Opinion on this potential purchase? 2008 Access Cab V6 Auto 4WD

NOOPE. walk away.

 

OP...Where in New York are you located?

 

Hudson Valley but in the city every day.

 

Im also in Hudson Valley, lower Dutchess County. Is the vehicle located in NY city?

 

I see its being advertised by a dealer in Poughkeepsie. I am currently working in Poughkeepsie. Maybe after work I can stop by and check it out for you.

 

Yep, that's where it is. That would be amazing!

 

Ok so I made a stop at Minnow Motors after work. Spoke with a young gentleman named James. Says it was bought at an auction.

First impression...truck is straight...few small dents. Paint has been neglected...almost chalky. Hasn't been waxed in a while. Gas door wouldn't open all the way. Hinge is rusted up. Needs to be oiled or replaced. Interior is in fair condition. No tears in seats. Carpeting could use a cleaning. Salt residue on carpets.

Engine started rite away. No unusual noises. Actually sounded better than mine with 65k. Checked dipstick...could barely pull it out without a lot of effort. Very dry oring at top. Couldnt get it to go all the way back in. Some oil varnish just above the high mark. Took of fill cap...no milky residue. Shined a light down tube and it looked clean...no varnish on chain or sprocket.
Some rusting in engine compartment on accessory brackets, sheet metal, exhaust manifolds, bolts.
Steering was good even though the intermediate shaft looked rusted. Steering seemed lighter than mine.

Now the underbody. Was surprised to see much rust underneath on the sheetmetal. Typically Tacomas frame rots first. This frame looks like it has the CRC coating. Checked just under drivers side by cat and didnt see any sign of rust thru in frame. In fact there was a plug in the hole by the cat that typically rots out. Inside channels of frame from where I could see from drivers side looked ok,some rust and scaling on bottom portion of channel. Lots of surface rust on other parts of frame, crossmembers, driveshaft, ect. Solid brake lines along frame need to be replaced. Looks like it might need new rotors and brakes also. James said it would be fully serviced...oil change, brakes if it needs it.

My opinion...looks like the owner neglected it the last few years and it may have sat for some time. I would bet that like most owners in the salt belt...the underside was not flushed on a regular basis during or after winters.

For $10k with the hope that it may...and I repeat...may be eligible for a frame replacement in the future...it may work out for you. Remember I didnt take it for a drive...so this is just one mans opinion. You have to be the final judge. PM me your phone number and I will text you the pictures I took. Good luck!