Buy or pass?

2002 4door TRD V6

235k miles

Pros:
Frame replaced.
Engine strong
4wd works
TRD loaded

Cons:
Drivetrain rattles
Evap codes
Cat code
AC leak
Seats ripped
Carfax says mileage incorrect

Seller wants $7500
I offered $5000 and he rejected.

 

Do you live in a state where you have to pass smog / inspection without any of those codes? With the cat and evap, they could be related and would need some digging to get a good idea on a repair estimate. Price isn't too bad otherwise imo, but I'm in California where 1st gen tacos still are spendy.

 

Would the seller be willing to meet at a shop where they can do a smoke test for the evap system?

 

We did drive to his brothers shop who is a mechanic. Seller seems honest. They showed me the codes and he mentioned he would have to do the smoke test for $160 and he was unable to do it when I was there. He said it was the gas cap and that the check engine light went away when he changed the cap. But then he lost the new cap and used the old one again which is causing the code. IDK the only thing that seemed fishy was that the cap was still attached to the plastic thing attached to the truck still.

 

That's weird, I'd ask to see that happen in action at the bare minumum. I did have an evap code on my '01 that was solved by a new gas cap to be fair. In my state, the seller is responsible for it to pass smog, and provide a smog certificate upon sale. Got a friend into some almost legal trouble recently until he bought the car back, but ymmv.

 

That's a crazy asking price considering the mileage, issues and trouble codes. If he wants that price, he needs to bite the bullet and get it fixed before listing it.

 

Pass. You're at least that price into it again to fix all those issues. And more notably, a replaced frame doesn't mean the new frame is in good shape. A lot of those replaced frames are as old as the originals.

 

I got under the truck and looked hard at the frame. I stuck my finger inside and didn’t feel any rust. I went up and down the truck. The frame was solid and coated.

 

did I miss location? I'd be interested at $7K. More pictures would help, how bad is the interior?

 

If you need to ask pass on this one.

It will always be in the back of your mind something was wrong that made you question.

 

If you buy it, you'll find more issues. Never fails.