Just checked out an 04 4x4 TRD V6 Auto Tacoma. Opinions?

I just checked out a Tacoma, looking for opinions.

Basics:
2004 Tacoma 4x4 TRD (checked for elocker button)
Automatic tranny
128K Miles
Black but has white bedliner looking stuff sprayed over the paint.
Fabtech lift. (not sure how high)
Hankook DynaPro MT LT305/70/R16 Tires
Air intake of some kind
Somewhat modified exhaust. Looks like stock exhaust with some of it cut away.
Kenwood Stereo

I was looking for an 01-04 V6 4x4. TRD and 5spd preferred. The frame looks clean from what I can tell but it does look like it's been sprayed with a black coating in some areas. Not sure if that's a protectant or to cover rust.

The white stuff sprayed on the paint is kinda rugged looking, it makes it look tough and you probably wouldn't worry about scratches or dings but it sure would be hard to go to some sort of normal paint again I'm guessing.

The interior looks clean. The aftermarket stereo looks decent. E-locker button exists.

Engine looks spotless. Perhaps too clean. I'm assuming the dealership cleaned it. Still, it looks clean. No sticker indicating if the timing belt or water pump has been replaced. Carfax doesn't mention it either.

I don't know much about lift kits to know if this Fabtech is a good kit. I've heard of Fabtech but thats about as far as my knowledge goes.

I don't see any leaks from the engine cover, or under the engine. One CV boot (if that's what it's called) is a bit greasy looking and has some small cracks. The dealer dude said he would probably have them replace the boot if needed.

At this point I'm pondering it. The truck was owned by someone at the dealership so I asked if the owner would call me. The truck looks pretty clean but I'm not sure about the crazy white paint job and the lift. I could perhaps remove the lift kit and swap to stock tires if desired.

They are asking $10,900 or $10,999 I forget which.

Here are some photos:


















Any thoughts or opinions on this taco? Thanks

 

Clean.

If you're not into that bedline job, I wouldn't buy it. Stripping that off and replacing it with paint is going to be a pain in the ass, and expensive.

 

pass on it,looks like a nightmare

 

Looks good. They already got a couple mods done for you. And relatively good miles.

 

yes I especially like the white air intake tube

 

Sick looking truck..I dig it. I like the paint job personally.

 

and the pitch black brake fluid in the resovoir looks well maintained

 

keep looking. buying from a dealer will add several thousand more to the asking price. better off buying one that needs a little work and fixing it with the difference or less.

 

Unfortunately, I'll have to agree. Less stress buying privately rather than from a dealer. And then you'll be able to build it to your likings.

 

Looks in good shape to me, bed liner will never scratch either so it's a win-win situation there. I've got a forest green bed liner paint job on my '72 Bronco for this very reason, why spend a fortune on a paint job to take it to the woods and scratch the shit out of it? Bed liner's cheaper than paint and easy to apply at home as well, just needs a roughed up and clean surface and it will stick nicely.

 

That catalytic isnt stock. Also look at the welds, all the oxidation. Either that or the internals have complete melted. That whole exhaust is shit.

 

10 grand for 128,000 miles sounds way overpriced.

 

Not at all. They hold their value extremely well, especially 4x4s. Also region will vary.

 

I can tell you from experience that those Hankook tires are garbage. Had them on my Jeep, only work good for about 3 months and then just suck balls from then on out. If you get it I'd recommend dumping those and getting something better like Duratracs or Cooper ST Maxxs.

 

How big is that lift?


Idk about you guys, but that exhaust looks really bad, but other than that I actually like it. It's different.

Edit: how is that sticker even sticking on that rough surface?

 

Hold out for that manual trans. you want. You will still it want it six month after you buy this rig.

 

Thanks for all the comments and advice. For this area, the price and miles is pretty reasonable. The mods just aren't what I'm looking for.

I do think I'll pass on this truck. I think I've been looking off and on for a year or so. I've checked out a few 2nd gen trucks. Nice but I really prefer the 1st gen. I've looked at a few 1st gen tacos, maybe 3 or so. The 4x4's I've seen from up north had a lot of frame rust. It sure is hard to find a clean Tacoma in my area with the features I'm looking for. Lots of Double Cab Prerunners. The search continues. Maybe one will pop up in the classifieds here.

 

Really?

Thats the first bad I've heard about them, I've had mine for almost a year and they have been great. Waaaaaaaaaayyyy better than the duratracs I had before.

 

op don't trust the promises the the dealer dude says

 

Mush Mouse, wise advice.