The Tacoma remains the mid-size of choice. Recent offerings include this 2007 w/Alu-Cab camper, 2008, and 2021 w/AT Overland Summit. However, today’s expedition-ready 2002 Toyota Tacoma SR5 TRD Off Road (305,000 miles) has to be one of the best values to date at $14,000 OBO. Sure, it’s high mileage, but the seller discloses that the aftermarket topper, modifications, and accessories alone exceed the asking price. The 5VZ-FE V6 motor is known to deliver a half-a-million-mile service life with routine servicing, and this truck has been meticulously maintained (reference the original listing). I love rigs like this as they’re affordable, proven, and provide everything needed to hit the road and fall in love with adventure. If you’d like a better idea of how the first-gen Tacoma performs as a travel companion, then check out inspiring builds from the likes of Dillon Mangum, Take the Truck, and Overland Under Budget.
From the Seller:
“This Tacoma has been mechanically restored, tastefully upgraded, and adventure-proven (2024 trip from New Mexico to Banff/Calgary, Canada, and back), with no leaks and no oil burning. It’s wearing trail-earned dents and scratches like badges of honor, but under the skin, it’s a well-sorted, turn-key rig ready to drive cross-country or deep into the backcountry tomorrow. Why This Tacoma stands out: It isn’t a worn-out work truck or a hacked-together project—it’s a well-loved, mechanically sorted, OEM+ first-gen Tacoma with over $14,000 invested in reliability and functional upgrades.”
2002 Toyota Tacoma SR5 TRD Off Road
The Tacoma is fitted with a 3.4-liter motor that produces 190 horsepower, 220 pound-feet of torque, and returns a combined 16 mpg. A dependable engine is matched with impressive capability thanks to 4WD, high and low range, a lifted and uprated suspension, a rear locking differential, armor, and 4.88 Yukon gears. Inside, these rugged attributes are balanced with driver comforts that include:
- Air-conditioning
- Power steering, windows, and locks
- Center console with cupholders
- Pioneer stereo
- Cruise control
Distinguishing Features
- Camper shell with Yakima roof bars and Tepui roof tent
- Alcan custom rear leaf springs, Bilstein 5100 shocks, and Old Man Emu front springs
- 4X Innovations steel rear bumper with swing-out tire carrier, flip-down countertop, and Rotopax mount
- Method wheels with Gladiator Xcomp tires (5)
- TEQ Customs headlights
This 2002 Toyota Tacoma SR5 TRD Off Road is listed for $14,000 OBO and is currently located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
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