New Buyer Question: 2002 V6 4x4 TRD 58k miles

Oh wise people of the forum,

The inexperienced new buyer is seeking guidance and opinion. I have wanted a Tacoma for many years and can now purchase one with cash. I am looking at a 2002 4WD Xtra Cab V6 manual, 58k miles on it. Sticker price is $14980, it's had one owner who seems to have taken good care of it. It comes with a TRD package and a topper.

I'm guessing I could get the dealer down to $12k in this economy, esp. as I have cash. What do the wise forum masters say? Should I go lower in negotiating, or is this too low?

The Tacoma has been posted recently at a dealer near me, and I don't know how fast it will go and if I should plan on buying it this weekend. There are similar Tacos within driving distance that I could also look at, so although this model is sweet I can seek elsewhere. Living in Colorado means a markup on such trucks, but perhaps it is worth it. My usage interest is for trips around state which my present 87 Corolla cannot do any longer, so this would be a weekend trip vehicle with hauling capacities for landscaping/gardening.

What do you folks think, is this a good deal on a 1st gen Tacoma?
Thanks so much!

 

Hmmmm, that sounds steep, but that is very low mileage, which is hard to find. Also a very desireable spec.

Does it have complete service records?

Did the carfax say 1 owner, or did the dealer? no record of accidents?

Did you check for frame rust? I think this would be key in Colorado. Lots of pics and stories on tihs site, perhaps you have already seen all this already. Also, has the truck always been in Colorado, or did it come from the NE?

Worn leaf springs (no or negative arch)? At least $500 to replace those. The shocks might be going, too. Grab the rear end and shake, then get on the bumper , jump up and down, and shake your head, saying with authority, "hmm, those are shot..."

What kind of topper? Snugtop or ARE, color-matched, etc? Good topper can be expensive, 1-2k.

Also, what color? Some colors are more desirable, like silver, and (uh, I forget the others).

No weird or bad mods/lifts that could have messed things up?

FWIW, my truck is the same spec, except 2001 w/101k when I bought it for $12750 from a private party. Cali trucks are not cheap or plentiful. It was the right truck for me.

I would definitly go for offering 12, cause you know it can only go up...

Can you find cheaper comps on craigslist and you can print out and wave in his face, and threaten to walk off the lot...while waving your cash?

 

im not a tacoma owner but im in the market like you. Sounds about right, if not lower than what i'd see for a taco like that with 58k miles in the south east. if you can really lower him to 12 that'd be a really good deal.

But then again i only see listed prices, i haven't been able to find actual OTD prices. So i don't know if some of these guys are really getting what they ask. I know 1 in 5 used 1 gen tacos I see are ridiculously over priced. like 100k miles and asking 17-19k

 

I just bought an 02 xtracab 4x4 TRD V6 Limited Auto that was in excellent condition w/130K on it and paid $9500 from a toyota dealer. I would ask the dealer if all the TSB campains have been performed on this truck before buying it. There was one for ball joint inspection/replacement and then the notorious rusted frame TSB. If these have not been performed and taken care of i would not touch the truck with a 10' pole!!! If you crawl under it and see lots of rust on the frame....RUN AWAY!!! there is alot of info here on TW about the rusted frame issue on 1st Gen Tacoma's(95.5 -2004). Personally...for the price he is asking i think he is looking for a sucker....think of it this way, if you go on autotrader and find exactly what you are looking for in lets say Georgia i am betting the asking price + the price of the plane ticket would still be alot less than what you will pay for that truck even including the price of gas to drive it home!!! ....Your dealer can smell the cash in your wallet..."Let the buyer beware"...just my 2 cents....

 

thanks for the tip but seriously, how can you tell if the front shocks are shot?

 

yeah but if it has a rusted frame he can just birng it in and toyota will replace it for free.....

 

Gwion,
For what I see around here for 4x4 first gen, that asking price seems about right. Good clean unmolested low mileage ones are getting harder and harder to find. I missed one here because I fooled around too long.

 

Wow, thanks for the quick responses and awesome tips!

To scocar:

Does it have complete service records? Did the carfax say 1 owner, or did the dealer? no record of accidents?
As far as I know, all it has is a Carfax report but I’ll ask when I test-drive.
Carfax said 1-owner (it’s a free online carfax with an internet listing) and no record of accidents.

Did you check for frame rust? I think this would be key in Colorado. Also, has the truck always been in Colorado, or did it come from the NE?
When I test drive it, I’ll definitely check for rust, all the rust I saw in the photos was localised on the underside of the rear bumper. It has always been in CO.

Worn leaf springs (no or negative arch)? At least $500 to replace those. The shocks might be going, too. Grab the rear end and shake, then get on the bumper , jump up and down, and shake your head, saying with authority, "hmm, those are shot..."
-Yeah I don’t know if the leaf springs are shot, but I’ll jump on the bumper! How else would I tell if the leaf springs had no/negative arch? (noob question...)

What kind of topper? Snugtop or ARE, color-matched, etc?
The topper lookse like it may be an ARE V series, it is color matched to the silver Tacoma.

No weird or bad mods/lifts that could have messed things up?
Not that I can tell, it looks fairly standard. When I test drive it, would I just obtain all that info from the service records, or are there any signs I should look for regarding modification/lifts?

FWIW, my truck is the same spec, except 2001 w/101k when I bought it for $12750 from a private party. Cali trucks are not cheap or plentiful. It was the right truck for me.
I would definitely go for offering 12, cause you know it can only go up...
Yeah they price them up at the foot of the Rockies for sure. What is the real world gas mileage like, and the general cost of maintenance? I am hoping to do a lot of maintenance on my own. My usage will be for weekend trips into the hills and around the state, possibly a planned vacation.
Is 12k too low or too high, then? Seems like a lot of folks on this forum are saying even 12k is steep...

Can you find cheaper comps on craigslist and you can print out and wave in his face, and threaten to walk off the lot...while waving your cash?
I’m still searching and would love to buy directly from an owner. If anyone out there knows anyone in CO selling a Tacoma... mention me, eh?

 

Thanks crimsonred2004 for your response. Because I’m a noob at all things involving buying vehicles, does TSB mean “technical service bulletin?” I will definitely focus my questions on the two topics you mentioned (ball joint and rusted frame). I could very well be that sucker the dealer is looking for, and I don’t want to be that so I’m relying heavily on the wisdom of other more experienced souls. I am curious about seeking out of state, possibly the AZ/NM/TX regions, but that involves a whole other can of worms (getting there, finding an airline ticket, having someone I don’t know look the truck over, etc.)
Question for ya: How do I keep the upper hand when buying a vehicle with cash? Any ideas/tips? I appreciate any and all advice!

 

Barnone, just out of curiousity, how long would you say you waited to buy until the truck was gone, say, from the time it came into your awareness until it was no longer an option? I'm wondering because I do this sort of waiting a lot myself, and tend to miss out on deals. I've got friends who say it means the opportunity wasn't mine but anothers, but that doesn't make the disappointment any easier to swallow.. sigh.

 

in my opinion and experience, a difference of a couple of thousand dollars ( ie..1-2) should NEVER be an excuse not to get THE truck you want, especially if it is EXACTLY what you want.. ie.. color, transmission, configuration interior and of course mileage.

Take some time and look around and explore. Find out EXACTLY what you want and then pounce when you find it having cash in hand ready. If they ask 14,900 offer 13.5 and work up. But jump man jump.. these last at best a day or two. While you are thinking, others are doing.

 

When I test drive it, I’ll definitely check for rust, all the rust I saw in the photos was localised on the underside of the rear bumper. It has always been in CO.

That sounds like nothing. Look for threads and photos on this site to compare. I have seen some shockers. The issue is also internal frame rust. They hit it with a hamer somehwere to see if it pops through. Someone else suggested checking if the TSBs (technical service bulletins) have been done on this truck. Look those up under the 1st gen threads (I think) and call Toyota with the VIN number to check.

Yeah I don’t know if the leaf springs are shot, but I’ll jump on the bumper! How else would I tell if the leaf springs had no/negative arch? (noob question...)

Search under suspension forum for leaf springs and check out the pictures. The leafs should have a bit of an upward curve, at least. Get under the back of the truck and look forward from the rear shackle. on the test drive, go find some crappy interstate pavement and go fast in a curve, see if the back end seems bouncy and loose, like it want to hop out...

What kind of topper? Snugtop or ARE, color-matched, etc?
The topper lookse like it may be an ARE V series, it is color matched to the silver Tacoma.

Nice. Might want to call a local ARE dearler for a price quite on a new one. Might help you factor in this value on the price. Silver is good...

No weird or bad mods/lifts that could have messed things up?
Not that I can tell, it looks fairly standard. When I test drive it, would I just obtain all that info from the service records, or are there any signs I should look for regarding modification/lifts?

It won't be on records. Everything stock should be black/dirty/worn, yellow bilstein shocks. Any rubber blocks, shiny or colorful hardware would be a telltale. Just look underneath for anythignthat looks liek a hack job or not original. I doubt it is modded from what you are saying. When you drive it, also check for aligment and vibrations, shakes, humming, etc.


Yeah they price them up at the foot of the Rockies for sure. What is the real world gas mileage like, and the general cost of maintenance? I am hoping to do a lot of maintenance on my own. My usage will be for weekend trips into the hills and around the state, possibly a planned vacation.

Sounds like me. foot of the Sierras. I am getting about 19 mpg with mixed driving, very conservative driving style, though. Michelin LTX AT2 tires (mild tread) I can get 20+ on all highway.

Maint. wise, this is the vehicle to have for DIY. Easy and fun to work on. The only major service item will be timing belt at 90k, about a $500 job, i think. some guys do it themselves, lots of stuff posted on that. Do the water pump at the same time, based on labor alone. Oh, yeah, check the glove box for the orignal manual and maint. record!

Is 12k too low or too high, then? Seems like a lot of folks on this forum are saying even 12k is steep...

It's the great debate. There are so many factors, region and local supply/demand being a big factor. If a guy who does not live near mountains or snow says you are getting ripped off, how helpful is that? He's in a different market. Sometimes people spout off about a truck that isn't even nearly the same spec. or mielage, which doesn't help. Local comps are about all you can go with. You have a low-milage truck in high-end popular spec and color, single owner, nice cap, at the base of the Rockies...

If you are under no pressure to buy, you can be cool about it can come back in a week or two, especailly if you have other prospects. Go drive a few first, that will help you compare.

 

GWION
If the dealer "owns the car right" meaning they paid current market value for it aka; Galves, it books out for about $9800- wholesale. Could they own if for a little more than that? yes. I dont think offering them $12k is an unreasonable deal for either party. They are looking to make a grand slam on it at $14900-
It is a hot truck, as we all know! Take a shot and see wht they say...

You can flat out tell them you know what the Galves value is, and see what they say. Dont say you WANT the car for Galves, they will just laugh at you...make a fair offer at $12 to 12.5...depends how hungry they are.

just looking over the post again... noticed it has a camper top, so that is worth somthing and the miles are light.
even $13k would be a fair deal. Start low ($12k) and take a shot. I dosent hurt. If you dont ask, you wont get it. Its the same in sales...

 

price seems a bit high but let me tell you this.. it is VERY hard to find the exact 1st gen you want. i got super lucky with mine, but you never know how long its going to be on the lot. if i were you i would let them know you are interested and throw the 12k offer out and work from there. id say if you got if for less than 13-14k then you got a good deal. make sure you check the carfax and frame though.

 

Agreed.^^^
When I was looking for mine here in NJ they were going fast. I grabbed my 2001 with 119k for $8600 private.

 

you have cash...thats the upper hand.....tell them what you want and they will either deal with you or not....i would take someone who has bought a few cars with me and have them help you with asking questions. you know everything about that truck??? whats the blue book on it??? i would offer them 10% under blue book and go from there. just keep in mind that foreign cars and trucks are expensive to buy parts for. If you feel the leaf springs are shot tell them you want new leaf springs on it...stuff like that.....remember EVERYTHING is negotiable...

 

KBB is garbage. Dealers use Galves to value cars, I know, I work for one. Galves on this truck is $9800-10k like I said earlier. But yes, make sure everything checks out.
And when I say KBB is garbage, it will actually work AGAINST the buyer (you). Reason being, KBB is usually high on actual market value. It is a good tool when trading a car in.

 

Sounds like a typical dealer asking price...With that being said, I think its a pretty fair 'asking' price. Esp w/the low mileage & 4wd. I totaled my 04 2wd Pre Runner w/high miles and was paid over $18,400.00. I paid 20K OTD new. Sooooo, Tacoma used car values are pretty strong still in Cali. (Im sure they are in Colo too) If you can scoop it for 12K or less, I'd say thats a pretty good deal. Good Luck!

 

Gwion, these trucks go like hot cakes. To give you an idea I sold my 00 TRD V6 Prerunner w/95k to the first person to look at it no questions asked $9,500. It took me about 6 mo. to find my Mint 04 TRD D-Cab V6 with a shell & only w/30k for $17,000. I gave the dealer a deposit to hold it for me, and when I picked it up there was another person there waiting to see if my deal fell apart. Jump on it before its gone. Good Luck.

 

WOW this gives me a pretty good idea of what I could get for mine.

I'm the original owner of a 2003 Double Cab PreRunner v6 with bedliner, side rails, cargo net etc...

Best part, only 55,000 miles.

Love the truck, but the gas mileage traveling 100 miles a day is killing me.