Need some help with purchase

Hey guys,

I'm an avid fly fisherman and I'm sick of having to drive my little Audi around. I need some clearance and a truck to just throw the gear in the back and go. I love the look of Tacomas and the reliability. I live in Colorado and I've heard from friends who have Tacomas that they do well in the snow.
I'm currently look at this Tacoma. http://www.fremontmotorpowell.com/u...ck/2013-toyota-tacoma-powell-wyoming-22435894

I've read some threads on here about factory lifts, etc. I'm not sure if this one has it. All he could tell me is that it's an SR5. I think it is way over priced, just my opinion.
So I was wondering the following:
1) What questions should I ask before advancing in the purchase.
2) What to look for in lift kits on Tacomas.
3) What should I offer on a vehicle like this. NADA was about $29,000. He sent me a Auto Check instead of a Carfax. Apparently they use that instead? I'll still do a Carfax, but it shows clean. Only worry is two different owners in two years and that's not very common in Tacomas to my knowledge.

Thanks for all the help guys!

Robin

 

It is a pre runner sr5.six lug, meaning it has beefier suspension than lower models. Looks like a nice truck.

 

It's a 4wd.
Good looking truck. As far as the number of owners, there are people who want the current model year on their vehicle and can afford to trade in every year. However, definately take it for an extended test drive and if you have a mechanic you trust, have it inspected.
Does it have black carpet, or is it a vinyl floor?

 

the SR5 is a base suspension, not "beefier" but from the looks in the pic. it appears to have some lift. Forget this one, you can buy a new one for about the same money and have full warranty. Might be able to find a 2014 still new on a lot for the same price.

 

Thanks for all the help guys! With the flooding going on here today and fishing cancelled, I might head up there for a test drive. I just hope I can talk the price down. If you were in my shoes, what would you offer for the truck?

 

Get a double cab with the 6 foot bed - more room for fishing rods and coolers.

When buying a used truck I like buying a one-owner, unmodified vehicle. That truck looks like it's a little high. I'm guessing theres a levelling kit in it.

 

Forget about that. Come to Denver, go to a Toyota dealer, get a certified used. Groove Toyota on Broadway has many to choose from. I bought a 2013 from them last June with 20k miles, single owner, and was out the door for less than that. There are much better options available for you!

 

Is it a 6sp manual or 5sp automatic? The ad from your link says both. Automatic would be 1500-2000 above manual price.

 

Proof you can get a BRAND NEW one for less, but this is the PreRunner, which is rear wheel drive, not 4 x 4. The one in that ad is an SR5 4 x 4, not prerunner. But, you can get a new 4x 4 for $32000
http://www.toyota-pekin.com/New-2015-Toyota-Tacoma-PreRunner-serving-Peoria-IL/vd/24149455
Now, I realize this isn't your area, but that place is out to screw somebody and those "warranties" private dealers sell suck. You'll be lucky to collect on them and most are reimbursement deals on aftermarket warranty

 

I'd keep looking. I payed quite a bit less than that for my '14 with only 2miles on it

 

My brand new 2015 was $32,400 for a TRD Sport DC at Mountain States Toyota. They still have quite a few at around the same price. Not sure what their used inventory is, though.

 

You can buy mine! Just put it up in the 2nd gen for sale area.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fs-2013-trd-off-road-prerunner.373657/

 

I have a 6 inch lift on my taco, its nice for messing around but the best thing for you would probably a leveling kit and some larger tires! Definitely a smart choice with the sr5, they do have a heavier suspension. I'd also recommend getting a bed cap, they're great for loading stuff in the back.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I think I'm going to pass on this truck because the guy is not flexible on the price and he will not provide information on the lift kit versus spacers. I don't want to drive 484 miles to see a truck that I would not buy. Maybe I can purchase a truck from a member on this forum. I have A LOT to learn on Tacomas. Switching from an Audi to a Toyota is a big step since I've been driving them since high school. I'm just sick of having to pay $1000 or above for every fix. My 120K maintenance is $1500, ridiculous. I'm hoping to learn a lot from this forum and then make a great purchase for a truck I'll keep for years

 

Being in Colorado I'd definitely go for a 4x4 also. The prerunner is only a 2wd (but with 4wd suspension dimensions) so it gets you up off the ground but you'd really be missing out when winter rolls around.

 

Buying from a member here would be a better bet. Choose your poison. Good luck!

 

Yup in CO you definitely want a 4x4 (which that truck is). Do NOT get a pre-runner. I'm in SD and I can confirm, a pre runner would suck here. I'd stay away from modded vehicles (depending on the type of mod) unless you know the person that did the mods and has first hand knowledge of it. Lots of chatter on the forum about vibration after lifts, even from guys that appear to be very knowledgeable. Any time the used price is within $2k of new price and there are 30k+ miles on the truck, buy new if you are able. You're essentially adding on to the the far end of the vehicle life for a minimal cost. The asking price on the one you posted doesn't surprise me, but you shouldn't have to pay near that much. Seems high to me, especially considering its proximity to a new 2014 SR5 cost. And I agree with the above member- if you're like me and don't know a whole lot about vehicles/engines, find a Toyota dealer with a good reputation and look for a one owner certified used. You're spending nearly $30 grand. No reason you shouldn't walk away confident in your purchase.

 

That truck is way overpriced. I bought my brand new 2014 DC TRD offroad for $1200 less than that.

 

Agreed, See if you cant work them down to 26k

 

Hey guys,
Picked this up last week
Should I put a little lift on it or should I just even it out? Put a clear bra on it yesterday. Bought it with 17 miles on it. Love this thing!
Thank you so much for all your help!