250k miles. 1 owner. Toyota services. $10k. Should I buy it?

2002 Reg Cab with 245k, 1 owner, serviced by a dealership it’s entire life. Asking price: $10k

Frame was replaced in 09. Owner had to repair back left leaf spring mount last year (by the gas tank)

Never bought anything past 150k so I want to know your thoughts.

I’ll do a proper inner frame inspection, not worried about the front end suspension, etc. I’m more curious about motor (which thankfully I am familiar with but would like to get another 100k before I rebuild anything) and transmission! Which I know nothing about.

 

Too much money. That's only got 85k miles for $13k obo. Give him 11 and drove it home.

 

I need a reg cab with 4wd and automatic so it’s kind of rare

 

That’s a tough one. The new frame is the ONLY reason I would even consider this. If it passes your personal standards/expectations then I don’t see why not. Also, if certain things like water pump, alternator…. Are still original, use your need to immediately replace said items to lower cost on top of your starting negotiating price. Best of luck, keep us posted.

 

The truck had the fuel tank and pump replaced along with the radiator, struts, bumpers and entire exhaust system (cat included). So with those major ticket items done, it’s very tempting! But a test drive will tell me if it’s just going to fall a part more or maybe the owner was VERY thorough in repairs

 

I never thought I'd live to see a 20 y/o rig with near 250k that wasn't some vintage collector go for $10k!!

Take it to a good Toyota mechanic and pay to have it gone through.

 

Its either that or pay $14k for a 108k truck with a slew of aftermarket parts and pray the exhaust and fuel system wont be in need of repair anytime soon. Frame was sandblasted last year and coated with rustoleum 2-1. Hence its advantage over all the other rust buckets being sold for $$$. I choose the wrong time to buy a truck

 

And to clarify....that's BEFORE you buy it, then offer accordingly.

I have a pristine condition but misfiring '98 Ranger SuperCab 4x4 with 230k on it. Think I can get $5k?

 

If the new (now 12/13 years old) frame already had to be repaired- RUN.

 

Anddddd, after I mentioned I was bringing my inspection camera, the seller states there are flakes in the chassis so I'm walking away from this one. I highly recommend a $100 inspection camera from Autozone if you haven't already purchased one!

 

It all boils down to who's getting the 'colonoscopy' doesn't it? Him or you?!

 

I would keep checking the TW classifieds.....I see awesome deals there.....

1st Gen Tacomas For Sale (1995-2004) | Tacoma World

 

10k for 250k miles is a pass for me. Toyota or not that motor is getting close to the end of its life.

 

You have to remember that 250,000 miles on a Tacoma engine (especially if a 2.7) is nowhere near as concerning as 250,000 miles on other vehicles. My '96 has has 415,000 trouble-free miles on it and still going strong.

If frame is rust-free, you could get another 10>15 years of good service out of this Tacoma for just a $10,000 mile investment. Or you could purchase say a new 2022 Ford Ranger at approx $40,000 and would most likely get far fewer years service out of it.

 

I agree that the older engines like this one are very reliable and can go for a long time. And you may very well have a 400,000+ miles Tacoma in good running condition. Hard for me to say cause you are just a random person on the internet and I mean no offense by that but I haven’t ever seen one myself. I feel like the seller is someone who does this a lot and probably got this for 5k because that’s closer to what it’s actually worth and now is trying to cash in on a market that right now is just ridiculous.

 

Here's my 415,000 mile Tacoma. It's not all that rare for these early 1St GEN Tacomas to get up into the hundreds of thousands of miles.

 

I’d never thought I’d live to see a brand new tacoma that’s worth 35k go for 50k either lmao. Which boggles my mind. I’ve had more issues with my ‘18 then my ‘99.

Keep that ranger for another 20 years and it might be worth 5k. It can’t be misfiring though!

 

My 2018 just turned 32,000 and has been issue free. Think it will make it to my 9's 415,000 miles?

 

I have a problem with frame being replaced and it rusting soo bad again that the spring hanger had to be replaced again........it has to have some bad internal frame rust init also. Too much money for me !

 

I was at 50k plus and had issues with the front diff. But I also live in the mountains where I frequently need 4wd. Both of them get used pretty good and I can fairly say that the 99’s 4wd system is more reliable considering their age difference and usage.

I think it’ll make it to 400k for sure. How it gets there is the question haha