Good Deal?? 2004 Tacoma- $15K

Hello everyone I am new to the site and have been in the market to find a 1st generation Tacoma. Recently I found a 2004 SR5 4x4 5spd V6 with 63,xxx miles for $15,000. This particular vehicle was a trade in at a local ford dealership and comes with a 90 day limited warranty. The body and interior are in great condition and the mechanics seem to be sound. Just wanted to run this by everyone and hear what people have to say about the price. Good deal? or to much $$? Thanks in advance.

 

Looks like pretty good deal to me. Low mileage trucks bring a premium.

 

Check the frame for rust holes where the rear springs attach.
Make sure it is stock suspension, not lifted.
If this stuff checks out, go for it.

 

Why not lifted??? Just wondering what's wrong if it is lifted as long is a quality lift.

 

Lifted or other mods that indicate it was wheeled also indicates stuff may be prematurely worn. No matter the quality of lift it prematurely wears components.

 

For a 10 year old truck? Dammm

 

Thanks so much for the quick replies. Are there any other areas that I should check before proceeding with the purchase?

 

Wrong! 99% of all lifted trucks never leave asphalt. Just drive down any major street and see how many "show" trucks you drive by. Most people lift for aesthetics and nothing else.

 

For comparison my buddy picked up a 2004 limited 4x4 with 120k two years ago (8 years old). The guy does sales so he drove all over CA for work so it never left the pavement for $10k

 

It's a good deal RELATIVE to what 1st gen Tacoma's are going for. But like others have said, it is a 10 year old truck...

 

Nice find.... BTW

Pictures would help. Ones perception usually is determine within seconds of laying eyes on it.

Some return them to stock before selling/trading, fresh marks on the bolt heads could be a tale-tell sign.

Check out the undercarriage for any signs of abusive handling. I would pay close attention to rust or know issues with that year model . Pre-mature worn out suspension, I guess if your an expert .

Its 10yrs old, I'd want to replace the suspension regards sooner than later. If it's been off road a lot, an visual inspection shows a whole lot. Change a few bushings, shocks and do some preventative maintenance as needed and your good to go.

After all it's a Toyota, the longevity risk is on your side.... GLWYD

Regards .... 8sm

 

Lifting an IFS puts extra stress on the driveline, particularly the CV axles, regardless of leaving the pavement or not. More prevalent on the 2nd Gens is the wear on the carrier bearing.

If it is lifted, check the condition of the CV boots up front and the rubber on the carrier bearing in the rear. Also, check the LBJs to see if they are spitting grease.

 

This^^^^^

 

Tell him you'll take it for $13500

 

I don't know if it's that great of a deal. I just sold my 2008 Sport access cab for 16k private party. I'd suggest looking at other local markets before you bite the bullet. NH/NY are pretty close, with the same road salt, check out the region first!

Greg

 

I paid nearly that for a 2002 a few years ago with 35K mi. Nothing right or wrong about the price but where did this truck grow up? If in NY then it was exposed to road salt and there could be significant rust underneath. I have replaced several items on mine including the entire rear assembly, all the drives shafts and the gas tank; not cheap. So 15 k might be just the start if you are looking to keep the truck for the long haul.

That said, these are simple trucks mechanically, parts are easily available and if you are handy with a wrench, much of the work can be done yourself. Once squared away, they are exceptionally reliable vehicles that will do all the work you ask of them and come back asking for more.

The high resale prices reflect the demand and there is no reason to expect that demand to diminish over time.

 

The truck is from NY? I would call toyota customer care first and verify it was inspected and has the 15 year frame rust warranty prior to spending a dollar. Secondly, if the frame warranty is good to go, tell the dealer you want it looked at by a Toyota dealer prior to purchase. Have a tech with the rust issue check the truck out. If that clears then buy the truck.

 

i bought my 04' 2 months ago with 53k on it. dealer wanted 14,500 i got him down to 13,000. i would try to get him down a lil. but you better jump on t while you can. that truck with low miles will be sold in a matter of days.. Goodluck!

 

The truck started life out in Minnesota and was then brought to New York at the end of 2006. I went back to the dealership today and was able to get underneath the Tacoma and really checked things out. The frame had very little rust from what I could see. There where a few areas which had surface rust but nothing to serious. The large bracket which holds the gas tank was very rusted and needs to be replaced. Besides from the gas tank bracket all the other components looked solid.

Also would the 15yr frame rust warranty show up by using toyotas safety recall site? I used the trucks vin# and it came back with zero recalls on the vehicle.

 

I work for Toyota. That truck should have been inspected for rust and sprayed and the spare tire carrier should have been inspected for rust and replaced if it's rusty. I just lost my 99 tacoma to frame rot and Toyota bought it back. The only problem with the 2000-2004 Toyota isn't buying them back or doing the frames on them anymore so make sure ur extra thorough with the frame inspection other wise you'll be screwed!!