To buy or not to buy.... the price is the question

https://nh.craigslist.org/ctd/d/goffstown-2002-toyota-tacoma-extra-cab/6951101299.html

What do y’all think is an appropriate offer for me to stick out there for this? Thanks!

 

Another: https://nh.craigslist.org/ctd/d/manchester-2003-toyota-tacoma-xtra-cab/6946663623.html

 

8K for a 1st gen with a new frame and only 123K on it AND 4WD sounds like a pretty good deal to me. I'd take it for a test drive and if it checks out I'd buy it before it's gone...JMHO

 

It looks like it has a serious leaning problem. Might be the pictures, but something doesn't seem right.

 

This exactly... its too cheap somethings not quite right with it

 

I thought this same thing from the first ad as well, I’ll steer clear there, that second one though... got me thinking

 

They’re both 4cyl. I’d say they’re too expensive but that’s me.

 

Zzz.....

 

Definitely check it out. Just because it has a new frame doesn't mean there aren't other rusty bits in there. Get under it and check it out. Also, having the frame done through the warranty doesn't mean it's not rusty again. All Toyota does is put another identical frame in there - the same frame that rusted out in the first place... If the replacement was done recently you got a good chance it is still okay, but you NEED to make sure it's still good, and then read up on how to keep it good (fluid film, POR15 all that crap). Or just move to AZ or CA, lol

Having a clean carfax just means nothing was reported to carfax. so that's not a great indicator... Get the "nice service records" they mention and assume NOTHING else was done to it.

If you can, as with any used vehicle, get set up with an independent mechanic and have them check out *at least* the motor.

If that all checks out, $8k is a more than a fair price.

 

When replacing frames, toyota just puts the same type of rust prone frame back. SO you still have to inspect the frame carefully whenbuying a tacoma with a replaced frame

the first one has had its frame painted over. The factory paint is not glossy, then look at the overspray on the leaf spings on the last picture.... and the rust peeking through the paint already

If you do check it out, take a very good look at the frame, especially where the leaf springs attach to the frame, right behind the cab. That's the worst area for rust on these frames. And if you can, bang on the frame with a hammer. But 8k for a truck with a rusty frame and potential rust issues is too much

 

I think it's a fair price (but what do I know?).

That being said, add another 1000.00 to fix other things and If that sounds good, pull the trigger.

Rust states take their toll. My 2004 PreRunner has a new frame with UPC sticker and "heavy lift" sticker still on it. It had a bad carrier bearing, mediocre (at best) paint, two bad rear wheel bearings, both front skid plates were rusted through, the steering bushings were bad and the rims and tires were very bad.

I paid a little over 7000 grand and fixed the rest for about a grand. Still needs misc. smart parts

What sold me was that the compression across the cylinders was pretty even and well within spec. The transmission was also serviced twice for fluid change (but no flush) and the previous owner changed the brake fluid twice as well because he towed a boat pretty regularly.

I'd buy it if I didn't already have a 2003 and a 2004 Prerunner

Mark

 

They are both the same truck. Side profile shows the same mixed matched front and rear tires. Different fronts and rears, same brand for each rear as the other and same for front.

 

^^ This ^^

 

About 7k for an 02 extended cab. But 2.7 with an auto... nope.

 

Oh snap! Yep, nice catch.

Rear bumper even has the same offset, too (passenger side is lower). Same floor mats, too.

They seem to be getting more sophisticated with their fake adds. They used to just copy/paste pics, but none of the pics in these 2 adds are the same, but it's pretty clear they're the same truck.

 

I don't know if I'd call it a scam. Seems like it could be a used car lot and some other person took it out to list it on CL with his contract info to steal the sell or to grab and edge meanwhile someone else listed it on CL for the dealership also.

Most the CL scams would list this care for $1600.

 

That's pretty much the textbook definition of a scam...

 

It's fairly common with used car lots. You call "jeff" and the call is answered by a salesman. Thru do it to get people who intentionally dont search dealers

 

Those are advertised as two different years tho. Could be a typo, but you have to enter the year in at least 2 different places, all with the different year. Just. Seems. fishy.

 

I doubt this is a new frame, most likely repaired (cut and welded). I do not see that weld on my frame: