Potential Buy?

This is the truck I’m looking at. Definitely big decider is that it’s within 45 minute drive from me.

Haven’t taken a look at it yet, but the timing belt was done at about 95k miles. So it’s due for a replacement soon.
A lot of replacements were done around then as well.

I’ve been looking for Tacoma’s for a couple of years now, and the waiting is killing me.

I don’t think i can talk him down, so is it worth it?

 

Its not a bad deal, but not a steal. I think blue book on these are around 6500.

 

i paid 11k for a 2003 double cab prerunner v6 with a cap and 170k miles. the truck you posted seems like a good price to me. no one sells tacoma's at blue book.

 

I get that Tacoma’s never sell blue book, but it’s a major service that needs to be done. Only reason I’m hesitant.

Unless, are the timing belts on 1st Gen Tacoma’s easy to do yourself? I’m used to my car’s interference timing belt which is incredibly hard to do in your driveway.

 

perhaps if he had some new wheel center caps put onto it (as well as timing belt already mentioned)

NADA values range for this depending on options equipped with and condition

KBB is BS (did i just say that,whoops!)

https://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/2000/Toyota/Tacoma-Pickup-4-Cyl-5-Spd/Limited-X-Cab-4WD-V6/Values

https://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/2000/Toyota/Tacoma-Pickup-4-Cyl-5-Spd/Base-X-Cab-4WD-V6/Values
i did not check each option available, these are just examples for price range using this method that most insurers use (i think?)


perhaps the topper shell adds value

 

Is it worth $8600? To me, hell no. Would I ever pay 11k for a 2003 2wd with 170k? Absolutely not. But if that’s what you are looking for and are willing to drop $8600 on the truck then yes, to you, it’s worth it. Will it last another 100,000 miles, possibly. Will it cost more in maintenance then it’s worht over the next few years, possibly. But if you see $8600 in value in that truck then to you, yes it’s worth it.

 

I'd go look at it and look through the pile of receipts to make sure the work was done at a competent shop. Pull the dipstick and see what the oil looks like. Ask if the lower ball joints have been done. If not plan on $250 and a half day's work to do that. Timmy the Toolman has a very thorough video on YouTube on the timing belt. Can be done in the driveway. Headlights could be shined up with a $40 kit and an hour of your time. New tires is an expense you won't have for the next 3-4 years depending what you do with it. For sure it will be worth it to someone. Might as well be you.

 

KBB and NADA are used at dealers for what’s value is lower on trade..

That’s a $2,000 shell on a truck that has seen way better days if it adds that much value. At least the clutch/flywheel have been changed recently, that’s a job in itself, too.

Aptos is coastal, so I’d definitely be taking an in depth look at the frame.. and stopping at Aptos BBQ while you’re there.

 

Doesn’t sound like a bad deal to me. Maintained these first gens will last you 300k easily.

How much are other Tacoma’s going for in your area?

 

For sure check the frame. I went to look at a low mileage 2003 "Texas truck" this weekend. Wasn't expecting rust but it must have spent a lot of time at the beach, possibly in the surf.

 

how sensitive to the elements are these frames from 2000 and up?

 

are the timing belts on 1st Gen Tacoma’s easy to do yourself?

There's a "timmy the toolman" channel on youtube where a couple of
totally competent guys have a video on just about every service operation
you might ever need to do on 1st gen Tacomas and mostly equivalent
3rd gen 4runners... you could look at the timing belt one and have a
good idea of whether or not you'd want to do it yourself...

-Mike

 

No. MOST sell at blue book. That's exactly what book value is. It's a summary of actual sales. Kbb and nada dont decide what a vehicle is worth, they just compile information for you.

 

Taco frames are totally rusty proof. There's thousands of threads on this forum alone. Just CV page after page of "wow these things NEVER rust!"

 

have you surveyed all and become master of this issue?

 

Easy? That depends on your level of skill.

There are many write-ups on how to do it. It's not that bad. Only "special" tool you need is a crank pulley tool, and there's a sticky on how to DIY one. That and a torque wrench that goes to 210+ ft-lbs.

I was able to replace my timing belt in my driveway over a weekend and have it ready to drive to work on Monday. It's definitely cheaper, a shop quoted me $900. I did it for $250-300 in parts. I'm no pro mechanic, but I can turn a wrench.

 

It's not as major of a service as it was on your interference cars were I bet...I haven't done the timing belt yet on my truck but at least we're dealing with non-interference engines in these so if you mess it up, you just have to do it over again. Versus an interference motor where if you mess it up, you're in trouble.

 

timing belt changing party @jbrandt place

 

NO

 

but it would be like the major party event of the year
broadcast all across TW
everybody on a pilgrimage to sunny CA
i can see I-80 from my rooftop already!