Need Purchase Price Opinions on '01 ExtCab 2.7L Auto

Hello TW,

Just got back from a difficult negotiating session with a used car dealer here in Massachusetts. He outright refused to negotiate at all on the retail price of the truck, despite my offer of $6,250 cash. He's asking $8995. According to Edmunds TMV, his price is $2,992 over retail. KBB says $2,334 over retail. Black Book says $2,100 over retail.

What do you think is a fair price for this vehicle? He's claiming that the "CarFax Price Adjustment" of $2,830 over retail justifies his price of $8995. Is the CarFax adjustment just total BS on his part?

Specs:

• 193,875 miles. 2.7L, Auto, 4x4. SR5. No cruise, no power win/lock.
• Body is Excellent. Underbody Good. Interior Good. No accidents or body work.
• Frame is Good. Replaced by Toyota 2009.
• Engine Compression is Very Good (tested). Fluids clear. No leaks.
• Needs E-brake fix, new front shock/struts, A/C recharge.
• No cosmetic issues whatsoever. Tires good. Bedliner excellent.
• Serviced by Toyota dealer for most of life. 58 service records.
• Clean Carfax.
• Good test drive, no issues.
• 5TEWM72N01Z772936

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/638866764/overview/

http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?partner=CDM_0&vin=5TEWM72N01Z772936

Valuation Link:
http://www.kbb.com/toyota/tacoma-xt...|6448829|true&mileage=193875&pricetype=retail

 

They are asking too much, your offer was closer to what it would go for typically. If they aren't willing to negotiate then there's not much you can do. If you have the time and patience you could wait while it sits on the lot and then make another offer later on. Did you check the value on NADA yet?

 

Thanks Nighthawk. I'm going to try to wait him out. It has been on the lot for 85 days so far. NADA value was the highest at about $7,100.

 

No problem. I would say $7000 max. That motor is known to last a long time but 194k miles is still a lot.

 

Just for comparison, I sold my '01 for 4,800 here in ny. 230k, 2.7l auto extra cab. Car fax had it around 7k. New frame, fair cosmetic condition. Tried to get 6k for a month or more, but finally took best offer.

Of course, the dealer may have post sale liabilities to the buyer, but the price still seems high.

Sure looks nice though.

 

no power options, bleh. frame replaced 6 years ago (on an 8 year old vehicle) may show signs of bad rust in a few years (welcome salt!).

those 3 repairs will cost you around $600+ just for parts, not including service (if you can't do yourself)

I would keep looking.

 

jlpapple,
Interesting post regarding your hunt for one of the best trucks out there. Regarding the 2.7L engine - in 2010 I bought an '01 Tacoma that had 204,000 on it mostly Texas highway miles. It now has 282,000 on it and it starts, runs smoothly, and doesn't burn any oil. The oil is Mobile1 5W-30. I will say the engine is not as peppy as I would like but then I'm not as peppy as I would like to be either. No complaints either way and the truck has more miles than I do. Odds are the auto tranny is very tired, and the guys at Toyota were surprised it has not been replaced or rebuilt. It still gets 19-20 around town and 22-23 on the highway. Happy hunting!

 

Thanks Carl. I appreciate your message and the endorsement of the 2.7l. I've moved on to another purchase candidate, currently have a deposit on an '03 Extended Cab with a brand new frame (replaced in May) and 121k on the odometer. Should be in my hands by next Saturday if all goes well.

 

Tell the dealer you will give him one last chance, you have another one lined up, if you'd rather make a deal on his. Tell him also his price guides (and every price guide) would also mean good shocks, AC, etc., no deficiencies. When they take something on trade, they give you a wholesale price, but deduct for deficiencies to bring it up to the guide price with repairs at their retail price for the repairs.

Don