Used taco buying questions

I stopped at the Dodge dealership and had a look at a 07 black auto TRD sport DC with 47,000km on it (29,200 miles). They are asking $27K for it. So I only had time to have a quick look and drive, I plan on going back tomorrow and taking more time going over it.

Things that bothered me.
-The rims were fucked. The finish on all of them were bubbling.
-It had been in an accident where it hit the ditch sideways at 13000km. The exterior door panels were replaced. I still have not seen the carfax to know exactly what was done, this is all info from the dealer.
- paint looked like it had some scuffs on it, but probably would buff out.
-windshield was installed wrong and actually moves at the top. Needless to say there is some significant wind noise. He assures me this will get fixed ASAP and would be a condition on the sale. I am sure it will be fixed and couldn't see it being a problem.


I was picturing buying a clean truck that had no accidents but I really like how low the milage is. What do you guys make of an accident like that? Anything to watch out for? Or should I just stay away altogether?

 

Surprised they wouldn't fix it first before selling; on the bright side, at least you know it's already screwed up...I'd personally wait, seems a tad hight to me, but then again I'm paranoid on such things...should be some peeps that can steer you in the right direction...

 

HArd to say since Canadian prices are in the stratosphere....To give some perspective I looked at a local Toyota dealer "Certified" 08 DC Sport TRD 2WD that had been in a wreck, seats were stained badly, Tailgate was dented up and hammered out, Smelled like a smoker. Had Westin Bull bar and tubes, 32K miles. I offered $20K Dealer wanted $22k. THANKFULLY they passed and I walked becasue I ended up buying another 08 with 10K less miles in the better OR TRD package like new condition. Clean Vfax, All verified Toyota service. $1000 After market additions....paid what I budgeted. $20K. Had to travel 100 miles though. Take your time and you will find what you want. As a bonus I got a one year "edition" PreRunner w/TRD OR with the unpainted Fender flares which i prefer.

I would pass as the trade value is gone with all the documented issues. Or offer a couple thousand less and see if they bite. Both my lookers had the same price on them $23995... I actually offered 20K for both and the second dealer ironically with the MUCH better truck bit......

 

move on

 

I paid 28k for a brand new 2011 AC SR5 (which is admittedly a 2.7l 5 speed, but still) less than a month ago. I think the Dodge dealer might be a bit out to lunch...

 

i'd pass on that one.

 

I should have mentioned that I told the guy I couldn't go over 24 and he want blowing me off. All the same I agree with you all and I'm not even going back there. Even though the accident is probably minor I don't want that lingering over the truck in case of a resale in the near future.

Thanks for the advice, I am really anxious to get into a Tacoma but I will wait it out longer, I have a feeling I'll know when its the one.

Just as a reference for prices up here. The Toyota dealership across from this dodge is selling a 07 TRD DC with 85000k "reduced" to $28,000.

 

IMO, the accident repairs should give you bargaining leverage but you have to make yourself comfortable they were done well and not just bondo and bailing wire.

You'll probably never know if they used quality replacement panels, but you can check to see if workmanship was good. Check that seams are aligned, smooth and gaps not excessive. All fasteners in place, support brackets replaced and not just bent back into place, hidden panels and splash shields in place and matching side to side, no overspray, paint color matches and blending is done well with no orange-peeling. I'm sure there are more but those kind of clues to workmanship, if done well, suggest they would also have used quality body panels that won't rust out on you.

Could it be the bubbling finish on the wheels is corrosion going on underneath from scratching all the way through from the accidents?

If you're not comfortable assessing these things yourself and then negotiating a price that lets you do repairs you would like to make it as perfect as you want, then maybe a 'pass' is best.

 

27k is what I paid for my 07 loaded brand new. Run. Far away. Tacos are not a great idea to buy after an accident, they tend to 'crumble' by design.

 

I think you mean 'crumple'? as in crumple zones?

If the accident were bad enough for crumple zones to collapse it'd probably have been totaled and there would be a salvage title disclosure issue... just a thought...

Simple body panel replacements, e.g., fender-benders, are very do-able and leave the truck as good as new. Better, even, if quality CAPA parts and workmanship are evident.

 

$27K is way too much money for a 30K mile 2007. I had the same problem with my wheels. There were refinished under warranty and look like new. Other than that, the 2007 is an outstanding truck.

 

Run now

 

Ditto!!!!