Might buy a 2005 Tacoma in a few hours... need advice.

Does this seem like a good deal?

It's a 2005, and here is the ad directly from facebook marketplace.

"New frame (Toyota recall,) new Cooper tires. Four doors, 4 wheel drive automatic transmission. Short bed, ARE cap. One owner. 182,000 miles"

Anything else I should be weary of? They stated clear coat was gone from hood but other than that paint is okay.

Asking price is $7995 and they said they are open to negotiation. I was thinking of trying to get it around $7500, would that be a good deal for this rig? (PS. I don't necessarily need the cap and would probably sell it separate after buying, which would result in an even better ultimate buy price).

Let me know if you have any suggestions or feedback, or things to look out for!

 

Yo that's a hella good deal. Just do your due diligence as with any car purchase.

Some 2005s had head gasket issues but far from most

Where is it located?

 

Get the car fax and test drive it. If all checks out I'd buy it for that price. Be aware though that it will need ball joints, u joints, next sooner rather than later tho due to the age BUT dont let that stop you! The parts and jobs are easy and cheap to do!

 

It's in southern ohio. I'm in northern kentucky about 20 minutes away. We get some salt here but not as much as like up in the northeast or michigan for example. But the frame is new so that's very reasuuring.

 

Yup. Head gaskets, motor mounts, and frame as I recall..

Seems like a really good deal. Im assuming you checked/ will check everything on the underside for rust?

 

Buy that jank. I see you have a 2wd prerunner now, you will love going to a 4wd

 

I asked him and he said it has never overheated. Should there have been a recall taken care of for the head gasket?

 

No. But with 180k miles it would have already happened

Don't overthink it

 

It looks clean. If you don’t make a deal, someone else will.

 

Oh I know it. I messaged them 6 minutes after it was posted. They are waiting to meet until they are off work at 6 ET.

 

For that price, I'd take a risk on the head gaskets. I'd say go a little lower and go from there. I'd offer $6,500.00

 

Prior posts pretty much nailed it.
2 cautions.

1. Call Toyota with VIN and ask them what was done. Brake lines and rear springs were often done, but know for sure.

2. Not all parts were swapped in the deal. I had the frame replacement and yet the muffler, rear cross sill, trailer hitch, rear wheel well supports, & UCAs were rusted through. Frame replacement is great, but not perfect. Just be aware. I have threads on replacing several of them.

 

I don't want to offend though. The KBB in my zip code is $9745 for this trim and spec but they don't seem to be aware of that at all. Maybe start at $6800 and end up at $7000?

 

You couldn't touch that truck here for under 12g. Just check it out really well. If they have service history even better

 

I'll be sure to crawl under it and check everything out. If brake lines and springs haven't been replaced can I still get that replaced or has the window closed?

 

Pretty sure 2005 window is closed. Rear end of vehicle takes the brunt of salt. Drop spare tire and look around.

 

Sounds good to me. Doesn't hurt to ask.

 

Who care about offending them, its your money. Offer 6k and let them counter offer or not. Bottom line is I wouldn't pay the asking price if it was me.

 

Offer $300ish less, say its to cover registration fees. Headgasket was an issue in 2005 but if it hasn't happened at 180k miles you should be good.

Just make sure you have a very good luck under everything and check the CarFax! I'd take it - Good deal to me, even at asking price

 

You will know what to do and what to offer after you see it.