To pull the trigger?

http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/5798490307.html

What do you guys think? I'm trying to get my dad to buy this. He has a lease that's up in March and needs another vehicle but doesn't want a payment. His daily commute round trip is a whopping 4 miles. Seems to be surface rust but if it's not being driven that often I think this would be a fun truck for my dad and I could work on it with him if it needs anything.

 

At this point it would seem like what kind of maintenance has been done on the truck would come into play.

 

That's a lot of miles. I'd pass

 

This. Those 4 bangers are already bad enough. 200k on it? Even for that price.... iiick

 

I'm actually surprised you guys. I had a '97 4 banger with 180000 and it was running just fine. Too bad the frame was in terrible condition making it dangerous to drive. Oh well I'll keep looking!

 

So what are you surprised about? High mileage truck, unsafe to drive...

 

If the frame was in better condition on the '97 I had I'd still be driving it. Regardless of mileage.

 

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5770096070.html

This guy will never get 8k

 

It looks pretty damn solid for a northern car. I'd consider it and check it out. the price seems fair. If the frame is good you should be alright.

 

But the frame is crap, because that is what Toyota trucks are known for.

As far as motor, any well maintained motor can last a long time, but I wouldn't trust a craigslist vehicle that way. Have to assume nothing has ever been done to it

 

That's not always the case. most 1st in our region MI/OH had the frames replaced or crushed during the toyota buy back program.

 

LOL what? If most 1st gen in your region had the frames replaced then what I said is exactly the case, Toyota is known for garbage frames.

Even 2nd gen got frames replaced. You would think Toyota would have learned it's lesson. I'm not sure how these trucks have a reputation for reliability. Should be opposite.

 

I loved the '97 I had and really wish I still had it. That thing would drive through snow like it was a normal road!

 

Not sure how pricing of tacomas are over where you are but if that tacoma popped up here in Southern California for that price it'd be gone pretty damn quick. I say if the frame isn't bad go for it, just do some preventative and basic maintence when you get it & should be good

Seriously? Have you ever hopped on craigslist around here, you know that thing would be a steal for that price out here in Socal hahaha

 

It's 4x4 too. I'd check the transfer case and rust of course. My dad's best friend is a wizard of a mechanic and we'd take it to him too for a test drive to see if it all checks out. Scored a '99 Jeep TJ with 60k miles on it last year for 3100 bucks. 3 speed automatic but its still an awesome jeep. My sister has claimed it as hers though lol.

 

Damn man I need to come visit you to buy a 4x4 hahahaha, I wish I could find deals like that out here!

 

It would be gone quick around here. I've seen worse go for more. I wouldn't be concerned about the mileage.

 

Does he need a truck? You could find 4runners in better condition and cheaper.

 

They've all seen snow at some point though. You'll find one you might just have to take a wire brush to the frame to get the surface rust off and paint it and you're good to go.

 

He doesn't need a truck. He just needs a vehicle to get from A to B and he's not driving very far. Doesn't want a payment though and old Tacoma's are just cool!