Taking a Chance on a Pre-Owned Taco

We’ve all spent endless hours online searching for local and not-so-local trucks listed for sale. Even if we don’t necessarily need a new pickup, there’s no harm in looking, right? In theory, the practice of doom scrolling through classified ads is innocent enough, but every now and then things can quickly escalate past the act of window shopping. Before you know it, you just might find yourself hitting the road with an empty trailer “just in case” the truck in question is in fact too good of a deal to turn down. Even if the seller’s description is incorrect or simply misleading, there’s still a chance that truck is following you home whether under its own power or hitching a ride on that car hauler. Impulse buying a hell of a drug.

While none of us are immune to this sort of behavior, these stories don’t have to end negatively. Sure, you might just end up bringing a lemon of a truck back home that needs way more work than its previous owner let on, but there are those lucky, diamond-in-the-rough scores that keep the hunt for a new-to-us project forever enticing.

Vernon Esquibel of El Cajon, California, can attest to the experience of striking gold on the internet. He found this 2004 Toyota Tacoma listed on Craigslist in non-running condition, but with some persistence, he was able to successfully dust it off for the sole purpose of rolling it around in the dirt once again. After all, that’s what this particular truck was designed to do. Even though the price tag wasn’t exactly “dirt cheap,” it was a manageable enough figure that Vernon could work with.

Vernon went into the deal knowing that he was going to have to invest some money into getting the Tacoma back up and running. The factory 3.2L V-6 was previously equipped with JBA headers and a TRD supercharger, and had very low mileage, so at least the engine was worth whipping back into shape. The OEM driveshaft with Ford Ranger center support was still in good condition, which was another bonus. The rear axle, which Vernon believes is a T100 unit, was previously trussed and gusseted for strength, so he had no reason to believe it needed replacement either. Even the factory brakes would still be able to serve the Tacoma well into the future.

What Vernon did find was a starter issue stemming from a bad ground—that’s why the truck wasn’t starting. When the key was turned on, the starter would engage but never disengage. The original rearend also had to be replaced as it was completely blown out. To resolve that issue, Vernon threw in a spool and 529 gears. The tires the Tacoma came with were in total disrepair, so Vernon selected a fresh set of BFGoodrich 35-inch KO2 rubber, as well as Method 305 wheels to complement them.

Upon inspection, the Tacoma’s existing suspension system was obviously well appointed and expertly installed. For reliability’s sake, Vernon felt it best to take a closer look at its individual components and service them where appropriate. The back half of the Toyota frame came to him already customized with a linked rear setup and a rear sway bar installed by Nick Isenhouer. Vernon was just itching to put this network of suspension components to the test, but there were still some items left on the checklist to tick off before going all-in on the track.

Vernon continued the inspection process by ensuring his Tacoma had enough lighting power to cut through pitch-black night time conditions. To shine much-needed light onto the terrain ahead, multiple Baja Designs LED housings were mounted to the front bumper. The custom full cage was then given a good once-over, and it looked just as rough and ready as its last day of fabrication. The Auto Meter Phantom gauges were then checked for accuracy, and the Mastercraft off-road seats were tested for utmost comfort and stability. Once everything checked out, Vernon finally began planning his big first track session in his Tacoma.

The event of choice was Terra Crew’s Hell Track held at the LACR MX track in Palmdale, California. As you can see from the photographic evidence here, Vernon had an amazing time in the dirt. Not only did he get the truck back in tip-top running condition, but he also got the truck back to successfully taking flight. While the total rehab phase from the day of purchase required some patience on Vernon’s part, the Tacoma’s downtime was well worth the wait.

The maiden trip to the track inspired Vernon to continue shredding in his Toyota, and he has since taken it to the Glamis Dunes, Plaster City, as well as an annual guys’ trip put on by Chris Livingston. Even though the truck is currently operating at peak performance, Vernon wouldn’t mind parking it again for a bit to change up the front OEM steering situation. Other than that, he’s more than happy with his fateful Craigslist find that has proven to be one of his best automotive decisions to date.

“I’ve really enjoyed exploring the desert with my kids and wife over the years,” Vernon says about his experience so far with his Tacoma. “I have always been a dirt bike guy but wanted something the whole family could enjoy. Aside from things breaking like the rear axles on occasion, I just track down stock replacements, throw them in when needed, and we keep on truckin’.”

2004 Toyota Tacoma

Owner: Vernon Esquibel
El Cajon, CA

Engine & Drivetrain: 2004 Toyota 3.2L V-6 with TRD supercharger, JBA headers, OEM transmission, OEM driveshaft w/ Ford Ranger center support, T100 rear axle trussed and gusseted for strength

Chassis & Suspension: Factory 2004 frame, Backhalved for linked rear, Viper coils, King 2.5 coilovers and 2.5 triple bypass shocks rebuilt by KDM Shock Technologies, Custom skid plates, OEM steering box, 20-gallon fuel cell, Rear sway bar added by Nick Isenhouer

Wheels, Tires & Brakes: 17×9 Method 305 wheels, 35×12.5 BFGoodrich KO2, tires, OEM brakes

Body & Paint: OEM Silver paint, grille, and bumpers, Fiberglass fenders all around, Baja Designs lights in front bumper

Interior: MasterCraft off-road seats, Custom roll cage, Auto Meter Phantom, gauges, Sparco steering wheel, Pioneer stereo