreststrong797]

I would replace the bumpers with some aftermarket heavy duty offroad style bumpers. There's so much available aftermarket for these trucks and the cost of some nice bumpers would probably be similar to stock replacement style bumpers.

[@russelljacob7955]

I got a 2000 4runner SR5 with 280k km on it. 5speed and some body rust. I just put 6k of work (myself doing labour for all but powder coating) doing OEM spec rebuild in the rear end and suspension after a ring gear failure. Yeah, it is. Because even if I sold it for say 3.5k? I could not get what I had for 9 with good tires, new clutch and other work done like the new shocks and brakes and a new toyota carrier assembly (no ring gears available in the 4:10 and it came all ready to install). 4k in a Tacoma? Cheaper than replacing with one you dont know history on.

[@davidchestnut2262]

I have a 2000 4runner also, I redid the shocks and bushings, then a radiator, MAP sensor, about $1000 in parts, 278k, runs great, drives awesome

[@russelljacob7955]

@@davidchestnut2262 Yeah. I love mine. Got more work. For mine? Pretty much everything back of the driveshaft got serviced or overhauled. The rear carrier was the big money, but entirely new brake system, the parking brake cable assembly, bushing and so on. Even new springs. Got all that was kept all blasted and powder coated too. Will probably refurbish front suspension when summer returns. It was all apart to do the diff, so serviced it since was out. Else be like doing a timing belt and leaving the water pump

[@agrippa1234]

How often have you had circumstances where you refused a job because they would not pay for a part/repair that you felt was a safety concern AFTER you started on a different repair and found an issue of real concern?

[@diezelvh4133]

I'm seeing ads for 2001 4runners with 200,000 miles for $11,900. People have gone insane.

[@markstevens1729]

My ‘03 Tundra gets cared for as if it was a rare jewel. Over 200k miles, still drives like new.

[@trwsandford]

Keep the faith Mark!

[@SavNout01]

Wizard, you mean that message I got about Mrs wizard giving away a California Ferrari was false? Said she was going to be naked...

[@Tony__Tone]

yes it is worth it

[@hacatan24]

Hey car wizard already gave you my social security number by bank account number and my credit card number.... When do I get my Ferrari??

[@hotpuppy1]

$4000 in today's money is about $1300 in 1981 when I first decided to pull the engine on my first car to rebuild. Back then, it WAS a lot of money but you didn't think anything of it. HOWEVER, back in the day you could get a good used engine from the salvage yard for $250-300 which is about $1000 today. Just TRY to get an engine these days for $1000. Even a $500 engine in 1981 in today's money is only $1600.

[@Mark-jd1jx]

A you pull yard over here near me is still selling a long block for 250 bucks. Still decent if you have everything else to swap over.

[@GUIRADE95]

Even if this guy is competent the prices he charges are way too high.

[@andrewb8548]

Your not supposed to use a worm clamp on a radiator hose. If you tighten it cold, it warms up, too tight. Worm clamps cost a nickel less than springs, if they were appropriate they'd be factory.

[@willmtaylor]

Old Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner, Sequoia, and especially Land Cruiser-really tough to go wrong with any of them!

[@juanrodriguez-ry6yt]

t-100 v6 5sp 4x4 built in japan by hino best of the best

[@Random_Car_Guy]

Dont forget the Pickup (Hilux)

[@ShowseeTravels]

People really should know about naval jelly and rust inhibitors. All of this corrosion is so preventable

[@SamslamminCars]

JB weld with proper prepping works. Have used on my motorcycle & has been without leaks for 7 years now.

[@jmccoppen]

Yeah, that’s what I would’ve done if it was mine. Some people don’t work on their own vehicles though. The Wizard obviously can’t do that either since he has to maintain his business reputation and warranty his work.

[@crazyeyez1502]

Sadly, those Telegram bots are all over KZbin... please, people, just report them and ignore them!

[@joshhumphry6195]

Finally a 1st Gen Tacoma! I was wondering when one of these would roll into the shop. Great content as always!

[@pinballdan]

I own 4 1st gens..They are what a truck should be.. simple and reliable!

[@Rickmakes]

Toyota people would say to not use a worm style clamp on the radiator. They can leak when the parts expand and contract.They would say to replace it with another spring clamp that has constant tension. Are they correct? It sounds like a good argument.

[@quicksilver462]

The spring type hose clamp is far superior than the worm style. Just looks at what the factory uses, you will not see a worm style clamp on a car form the factory. The factory does not have time to go around and re-tighten new car hose clamps all the time, because that is what is needed to maintain hose connection from leaking with worm style clamps.

[@charlesecheese8499]

I have found the quality of the clamp makes a lot of difference. Most crappy clamps tend to be worm gear type in my experience however there are decent ones available.

[@billtaglia2865]

My brother had an early 2000 Tacoma. He had the frame replaced on his, as well. Under warranty.

[@flea4061]

No way. 4cyl, single cab, half rusted. Those things are everywhere.

[@okeefer2000]

My 2001 Tacoma, 2.4, 4 cylinder, manual transmission, the frame rotted . I couldn't get recall, but I repaired it many times. I got 290k really hard miles out of it with only replacing the brakes and muffler. It was still running fine when I sold it to the junkyard for $1,000. That thing was a tank. Made me a loyal Toyota fan for life, despite the frame rot. It never left me stranded. My 2014, 4 cylinder Tacoma is on its way to be another legend.

[@fishjohn014]

There is almost zero rust on that truck! If that were up here in the northern midwest it would have been entirely dissolved a long time ago

[@samrice1015]

when i worked at a toyota dealership i always thought the frame recalls were so cool. this big old frame shows up on a truck, gets unboxed. it was so fascinating cause its not every day you see a giant toyota box with a frame in it just show up not to mention when the master techs would get around to them. just really cool process.

[@shiftfocus1]

2 or 3 years ago passing a local Toyota dealership, a very nice 1st-gen Sequoia caught my eye and I stopped for a look. When I got closer I immediately noticed the brand new frame, all black and clean showing past the tires. As I turned to leave, it was then I spotted two stacks of old rusty frames behind their shop...I think 7 or 8 Tacomas, plus the frame from the Sequoia. The rust is really the only major issue with these. Keep up the rest of the maintenance and they'll last as long as you want to drive them.

[@johndeere8594]

@@shiftfocus1 I would have thought that it would cheaper to just buy the vehicle from the customer and crush it or just get the usable parts like a junk yard would. I cannot imagine the amount of man hours and work that would go into a frame swap.That’s crazy.

[@MrJrv1993]

@@johndeere8594 they did that for a very short time with the initial recall. My uncle had his truck bought out by Toyota for 1.5 book value. My dad went in expecting the same thing and the replaced the frame instead on his ‘02. He saw the invoice and it was around $13k, he told them he would have been happy if they gave him $10k cash for it because he was gonna buy a new one anyways.

[@erniecarrasco9107]

@@MrJrv1993 my 02 taco prerunner never got the frame done. It's an Arizona truck. I don't need it but how can I get the frame swapped anyway?

[@MrJrv1993]

@@erniecarrasco9107 it’s most likely been too long for 1st gen trucks. With 2nd gens it was 12 years from the date it was first registered.

[@mnmountainman9343]

Hey that Toyota truck would be a good giveaway vehicle 💩👍nice truck

[@gardiner516]

Its better to maintain older truck now as it is similar to repair and up coming of electric cars repairs and hydro is unknown factor

[@ericbarnett6771]

My wife came in to the marriage with an 02' Tacoma TRD with 180k and the big V6. The thing purrs like a kitten. We recently replaced valve cover gaskets, water pump, and alternator, and hoping to get another 100k out of the old girl.

[@aussie2uGA]

I have the same engine in an '01 tundra. It's leaking from valve covers. The quote from an independent mechanic to replace gaskets was $800. Sound right?

[@ericbarnett6771]

@@aussie2uGA Not even close. I paid $800 to replace the gaskets AND alternator AND water pump AND thermostat. You're getting hosed.

[@jonc2914]

Toyota quality yet it completely rusted apart. Idk about that statement with this one

[@bobbyvanderford4231]

Well it’s on its way to a million miles love Toyota keep up great videos 🎃

[@TimmyCramer]

Just picked up a 25 yr old tacoma 4x4 with 20k on the odo! Flawless and showroom condition. Tires were 20 yrs old so they got replaced immediately. Timmy C Arizona

[@efil4kizum]

very NiCE!!

[@WashburnD10]

I would love to see a video where the Wizard family and the shop techs and their families go for a meal in their respective vehicles. Would be a fun video.

[@kauaisfinest14]

That truck right there will go for 10-15 grand where I live

[@EazyDuz18]

My rule is if the repair costs 50% of the cars value or more, scrap/sell it and get something newer

[@ddawson8069]

That's a great rule of thumb that serves you well!

[@charlie_nolan]

The entire underside of my old car was like that bumper, and some of the body on the sides too The fuel filler neck on my old car rusted though, it leaked gas when you filled it

[@snagh]

I’ve just won that Tacoma , do you ship overseas

[@beethaniel]

Mr. Wizard! Can you measure the rear driveshaft for me please? I'm converting my single cab Tacoma PreRunner to 4x4, and can't find the rear driveshaft length anywhere! I want to order the correct length before I take my truck apart, your help would be greatly appreciated!!

[@CarCrazy24]

Tundras and Tacomas from that era will literally last forever. Definitely worth fixing

[@leonardovalladares4315]

Tacoma last longer

[@dronepilotflyby9481]

Remember well, when living up north, helping Dad cut rusted parts out of lower body panels and fender wells to rivet pieces of sheet metal in, paint and undercoat to protect. Since then I moved deep south, far from any beach and enjoy rust free vehicles. Some very light surface rust on some parts but that's it.

[@unstablebobgable]

The Car Wizards has the coolest walk on KZbin! I'd love to see a continuous loop video of him just waddling around on his stubby little legs with Pantera's WALK as the background music!

[@theyunglos]

You gotta start posting another sentence 😂🤣

[@moonbeen101]

Good to see you again you weirdo. How about the Sad but True riff? lol

[@wolfeadventures]

Drain oil. Cut lower section off. Clean. Buy new pan. Cut lower section off. Weld. Done.

[@greavous93]

im glad I can do all my own work, you "mechanics" have become quite the merry band of thieves.

[@efil4kizum]

that is definitely an accurate statement... how the FuKK do these blokes and parts changers, that are MOSTLY Sloppy Hacks, think they deserve nearly 10x what the lowest of the low on the scale are at?

[@41BeachComber]

I bought a used Ford F150xlt 2002 with 289000 miles on it for $5000. Still have it today, 3 yrs and runs great too with 292000 miles on it.

[@Kastro876]

Can't you use rust protection on those larger areas underneath?

[@rodcros]

Whenever I have my '02 Tacoma on the hoist, I spray the bottom. I used to buy the rattle cans of red oil, but now I buy gallon jugs at Princess Auto and use oi and paint sprayers. Since 2010 when we set up the hoist, this has been a winning formula

[@vojislavvukmanovic7061]

It doesn't worth 4000$ in repairs, because of market today, it's worth, because of it's simplicity of doing A to B without any or major troubles.