Considering buying 2002 Tacoma

I've always wanted a first gen tacoma. It's a 4WD , 2.7 liter automatic. 110,000 miles. Dealer is asking 9000. Is this a good buy?

 

I suppose I should add some more info. It does have 4 wheel drive. I will be doing winter driving in new england but no serious off-roading. There is a small amount of frame rust. According to the carfax report, it was very consistently maintained, at least as far as fluids, breaks and exhaust system are concerned. There is nothing indicating the timing belt was ever replaced or any transmission work done. It's an xtra cab. Good clean condition inside and out, and under the hood. I sensed some slight shaking from the steering wheel as i got up to speed on the highway.

 

I think what threw people off is that you said it was a "Prerunner" in your first post, Prerunners are all 2wd Tacomas that were built on the 4x4 frame (just without the 4x4 parts).

$9k is a pretty good ideal for a 4cyl 4x4 with only 110k miles on it, at least it would be in my area (really depends on where you are). But what worries me is the frame rust...make sure it's not bad and there aren't any holes in the frame. Rust kills Tacomas fast.

 

Welcome to TW! Good luck with your purchase.

 

Is this a Toyota dealer or private dealer?

 

Good catch-I meant SR5.

Good catch-I meant to say its an SR5. It will be driven in Connecticut so it will face some harsh winter conditions.

 

It's a dealer, but not specifically Toyota. I would be buying it 'as is.'

 

As others have said before i prchased would have a toyota frame inspection or check with toyo corprate give them vin see if its covered if frame fails

 

Maintenance records.Check frame.

 

It is not subject to any open recalls or service campaigns.

 

i would still have frame checked
Im on my 4th Taco
first 3 all suffered from frame rust
98 frame rusted out on the guy i sold it to
2000 toyo bought back from me
05 frame replaced
now have a 14
on the 2000 was a tiny hole near cross memeber about the size of a pea

 

Unfortunately the frame replacement program for 1st gens Only covers the truck for 15 years from it's in-service date...so a 2002 would only have been covered through last year

 

This is all excellent information. I am slightly puzzled by the fact that it was owned by one person for 15 years who only put 110k miles on it, then put it up for auction and it now sits in a used car lot. Seems like an unlikely trajectory, but I am inexperienced in these things.

 

I found my 04 4x4 v6 and supercharged a couple years ago with only 24k miles on it. Miracles do happen

Paid $20k for it though lol

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Good luck!!!