Looked at a 2004 Tacoma SR5 xtracab v6 w/ TRD

All,

Just got back from my mechanic who looked over what looked like a pristine 2004 Tacoma SR5 Xtracab with a V6 Automatic 4x4 w/ TRD off road package. Truck looked absolutely fabulous from the outside. Paint excellent, clean inside and out only 65,000 miles. I own a 2004 Tundra and this was gonna be for my son. Price was great, girl wanted to get rid of the truck because she was tired of climbing in...it was lifted 4" and had an aftermarket exhaust installed.

Upon 1st looks Mechanic loved the truck. Just looking through wheel wells he mentioned that it looks like the lift was done correctly. Well he took it for a test drive and put it up on the lift for his inspection...thats when all hell broke loose.

Head Gasket leaking, O2 sensor on right hand side of exhaust lost the bolts that hold it in place, Timing belt, hoses and water pump needed replaced etc. But the biggest issue was when he pulled off the front skid plate and saw that the cross member of the frame had been cut to lower the drive shaft just under the engine. He stated he wouldn't pass this on its next inspection. If this is traded in to a dealer he said it would go right to auction, even though it looks great.

Does anyone know why this was done?

Let me tell you, the $50 I spent to have him give a good once over of the truck was worth its weight in gold.