Hi from N. CA - Looking for a Tacoma; Buying advice?

Hi everyone, I'm from the San Francisco Bay Area. I'm interested in getting a Tacoma - 2001-05' ext. cab, prerunner.

In addition to introducing myself (my name is David btw) I was hoping y'all could give me some pointers for what to look out for when buying a truck. I plan to buy something pre-owned from a private seller, perhaps from a dealer if I can find a good deal.

My budget is $7000 max. I know it is unlikely I'll find new models for this price but sometimes the internet contains deals - that or someone is scamming.

Besides being beware of salvage titles or obvious body or part damage, what else should I look out for? - What is a fair used millage - for something 2001 or newer?

I currently drive an old mazda 626 with manual transmission and I'm pretty much tired of manual transmission so I'm looking for an automatic.

Thanks!
- David

 

Welcome from the East Bay.

$7k might be a hard for a 2001+ model. The resale on these bad boys are pretty good.

Have you tried Craigslist?

 

10k miles a year would be great, you can always have a Toyota dealer inspect a truck you find.

 

Whats up MJon

 

$7k will be tough to work with on most tacoma's. Why not go to a dealer and use that as your down payment and pick up a 2nd gen, or even find a 1st gen somewhere.

 

x2
$7000 is a little low.
I just bought my 2003 from a dealer in the bay area for $13k.
I would just keep checking craigslist to see if any good deals come up.


You might be able to get closer to $7000 with a 4cyl, and no 4x4.

 

haha sup mjohn

 

Since we have all norcal up in here....www.norcaltoyotas.com...

 

Yeah 7000 is a little low for a 01+ in this area your going to find these trucks go way over blue book. You might want to look more into the 90's models 95 to 99 you should be able to find one in pretty good shape for under 7000.

 

very sly haha

 

awesome gif in your sig


I have tried/looked on craigslist yes, I've seen a few good deals but I actually don't have the money yet - waiting on a settlement (I was hit by a car back in Oct.) once that comes, I'll actually respond to ads but I've seen a few 01' Prerunners for $7600, thinking I could get them to $7000.

Thanks for the info everyone.

 

Eeek hit by car?

Good luck on the truck search. If you stay on TW long enough, you'll wish you had more than $7k to get all the additions and mods lol

 

X...I dont even know what number

 

it sounds worse than it was - was on my bike, douche in a car took me out. Was lucky I didn't get real messed up.

Ha, well I just need a good truck to drive/use for work here and there - nothing heavy duty, just transport of paint/my tools. My friend has a 98' ext cab Tacoma with shell which is what I'm after - newer than a 98' though, not looking for anything spiffy or modded.