Would you buy a high mileage 2002 DC SR5 TRD with 220k miles?

This 2002 double cab TRD off-road is in California, one owner, 220k freeway miles, priced a bit below KBB. I've done some searching and have read that the pre-2001 Tacos can last forever but haven't seen the same said for the 2002 models. This truck would be a second car and would be used mainly for trips up the mountain (not a daily driver).

Assuming the seller has followed the factory maintenance schedule, what large-dollar repairs should I expect between 220k-300k?

Would you experienced owners have reservations buying such a high mileage vehicle?

 

First things first, as you mentioned, check the org owners maintenance history log/ receipts. Check for timing belt & possibly water pump replacement (should have had two by now if done every 90-100k). Check the trans fluid and function- test drive and check for any slippage in trans. Complete engine/ undercarriage inspection to check for any oil, trans, coolant, power steering leaks (or even seaps, at that mileage).

Shortly after I purchased my taco (luckily, with only 48k) I noticed a 2002 double cab v6 that had 200k on the odometer, but was extremely clean- I wouldn't have hesitated to purchase it if I hadn't already obtained mine.

I would think twice if there are any signs of transmission abuse or damage (or even heavy towing). Main thing just use your common sense and be very thorough with your inspection.

Good luck!

 

FWIW, I bought a 02' DC 5 months ago and had the transmission rebuilt 2 months later for $2800. It had 172,000+ on the clock and the previous owner claimed it was all freeway miles.

The overdrive cluster chewed itself up. The fella that overhauled my tranny said it was a common problem with the 340F tranny. Apparently the front bearing is the weak link.

With that said, it's buyer beware with any used vehicle, especially one with high mileage.

The symptoms mine had were at the first start of the day when the tranny fluid was cold. You'd start the engine and it hadn't warmed up yet and was at high idle, you select drive and when it shifted, it was as though you were off to the races and almost put your head into the back seat. When the tranny was good and warm it was fine.

Now that mine has been rebuilt, I love it! But I was on borrowed time. If you decide to buy it, don't be surprised to put some money into it. You may be buying someone else's problems. I did and it cost me. Good luck, I hope this has been helpful.

This was a California truck. At least the roads aren't salted here so no rust issues with the frame.

 

Hawaiian05 and Tinmann, thanks so much for the replies. I will keep this in mind as I embark on my search.

 

Hey Gadget, I'd like to chime in with my (learning) experience with my 99 4x4 SR5 Xtracab:

Bought it from a (short-term) 2nd owner who knew the orig owner for all the vehicle's life. All original, 104K on the clock, and long story short: original owner was an old dude who bought it new and just DROVE it, (I found out along the way after I bought it) performing almost no maintenance whatsoever. Yes, low miles, but this dude used it for his "fishing truck" and just drove it into the ground. I SHOULD HAVE done more research and looked at it a LOT harder when I drove the four hours to go see it ($7700 was way less than everyone else in my area was asking...for a reason, it turned out), but it ran well, had low miles, no rust, and was in my price range.

The big gigantic issue I ran into first was that the engine was horribly sludged and burned oil like it ran on it. I took it in to get the "power flush" and they took photos when they removed the valve covers--I was horrified and embarrassed. Afterward, it ran about 50% better. When I replaced the timing belt, tensioner pulley, water pump/thermostat, and all belts and hoses, it ran 100% better! After those two big things were taken care of everything else has been little fixits here and there but nothing major. I replaced the ORIGINAL suspension recently with OME suspension all around and that has been another gigantic improvement!

I guess what I'm saying is: be prepared to spend--how much depends on your detective work prior to the purchase. This truck has done a yeoman's duty for me, and I love it, especially considering what I was asking it to do right off the bat (3hr round-trip commute almost every day for the better part of a year!), but I could have been a bit more patient in my search and might have even saved myself some (read that: a LOT of) ass-pain. In the end, though, I've learned a LOT along the way (thanks, TacomaWorld!) and know without a doubt that the parts used were top notch and the work was done right (if not the first then the second or third time!) because I did it myself.

Very satisfying. And that 3.4L engine is damn near bulletproof.

Hope this helps, please keep us posted!

 

If it is only a bit below KBB then I would keep looking unless if you have done a thorough look over and it suits your needs (i.e. you drive low miles or just need a truck at times). I know these are hard to find; I searched across many states and finally found one at a decent price, albeit had some fender bender damage at one time. Like others have said, be prepared to spend some money with that many miles. These transmissions and engines have been known to go out below 100K miles at times, as well as lasting beyond 300K miles. You just never know what you are getting. Just don't spend every penny that you have on it...

Just my $0.02.

 

Hey guys I am bumping this thread because I am also looking at buying a 2004 Double Cab 4x4 TRD with 199k miles. The person selling it is the original owner and has a binder full of maintenance records. It has always been a Texas truck so I don't have to worry about rust but the body of the truck is not in the best shape. There is a dent in the rear bumper on the driver side and it looks like it needs a new grille, head lights, and hood with grille inserts under the head lights need to be repainted. The truck bluebooks for $10k in fair condition but they said they would take $9 for the truck. It seems like double cabs have consistently gone up in price each year and now it seems impossible to find a good deal or one with low miles for a decent price. Let me know what you guys think if I should go for it or pass. Here are some pictures of the truck.

 

How much is the asking for it with 220K miles? I am the original owner of a 2004 Tacoma with 243,600k miles and it runs great but at this mileage you will begining to replace a lot of things like shocks,02 sensors,exhaust systems and maybe starters,universal joints Depending on how well the previous owner took care of the general maintainence would be a big factor. If the person has all oil changes and regular repair work documented I personally wouldn't go any higher than $6000-$6500(that's with maintainence documentation). For use as a second vehicle for be a perfect buy in my opinion and you could do any maintainence issues yourself and save quite a lot of money.

 

That part of the thread is old. I was asking about the 199k miles tacoma that I am looking. I highly doubt you will every find a double cab tacoma for $6500 let alone a 4x4. I see ext cabs with 350k miles that they people are still asking $7500 and up.

 

asking $7500?(but will they get it) good luck with that

 

Don't get me wrong I agree with you that these trucks are fetching crazy numbers but thats one thing you have to consider when buying a tacoma.

 

jup that's why im keeping my 2004 with 243K and fixing any issues that I can myself with it,they are great trucks but the prices for new or used ones are insane.