Push me to buy a 1st Gen Tacoma 4x4

I live in California and have been searching for a first gen 4x4 tacoma that is FAIRLY priced. They all seem to be overpriced by a lot. Maybe this is just me, therefore I need you to convince me without lying to me

I am looking for specifically a double cab 4x4. I see a few in my area. One that has really caught my eye. It is a 2004 double cab 4x4 automatic in GREAT condition (All original, not even a ding or a dent, no rust, no oil leaks or burning issues, timing belt done recently with records, and supposedly 90% freeway miles) but it has 230k miles. The seller is asking 10k and would not even budge on the price... I offered him 8k and he said no.

After I hung up the phone, I thought to myself if 8k was even reasonable or if that's still too high.

Well, here were my thoughts during the day after the call:
Even though the truck was well taken care of, I can imagine suspension parts, cat, other small components needing replacement. Maybe even the transmission and motor might go out... So let's say I have 5k set aside for any issues, I think for 10k + 5k = 15k for a great condition 230k miles double cab first gen 4x4 is not too bad... or is it?

Not sure if you caught my drift but I am trying as hard as I can do justify paying 10k for a 230k double cab 4x4 that I really want to keep forever.

Give me your honest opinion of my thoughts please!

 

Did you check the frame? That's the first thing you should look at when shopping for a 1st gen. Before you buy anything - have the frame inspected by someone who knows what to look for.

Sellers & Buyers alike are not always aware of the frame issue. They'll sell you a truck with a bad frame because they're unaware. Buyer will be surprised 6 months later when they find a rusted out frame.

Search the internet - even the 2nd gens are having frame rust issues.

If the price isn't right.....and you can't justify it and you're not in a hurry to buy something - then move along.

 

No frame rust. It's a CA truck that was garaged at work and at home. I would rate the truck a 9/10. Almost looks new besides the small rockchips up front. Clean carfax and orignal owner.

 

I think your offer was solid, I mean we all know these trucks hold value, but it had 230k on it. Double cabs are going to demand more for sure, many I've seen online are priced ridiculously high. Keep hunting, and be prepared to spend at least 10-13k on one with reasonable miles. Keep in mind your dollar will go further with an access cab.

 

I know with 15k I can buy a lower mileage one but they seem a little more beat up than this one. This one was used for commuting only. Maybe I will continue to wait

 

I'd do just that. One with less miles will show up. I'd personally be scared to pay even the 8 grand for 230,000 miles. Could very easily turn into a money pit with normal wear and tear items.

 

That's way too much for something with that many miles, 7k would be max imo. I found my 04 double cab with 75k original miles for 13k.

Keep searching around, you will find a nicer one for the right price, they are out there. Since you live in Cali, frame rust shouldn't really be an issue, but check anyway.

 

I bought my one California owner, 2003 double cab with 160k and silimar situation with mostly highway vehicles. One thing I worry about with the one you are looking at is if the 4x4 system / locker was EVER used. If not, it may not actuate since it hasn't been lubed from use (dry seals and such)...

That truck will sell, but it will just take a bit longer because of the mileage. He may get impatient and start budging on price, but I would be sure that the 4x4 system works and the transmission is in good condition.

 

Price on Tacoma's is also much driven by geographical location. You will pay more for one in Cali. Sounds like you are doing some research and with patience will come the right truck. You will know the truck for you when you see it. Just remember, many buyers pass up a solid truck only to regret it as they perpetually search always thinking there is a better deal.
Much Luck.

 

Seems to be true out here in Colorado too. Good luck finding ANY 1st gen double cab 4x4 for under 10K.

Honestly, seems like a fair price IMO.

 

I paid $11k for mine... 150k miles in good/excellent condition. I looked for 3 months and felt like I got a good deal.

 

It sounds like this guy has done his homework. The NADA guide has it listed at $10,500 for my neck of the woods and I'm in Norcal. The KBB price is $10,500 as well. All this is based upon the SR5 pkg, 4X4, V-6, auto, 230,000 mi etc.

It sounds as though the price is reasonable and he knows that the pricing is in the ballpark so he's willing to sit on it till he gets his price.

If its a California truck, the roads aren't salted here during the winter so frame rust shouldn't be an issue, but you still need to look and make sure. Sometimes they do come from another state, the Carfax should tell you where it's first destintion was.

Good luck, they're out there, you just need to look a bit.

 

Still ridiculous for a truck with that many miles. I wouldn't pay more than 7k for a high mileage Tacoma, even that would make me cringe. I know they last a long time, but 230k is getting way up there.

 

I disagree. There's a reason these things have such good resale value.

 

Some people tend to let that get to their head though, and then wonder why they can't sell their truck. They are great trucks, but they aren't made of gold either.

 

Well, whether you agree or disagree, like Pliny said, welcome to the California market.

It's a fact of life out here, you're going to pay more and unfortunately both the people at NADA and KBB agree because of their estimate on the value with that many miles.

Now if the truck were the old Ford Courier or similiar vehicle, you'd have a good arguement! But it's not, these trucks don't lose their value and are in high demand.

To give you an idea what it's like out here in my area of Norcal, I get notes left on the windshield of my 02' 4X4 DC at least once a month, sometimes with a price of what they're willing to pay and that is sometimes above the KBB value. My brother-in-law has an 03' extended cab 4X4 and he gets offers all the time as well. He says the contracters want his truck due to the bed size and the extra cab space. Crazy I know, but in a way it's nice if you're a seller.

This guy probably isn't in much of a hurry to sell and is willing to sit and wait as he knows the market and that it will sell. I can't say I don't blame him. Why give it away if someone is willing to pay the price. I'd wait it out as well.

 

when i sold my 1st gen dbl cab i sold it for 6500, it had 260k. it was turning into a play toy also.

 

As much as I like the Tacoma double cab 4x4, I found a deal I couldnt pass up on a 2nd gen Dodge Cummins 4x4. I'm still on a look out for a clean tacoma dc 4x4 though!

As far as I know the Dodge Diesel 4x4 and Tacoma 4x4 are both trucks that will hold value the best. Slight advantage on the Dodge.