Would this be a fair price for this Tacoma?

Hello everyone,
Pretty new to the forums as you can probably see, I've done some poking around a couple times for info before I signed up. I currently have a 91 pickup 4x4. Anyways, In the market for a Tacoma for myself, will be daily driving it most likely, unless I decide to keep my Civic. I went an took a look at this truck today: http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/cto/5394154537.html

It was very straight and clean, minus the tail gate, it was very dented up. Supposedly from the cords for the gate not being hooked up and it slamming down onto the bumper (I didn't even think this could happen unless there was weight on the gate) besides that, the black fender flares are losing their black, starting to show some age from weather. He had paperwork from the timing belt and water pump being done, tires are like-new, brakes are very firm and feel good, clutch was replaced around the same time as timing belt, even has the original window sticker. I guess what I am wondering is wether this is a good buy or a bit of a price gouge. I managed to get him to take 13k if I do decide to move forward. There were a couple truck on this forum I'm interested in but i'm taking a look nearby before flying somewhere. Thanks for any advice, or help, you may be able to provide. Sorry if this was a long post and being new!

 

Hey man last year, I paid 14.5k for my tacoma DB 4x4. January to be exact and these trucks don't seem to depreciate for the last couple of years....

 

well those tailgate cables can and do break, a fatty sitting on tailgate or a 4 wheeler being hauled in it will break them sometimes and dent the gate.

my truck has that same TRD sticker on it but its not a TRD so it may be false advertising about that, someone here can tell you how to confirm if its really a TRD or not.

price still seams a bit high at $13k purely based on blue book values but it depends where you are in the country as to the true value of what they sell for.

if its as nice as it looks, then I don't think its a bad deal even if you are over paying a little. its a rare truck and hard to find with low miles in great condition so you usually end up paying a little more for that.

just do a carfax and see if you can check the service history on it.

also take a very very close look at the frame for rust

 

I paid $14K last summer for my 2004 TRD. These trucks definitely hold their value. I think it's pricey, but worth it. Your paying for the name and the 3.4 reliability. If you can grab her for $13K, I would totally do it.

Like mentioned above, check for rust. Don't know how mechanically inclined you are, or how much you know about trucks in general, but give it a good look over. I spent about 2hours with my flashlight looking under the hood and body. There were no leaking seals, front end was tight, nothing was "detailed" (like engine/interior) to hide leaks and stains. Check the fluids. Check for bondo work and possible paint discolouration or differences. A different shade between hood or doors or fenders could mean body panel replacements from a collision. Maintenance records are your best friend.


Also, to tell if it's a TRD, all TRDs came with Rear E-lockers. There will be a button left side of steering column that reads "RR Diff Lock". It will also have bilstien shocks (yellow and say "bilstien")


Good luck if you decide to purchase. These trucks are awesome.

 

Fair is what you're willing to pay. I just threw in the towel and broke my own rules. I've been looking for two years for my unicorn. I wanted a DC, white, TRD, v6, mileage under 10k a year, no accidents or paintwork, Florida- absolutely no rust anywhere, dealer maintained, virgin- totally stock truck down to the radio, one owner. For under $8000.
I ended finding this "unicorn" but had to pay 10k.
These trucks aren't getting any younger. And of course aren't being built anymore. If you find your "unicorn" don't wait to long to grab it.

 

What's your budget, and what's your ideal price point?

I realize my view is different than most, but I personally would never pay even $13k for that. For reference, I paid $15,300 for my '06 Double Cab TRD with 81k miles, in March 2010, almost 6 years ago. Only catch was that I had to go to Phoenix to get it(I'm also in Seattle), but even airfare and gas only cost me about $500.

 

I just picked the same truck up 2 months ago for $10,500 and it only had 75k. Just food for thought.

 

ya definitely check for rust but overall that still seems high. he's not in a rush to sell so trying to milk it for everything possible. by his standards my '04 auto TRD would be worth 15K and I'm realistic in saying no way in hell. fair price would be around 12k if everything is in good condition. tailgate all dented means he didn't take care of shit, especially that black clutch/brake fluid....yuck

 

Thank you all for your input and help! After some thought, I do feel the price is high. I was the only cash offering buyer that had come to look at the truck so it may still be around for a few more weeks and if it is, maybe he will come down more if I just hold out a little longer (could also not work this way for me at all!) The frame was in good shape, I could not see any rust, I brought my work flashlight to poke around. It did have the locking rear diff and I didn't know about the shocks so it didn't take a hard look. My price point is anywhere from 10k-15k (maybe more if it's a good deal) and after looking at surrounding states, I might be able to find something with lower miles for the same price.

I really am in no rush to buy, I only started seriously looking last week. So I don't want to pull the trigger too quick.

 

good idea, if you're not in a rush, keep looking. you'll find the one and be happy that you didn't settle.

15k for me would have to be a 03-04 4wd DC with TRD under 125k with all paperwork and if qualified had the frame TSB taken care of

 

That sounds about right for me as well. With the DC though, aren't they only available with a short bed? Personally I want the longest box possible, since i'll be hauling dirt bikes from time to time.

 

Yea 1st gen DC's are short bed only and auto trans only.

 

Auto only, but actually available in long bed, just near impossible to find.

 

You sure about that? Here in the US i don't think Toyota ever imported a 1st gen 4 door long bed.

 

saved this picture when I saw it, no clue where it's at, maybe Canada?

 

Thanks for the pic, i stand corrected. That's the first i saw a long bed DC 1st gen.

 

Thanks for the help everyone!