Buyers Help? 02 4x4 Double Cab

Whats up TW. Looking at getting into a 1st gen double cab and came across this. Craigslist ad is follows.

2002 Toyota Tacoma:

6 cyl, Automatic, with 4wd and locking diff (both work great)

Super clean and runs great, nothing wrong mechanically, very reliable. Clean title. Ice cold a/c. Has black American Racing wheels. Comes with the bed extender. 325k miles.

Obviously the big red flag is the mileage. I have done quite a bit of research on here and know that these trucks will last a lifetime with proper maintenance. I contacted the seller and they said they are the 3rd owner and knew the second owner of the truck since they bought it with 8k miles. Claims that maintenance has been performed regularly. Timing belt/water pump change was done this year. As well as about 2k worth of maintenance work when he bought it to get it dd ready that included master cylinder and booster replacement, tranny service, and fan clutch replacement. Also claims that the mechanic went through the other systems of the truck to make sure it was good to go and that was all that needed replacing.

Other than the mileage it looks like a well maintained rig with no obvious huge dents or blemishes. Anything else I should look for/ask about besides frame rust/carfax/proof of said maintenance work? Other than the obvious looking for leaks and drive to make sure nothing is extremely off that doesn't match up to the description.

Lastly, what do you think it is worth if its clean with all the maintenance being performed as the owner has claimed?

Thanks

 

5k would be my max. to much maintenance on that amount of miles. I would check for rust on the frame. check with toyota website see if any other maintenance has been done or pending recalls.

 

Ask @sente3 to run your Vin# for you. He can find out more info than a car fax can. He has been doing it for other members and the report he comes back with is priceless!!! I had him look mine up and it was a smart thing to do. Good luck!

 

Thanks I appreciate it I will PM him. Supposed to get the VIN from them tonight.

 

Yeah feel free to send it my way. I can have it run for you.

 

I bought an 02 4x4 trd double cab, snug top with 230k for $8600. I love the truck so much if the motor or trans ever goes I think I will rebuild it. If you have any mechanical ability I say go for it.

 

Thats a lot of miles. Id wait for something different.

I just seen a 2002 4x4 v6 with 230 000 km (142k miles) go for $5900 cad ($4500 usd).

I would have made an offer if i didnt just buy a Tacoma last month.

It was in great shape. Im still thinking i should of tried to grab it and sell my 98...

 

That is a really good deal! Was it a double cab? The area that I am in 2001-2004 4x4 TRD OR Double Cabs go for 13-15k all day long with ~140-150k miles.

 

That is reassuring. I have some mechanical ability and can figure most things out given I research it enough. Have you had any issues with yours since you purchased it that were not apparent when you got it?

If the price is right and everything checks out I am strongly considering going for it. I understand that it will most likely need work down the line but for the most part it seems that these trucks can last quite a while if maintained properly. Or else they would not be so highly sought after and praised.

 

I bought my '98 with 240k on it. Runs like a dream. The v6's last forever. Definitely check for oil leaks. One thing that I wish I had done when buying mine is check the tire tread. My inner and outer tie rods were totally shot so the tread was super un even and I had to do the tie rods immediately after buying. Not that it's a deal breaker, but often with these old trucks no front end maintenance will have been done, so its worth a look and really paying attention to any steering wheel vibration while driving. But honestly I'd say buy it flush the coolant, change the oil, check the diff fluids and love it for the next 10 years. Good luck man!

P.S if it were me, I would be looking at about 4k-5k depending on body/engine shape

 

I did replace the valve cover gaskets. Once inside I was surprised how clean it was. Also had to replace warped brake rotors. Otherwise everything works great. However this isn't my daily driver. If it was, I definitely would have bought something with less miles. From what I've seen here in Arizona prices for dbl cab, 4wd, TRD OR are high. If they had less than 200k miles they go for $15,000+ so to stay under $10,000 I had to settle for one with over 200k miles. Good luck, see you on the trail.