3rd Gen with 200,000+ Miles. Any issues or major problems?

[JohnMc]

205K miles here. No issues to speak of.

Still on the original clutch (5 spd manual), but it sometimes chatters or squeaks a bit on take off. Might be getting near the end of it's life.

The valve covers started leaking at 180K, but the bolts were *very* loose, I finger tightened them and the leaking stopped. Recently it seems as if they've started leaking again very slightly. If they're not loose again I might just put gaskets on it.

Just replaced the original shocks with a Sonoran Steel lift. The rears were pretty shot, but the fronts were still pretty good. Not bad for 200K miles.

Had a slight rear wheel oil leak, but it ended up being a stuck breather. Unstuck it at first, then put on an extended breather. Leak went away.

Really, no major issues at all. Just a few minor ones. I really don't think too many cars can roll out 200K miles and be in such great shape still.

Oh yeah, did a belts/hoses/timing belt/wp last year at around 195K.

 

[atalarico]

If you can't tell from others posting, there is a rather large list of things to check out. Even if everything checks out, that is still way too much. I overpaid for mine 5 years ago when I paid $6k for a 97 limited w/ e locker and 160k miles and pretty thorough maintenance records. That's in Colorado too, which we jokingly have a Tacoma and 4Runner tax!

I'd keep looking, and I know that's hard when you think you've found the one, but don't worry...she'll come along. Private party is a way better way to go, and if you're like me, you'll find some private party who doesn't know that things like the factory locker are coveted, etc.

If they'd go down to $5k, and you could get it thoroughly inspected, I'd say go for it. They won't though.