2005 Tacoma value questions

So I loved my truck. But some asshole murdered her.

Brought my baby in for an inspection, and said hey! why not get an oil-change. They ended up giving her back to me... but forgot to put oil in her. So I drove to work... 25-miles... and the Check Engine light came on. My heart sunk. I towed her to the dealer and they confirmed the Engine and Transmission died.

I spent the last two-years suing the crap out of the Valvoline owner... and I FINALLY won. But as much as it pains me, I don't have the time to put in bringing her back (and I've replaced her). So the thing is - I have no idea what she's worth and I thought I'd ping the sages of this illustrious forum for thoughts, because I'd love to sell her to someone that would take her on as a project rather than bring her to a scrapyard.

So 2005 Tacoma DLX - Extended Cab/Bed.

No engine/trans. Some mild cosmetic wear (couple of hail dings on the hood), probably could use a paint job. I've included pics. Any idea what she'd be worth?

 

Do you have the time and money to have the engine replaced or rebuilt? It might be more cost effective to have that done and sell it.
I am guessing you would have to sell it for salvage price in its current condition.
Just a question, why would the tranny have died if only the engine didn't have oil put in?

 

Looks to be in good shape despite sitting for the past two years.

But honestly I would Part out and then take it to a junkyard. I don't think many people would be willing to buy a 2005 truck as a project car.

 

I don't have the money to have it replaced. The money from the lawsuit is already spoken for - tuition for kid. The tranny died because according to the Master Mechanic at Toyota debris from the engine got into the transmission and damaged it as well.

 

HTF could they not put the fresh oil back in ?

Fuggin' idiots.........

sorry for your loss......that sucks

 

Yeah it's in fine condition outside the engine and trans. Unfortunately I don't have the time to piecemeal part it out. Life is hella-busy for me right now (trying to start my own business while working my butt off at an insanely stressful dayjob among other things). I've had three inquiries about it and I literally have had no idea what to ask. Hence I'm here now asking you guys, because you're all probably a lot more informed than me, heh.

 

Dude... if you only knew the *****fury***** this situation has engendered in me... Worse, the fact they lied and lied about it and dragged this out in court. Before the Judge said "Okay I've heard enough." The doubly-sad part was when this went down, the dealership had an engine and transmission for me and offered to do it parts and labor for $5k (yeah I know that's a lot) but the Valvoline guy told me to F-off.

The settlement was *far* higher. All I wanted was for him to do right by me... and instead here I am.

 

Put it up for sale on Craigslist,and see what happens.

 

Look in local AutoTrader listings for trucks of similar year and similar body condition. Get a few quotes from local shops to swap in a used engine parts & labor. Subtract the two figures.

Don't go to the "master mechanic" who told you the engine debris killed the transmission - that's straight BS.

 

Well that master mechanic won me my case. So I'm not gonna complain, heh. But this a good suggestion tho! thanks!

 

Yes. That light came on too. Thanks for the input.

 

So, you drove it for 25 miles with the oil light on and you didn't think that could be an issue?

 

Welcome to TW.
Put it up for sale here?...
$1000-
What state are you in?

 

Search the Copart and other salvage auctions to see what crashed Tacomas go for. It might give you a sense of what it might be worth. There was a recent thread where a “repairable”, front end crashed early 2nd Gen went for over $7000.

Also, you should check to see what a complete ‘05 with a newer drive train would go for (Newer as in ‘07 or higher with the revised head gasket design). You might be surprised that if you made that investment, it could bolster the tuition fund even further.

Good luck!!

 

I'm so mad right now hearing this kinda thing!!

I feel for ya man.. But I'm really glad to hear that you won though

 

Since Tacoma's hold their value so well !!!

This is definitely something worth the OP looking into!!!

 

Put it up for sale, people buy those up that have junkyard connections and put used engines in them. It may be worth more than you think.
put on Ebay, etc. with a reserve, see where the bids go.
Used engines here are about $2000 to $2500

It is impossible for engine oil debris to get into the transmission as far as I know.

 

You got "lucky". That master mechanic would not have survived cross examination if the opposing side had real experts. But this wasn't a murder trial or patent infringement suit with $500 million on the line

This. A good lawyer would've also highlighted contributory negligence on @tenbones ' part for driving 25 miles with the warning light on. There are a few documented cases here on TW where the dealer forgot to put in oil, that did not result in apparent engine damage, because the driver pulled over and shut the engine off right away.

 

Does the oil warning light come on immediately or can that take some time?