New owner of a 2000 Tacoma 4x4 need help with correct fluids

[James Kohman]

I just bought a 2000 Tacoma sr5 4x4 with 270k on the odometer for my daughter and have a question about coolant and oil as the seller wasn't the PO just a friend. The owner/friend died and the seller was liquidating the vehicle as a favor. As there weren't any service records (I'm waiting for a carfax report) I am wondering what coolant she should put in it if the existing coolant isn't a distinct green or red color. I texted the seller to see if he knew what oil and coolant were in it (oil looks new). The sale price was very good ($8500) so I just bought it and figured we could solve the missing records issue. The other question is if there is any way to tell if the timing belt service was done recently. Her mechanic won't be back till next week but she doesn't want to drive it if the coolant was compromised by mixing green with red.

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[TacoTruck2019]

This is just what I'd do. Being that you have no maintenance records I'd start at one end and work to other with changing all fluids. Any parts store can look up year and model and give you the specs for required fluids. As far as the antifreeze goes color doesn't mean that much, it's more the chemistry of the antifreeze. If you're not comfortable using aftermarket fluids you can always go to dealer and buy all you're supply's there. As a general rule dealer prices on fluids and filters at the parts counter are inline with prices you'd pay elsewhere. It might be a good idea to check out you're local dealer anyway as some parts that you may eventually need you will want to only use OEM parts.

 

[bought-it-twice04]

I agree w/ Bob and very strongly suggest using correct antifreeze. I would double check whatever the local parts guy/gal suggests or getting it from the dealer. I've ruined a couple of aluminum heads in Tacomas using the wrong type/mix.
There's a sticker that comes with a new timing belt and if it was replaced, they "should" have placed it on the timing cover w/ the milage. IDK if there's another way to tell if its been done. Good luck.