1996 Toyota Tacoma Extended Cab 4 cyl 5 spd

I found a 96 Tacoma 4x4 2.7L 5 speed that's been stored in a barn for it's entire life. Never been driven in winter. It has 141,000 miles on the clock.

My plan is to talk to the owner as they are interested in selling. Right now they are asking 5k. From what I can tell, it needs a good cleaning and 4 new tires. I do want to have it inspected by a Toyota dealer to make sure it doesn't need anything major.

I also plan on using this truck to tow a 18' bowrider a couple miles up the road to the boat launch and back. Right now it has a bumper hitch, but I'd probably spend the money to buy a frame-mounted hitch instead.

Anything in particular I should look out for? The frame has surface rust from sitting, but looks solid otherwise. Typical surface rust on suspension components. Body appears rust-free.

Thanks,
MisterFu

 

Nice! I'm sure once it's cleaned up it'll look amazing assuming it hasn't been dinged up being used as a farm truck.

Good find, post up some pics when you can!

 

I'm going to put an offer in shortly.

It definitely needs tires, and I am not sure how well it even runs or drives. Everyone always says "meticulously maintained, blah blah blah" but in reality it seems very few people take care of things like us enthusiasts. Fortunately, this truck actually seems to be well taken care of.

Anything in particular to look out for on an inspection? Like I said, frame has surface rust but no actual rot. Wheels have some surface rust (base model steel wheels), bumper has some surface rust, but the body is rust-free and the interior looks like it only has normal wear. It might end up being a decent light-duty tow rig for local trips.

As usual, money talks. What's a truck like this actually worth? Edmunds came up with $2,500 and kbb was around 4500 in mint condition, fully loaded which this truck is not. Nada went from $ 4500 up to $ 11,000 which I found hilarious.

Thanks.

 

I would start at $3800 cash. Especially if your gonna have to put new tires on it and possibly wheels.

 

Basically find every flaw even if its not one that bothers you, and make them aware of what you will have to do to fix it. If its a farm truck it probably needs new shocks, possibly leaf packs if your gonna be towing, brakes, fluid changes, etc...

 

If you do end up buying it, I recently put a tow hitch receiver on my taco that bolted to the frame, no drilling necessary.

 

All fluids will need to be changed. Tires you know, brakes are likely. You're already in over $1k of baseline maintenance, assuming you DIY.

Unless you know a tech personally at a dealership, I would NOT use them for an inspection. I would use a trusted independent mechanic, and have him do a compression/leakdown test as part of the inspection. Could be the best $100 or so you ever spent.

I'd be very thorough inspecting for frame rust, whacking it with a ball peen and probing with a big ole screwdriver.

Never driven in winter? Not buying it. Where did all the rust come from, surface or otherwise? I've never seen a rusted suspension on a non-salted vehicle. Maybe less than I'm mentally envisioning. Can you post pics?

Sounds like it could be a great find. Just keep your eyes open and proceed w/caution.

I too would have cash in hand. No 'I need to go to the bank' nonsense. If he doesn't bite on a reasonable offer, leave him your phone number and tell him to call if he changes his mind. Most folks over value their stuff, and when it doesn't sell, they'll get back to the guy who flashed cash. I've bought a few gems that way. Also, if they get lucky and someone pays their price, I certainly don't begrudge them that.

 

I'll take some pictures later this evening. The rust could be from sitting in a damp building for many years.

 

You don't get 140+k 'sitting'. That's a 7k per year average. Low for a DD, not so low for a secondary vehicle.

And, if parked 5 months of every year (winter), that's 1k per month during driving months.

You don't get any 'damper' than the sub tropics where I live. Outside. No rust of mention..........

 

Price is way outside of what I am willing to pay, so I walked without making an offer.

 

Shit, its so much nicer to be on the other end of a Tacoma sale. You have to find some dipshit that has never been informed of their resale value.

 

I just don't think this truck is worth anywhere near 5-6500k. It definitely has rust underneath, not as bad as a truck driven every winter but it's still there. It's also been sitting for who knows how long and on flat tires. All lugnuts look rusted to the hubs. IMO it's almost better to spend the extra money and buy new, and then keep until it's no longer safe to drive. At least that way you know the full history!

 

I think you made the right call.