Looking at buying a Tacoma...

First post...

I'm looking at several Tacoma's. One that is kind of cool but expensive has a repaint to an FJ color. 149500 miles, 4 door, TRD off road, its got leveling blocks front and rear and larger tires. I usually don't buy a repaint/different color, but owner says his father restores car and has been painting for 30 years. Says they disassembled everything. I have not seen the car.

Other one is a silver, 2009, 106,000 miles, box stock, 4x4 but does not look like any kind of a TRD edition.

Both are in the $14,000 range. Opinions?

 

Sorry, one is silver, box stock, actually has road tires, not aggressive at all. They are a dime a dozen. The other one has a leveling kit, kind of a sky blue and chrome wheels with new tires.

 

What year on the blue one?

 

Blue one is an 06...And there's a sort of head gasket issue on those years?
I just checked Toyota.com with the VIN's. The rear spring issue is open on the blue one, but nothing on the frame matter. The silver one has the frame and spring issue both open.

 

Congrats but more info is better,

 

Haven't bought anything yet. What kind of information would be better? These vehicles are fairly much the same aren't they? I'm not sure about leveling blocks under springs and on top of front springs. But I come from the Jeep world, so coil springs all around. I'm open to enlightenment as to what type of information is missing. Not being sarcastic, just trying to get a sense of what I need to post.

 

What is your location? That can help on pricing. I got my 06 with 60k on it in Hawaii with one owner for $15k. Keep looking.

 

Wow, good price for that mileage. I'm in South Carolina. Pricing isn't as bad as on the West coast from what I understand.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/posts/17005282/

Id just buy @scrantonscrambler 's truck

 

I got a '14 TRD Sport with all the options... 45 k miles, roof rack, nerf bars, and katzkin leather seats. All else is bone stock and ain't been modified.

Mobil 1 every 5 k, differentials and transfer case oil changed at 25k, and new plugs at 30k. Garaged in Socal... when I do sell this bitch, somebody is gonna get a great truck. I need a bigger one.

 

Year's on both
Maintenance histories on both
Rust or frameswaps on either
Interior on both
Etc...

Examples...

My 03 with 150k was better cosmetically and mechanically than some 10ys older.

Also, I looked at a 2015 w 25k miles that was trashed inside and drove like it had been wrecked and repaired despite a clean carfax Whereas, the 2014 I bought with 45k miles was less Money but was like new and had every record and no accidents. So the more you learn and can share the better opinions you'll receive.

 

Nice truck, but I'm looking for a crewcab. The '14 is going to be too much money. Thank you!
Thanks for the help, Dangermoney, appreciated.

 

If the condition of both were the same and I were to have to choose I'g go with the newest one. Granted it's not a TRD but you'll probably end up altering it anyway seeing how you've found your way onto TW. The '06 evidently had issues with head gaskets. Both have frame rust issues. Check the frame on any very closely especially near the catalytic converters.

 

If you go with the repainted truck, make sure you open ever single door and the hood and tailgate. See if it was a quality repaint job. Also you need to have the EXACT color code given to you. You will need it if you need any repairs in the future. Also check that your insurance company will cover the custom color with your regular policy.

Plan to completely replace the suspension on that truck. Blocks aren't safe and they destroy the ride of the truck. So I would make sure you have it in the budget to replace that suspension.

Also... what FJ Color is it!?! If it's some ugly ass blue or green don't get it. If it's quicksand, cement, etc. would be bad ass. Pictures would be nice

 

Uhh, that is an opinion. Blocks aren't preferred for off-roading but to claim they are unsafe is a stretch. If true, please cite evidence.

 

Blocks under the frame increase the chances that the frame comes apart from the body in an accident.

 

Op posted leveling blocks. They go on the suspension.

 

I've got an extra buck. Please send me a dozen, you can keep the change for your next purchase.

Unmolested, lower miles, same price-ish?

Winner.

 

Spacers are placed above the front coilover. Blocks go on the frame.

Perhaps the OP was told incorrectly by the owner and he is running a spacer lift (I would still replace it). The truck is old enough where it's due for some new struts anyhow.