T100 value?

[ChuckB]

Well, I have recently made the decision to get rid of some debt. So, in order to aid in the process I am going to sell my Cruiser and pick up a cheaper vehicle for the mean time. I have found a T100 that I'm interested in.

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/car/348099999.html

KBB.com says 6800ish-5400ish depending on condition. I am going to try to to take a look at it this weekend. Just wondering what your opinions are. Thanks.

 

[kcowyo]

With the miles it has, the price certainly does fall in with what they generally go for currently on eBay and Autotrader.

The 3.4ltr is of course a tremendous motor. The manual tranny T100's had a clutch bracket issue, it often cracks at the firewall but can be easily repaired/rewelded. You should see better mpg than with the LC100, probably 19-22 mpg with the T. It also has a 24 gallon tank which is larger than Tacomas and 4Runners of similar years.

That one has been de-badged but looks as if it has the alloy wheels. If so it could be an SR5 model which would be nice. BTW the alloy wheels are 16", some have steel wheels which were 15". Can't tell if it has bucket seats or the split bench, but the T100 Sport bucket seats are the most comfortable that Toyota has ever made IMO.

Common problems with T100's include a seat belt that NEVER retracts, the clutch bracket issue, a poor seal on the underhood frame allows flexing at highway speeds, a steering relay rod which was recalled, and......? I'm sure Joel/HongerVenture will chime in with others that I can't recall. There just weren't a lot of issues once you get past the '95.5 model with the 3.0.

Aftermarket support is poor. Info on the 'net is sparse (but I can recommend a great site if you get that far). They were never offered with an e-locker but ARB has an air locker for the rear axle available. The IFS is a torsion bar set-up, so not a lot of decent lift options but it has good stock height ground clearance. All T100's have ADD but manual hubs can be swapped in. The spacious cab is much appreciated (by me) over the Tacomas and 4Runners of those years. The one drawback with the xcab is no 3rd or 4th doors were available.

I'm probably a little biased for obvious reasons but for reasons like roomy interior, good mpg with a large tank, good ground clearance, actually Made in Japan (love that) and a popular drivetrain, I think the T100's are a great value and a little different than the norm. If mine were totalled in an accident today, I would be scouring the 'net for another one to replace it.

 

[HongerVenture]

If mine were totalled in an accident today, I would be scouring the 'net for another one to replace it.

That pretty much sums up my recommendation... because that actually happened to me. I owned a 98' that I purchased with 60K and it was totaled t 90K... I promptly went out and bought another 98', same color, but this time an SR5, with 120K already on the clock. I've also owned a third one... I briefly owned a 96' in blue that I sold. I bought and sold that purely for the TJM bumper, camper shell, and some other mods which I removed from the blue one and put on the white I own now.

Judging by the chrome front bumper and chrome mirrors, that is an SR5 model you are looking at. Though, the best way to know for sure is look at the rearview mirror... does it have maplights? If so then it is SR5.

The 3.4L is a bulletproof engine and it still runs great for me at 193K on my current T. At almost 200K I just did the brakes, need to replace a u-joint in the driveline, and need to replace the valve cover gaskets. But other than that, it is in great mechanical shape.

KC really covered the common issues. A couple minor ones are the fabric on the inside of the doors rubbing off (from leg rub), a sensitive brake fluid reservoir (keep it right at the line or it says you are out of fluid), and squeaking metal at full turn on your steering (from the bump-stops). Of course, some of those are common to many Toyotas.

That really seems like a decent price. I'd pay that for one with that mileage. The frame and body hold up well and I should think you'd get to 300K with proper maintenance... at least that is my goal. =)

Just to show-off... here's mine at 193K. I shot these after a thorough wash/wax.

 

[ChuckB]

Wow, thanks for the info guys. I just found it today, so I'm going to have to see if it is even still around. The color aside, it sounds like the perfect vehicle for me right now. If its still there, I'll find some time to take a look at it and maybe snap some more pitures.
Any advantages or disadvantages I should be aware of based on the model trim. If this one is in fact an SR5, what is a DX? I think that was on of the other models listed on kbb.com. TIA.

Chuck

 

[kcowyo]

SR5 = power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, chrome package (grill, side view mirrors, door handles) 16" wheels, sliding rear window, tilt wheel... basically the upgraded trim package

DX = base model - manual windows and locks, bench seat, manual tranny, 15" steel wheels......

Some '97 T100 specs here and here and here and here

An added bonus to the one you're looking at is the topper. They're not cheap and finding one that fits a T100 is easier said than done, especially when you live on an island paradise.

 

[ChuckB]

SR5 = power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, chrome package (grill, side view mirrors, door handles) 16" wheels, sliding rear window, tilt wheel... basically the upgraded trim package

DX = base model - manual windows and locks, bench seat, manual tranny, 15" steel wheels......

Some '97 T100 specs here and here and here and here

An added bonus to the one you're looking at is the topper. They're not cheap and finding one that fits a T100 is easier said than done, especially when you live on an island paradise.

Great thanks!! Topper is a definite bonus for the reason you stated and I also have two dogs...