96' LX 2.7 opinion

I just stumbled across this site trying to do some research so I'm hoping you guys can help.
I've got a line on a ridiculously clean 1996 auto 4x4 LX 2.7 with ~112k on it.
Essentially rust free, runs great. Seems like a great find.
Seller wants $7500 firm.
Not knowing a ton about these trucks specifically, that seems pretty steep for a 21 year old truck with 100k+ miles on it.

Am I crazy, or are they?

 

If 4x4 and actually in good shape that is a pretty good deal if you ask me.

 

What part of the country are you in? Also, do you have pictures or a link to the ad?

 

Im in Portland,OR. Seller is a friend of a friend, so no ad. Took it for a test drive and gave it a going over the other day. Very clean. Runs great.

 

Here in the PNW these trucks hold their value like crazy. If everything appears to be mechanically sound and the frame is in good shape (you may want to check out some of the rusty frame stories here on TW) then I'd say that is a decently good deal!

 

112k is considered low mileage for these trucks. I've seen 150k+ 4x4 Tacomas sell for upwards of $15,000. That's a good deal if the frame is good.

 

I personally wouldn't pay that for a '96. Low miles is great but it is still well over 20 years old. Around here there aren't even any 01-04 first gens for over $10k anymore.
That being said all depends on your area's prices, your interests and budget.

 

I wouldn't buy 2.7 auto. Both power and gas mileage sucks. If 2.7 then only manual. With auto you lose power over trany and 2.7 does not have much power to spare. So to get enough power to wheels you will be pushing engine over a sweet efficiency spot and make more power go to tranny cooler instead to tires. It is not only when towing or going in hills but simple city stop and go does the same thing. This is still 2 tons of metal to accelerate, not a prius.


High miles or age means nothing if it is maintained and not abused. I own 20+ years old and 300k+ miles 2.7 manual. At 302k I did head gasket and had a chance to look into cylinders and examine the head. I'd say with that progress of wear it is at its half life or less. It burns no oil between change (every 5k miles) and old oil comes out clean almost like the new one.

 

X2 on pairing the 2.7 with a manual only.

 

Frame corrosion/rust through is your biggest worry. Check out some frame threads. The engine/trans combo should be in line with your needs/expectations (towing for example). Must be 4WD for that price.

I've had 4 tacomas with this combo, and they all have served/are serving me well. I don't tow much (log splitter), but often overload with firewood and other building materials. And I drive like a retired guy who has all day to get where he has to go, not like I drove when I was 20. Fuel economy could be better, but otherwise I'm a happy camper.

 

Get underneath and beat the frame with a ball peen and probe around the holes in the frame. If you have one of those little camera that attach to your phone (budget boroscope) you should look around inside the frame as well.

If all that checks out, make an offer.