Is this a good buy?

I went and saw it in person. There was no rust, a few small dents and scratches. The power was all there. Only thing I see wrong is the miles. What do you think?

 

I just traded in my 2002 tacoma. Rear backing plates corroded heavily and parking brake mechanisms notoriously stick.
Toyota recall changed out frame and rear leaf springs due to rust.
I live in Pittsburgh, PA. Winter road salt.

 

So the mileage isn’t the concern?

 

These trucks can easily last 500k+. Of course that's if it is properly maintained. I would set up an appointment to take it to an independent mechanic and have them check it out, and do a compression test, etc... Best $200 you can spend (might even be less than that...).

If seller is unwilling to do that, walk away.

 

Did you crawl under it and get a close look at the frame? I'd be way more concerned about that than the mileage.

As stated a pre purchase inspection costs a little bit but can save you a ton compared to the cost of repairs that happen after buying a lemon. Ask me how I know

 

Of course the mileage is a concern. Your happiness is going to depend on the maintenance the truck received throughout it’s life and how much you’re willing to commit to the ongoing care and feeding. Yes, 1st gens are over engineered and tough little trucks (that’s why this one is for sale rather than “on display” at a salvage yard) but they aren’t magic or bulletproof. Like Wulf said, spend a little up front to have it thoroughly gone-over so you have a better idea what you’re getting into.

 

Yeah I went got up under the truck and checked it out. No sign of rust or anything bad. And where would I go for a inspection?

 

Hard to tell from the pics but is it different shades of Silver?

 

No it’s all the same. It’s probably just the photo

 

Looks good to me. Did you drive it?

 

Yeah super smooth and straight

 

Then whatcha need us for

 

I was just was curious what other people thought about the price and miles for the model

 

We aint Aladdin.

Now go buy it *assuming the frame is as good as you say.

 

Is there a mechanic that you trust? Most shops do pre-purchase inspections.

 

I’ll call around and see. It’s just not in my part of town

 

Offer $5000 if you really want it. But it is personal preference if that’s worth it to you. What are your plans for the truck, daily, off road toy, or both? As a daily it’s not worth it for me. If it was just a weekend vehicle then maybe.

 

I wanted to start an overland/ off road build (nothing hard core more for weekend)

 

v6? 5-speed? Whereabouts has it spent those 300K miles?

 

This.

The main unknown is the motor/tranny. As long as the motor and tranny have been taken care of, you should be good to go. All the other high mileage stuff (anything that moves related to steering/suspension) is going to need replacing anyway, and that's all relatively easy to DIY.