Advice on buying?

I have been on and off looking at Tacomas all over the United States, for about a year and a half now.
It’s honestly exhausting.
But I’m finally financially stable enough to buy one.
Are there better places I should be looking? Or should I just lower my expectations?
I’m looking for any year (ideally 00-04, but second gen is ok) manual, 4x4, under 170k miles, and under $16k.
I finally am talking to someone with an 03 that has 116k miles, but he wants $16,000.
I’m at the point where I just might let the sellers win and pay whatever they want.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

Unfortunately for you, 1st gen Tacomas fetch a premium here in California.

Fortunately for you, you're in California and we don't really see the rust issues with the 1st gen frames.

Are you looking for a Double Cab, Extra Cab, Standard Cab?

 

Any really. I do like the extra cabs more though. Just so I can have a little space to throw things that is out of the elements.
Don’t really need a double cab.

 

I would look at possibly traveling to a southern state to purchase. I know this sounds insane, but prices here are so much cheaper than California and the west coast in general. Frame Rust is the #1 problem on some of the 1st gen tacos. You can find Trucks for sale nationwide via google. Good luck with finding what your looking for. If you have to purchase locally, be prepared to pay a higher price, but most CA trucks I've seen posted here on TW, have zero frame rust.

 

Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, The SW but not on the Coast. Cheaper these places than California. Guesstimate around 6-9K for a good one, but do not expect low mileage.

 

I figured out pretty damn quick CA trucks price higher than everywhere else. Shitty reality. AZ seems like a good bet too right?

 

Are you using SearchTempest? Easiest way to scour Craigslist. https://tinyurl.com/y33gw9vj

Most of us settle for something that needs work. I like doing the work so that hasn't been a problem for me. If you are looking for something not needing any love and attention, I can understand it being difficult. But, if you are willing to buy a less than perfect one, they are out there. I saw one in Modesto a few days ago (on CL)

It's still there. Also, I saw another 4x4 for less than $5000.

https://tinyurl.com/yykz469n

 

Az is good, Craigslist is your friend.

 

Anything major I should be aware of when I look at trucks in those states? Also would you recommend using a

 

2002 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road
http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/5196892

 

Frames and upkeep is the word. Paint failing means nothing.

 

I’m not afraid of some work. In fact, I welcome it. Mid Skill Level mechanical work is my jam. Anything like dropping the engine is out of my skill level.

 

I hate to do this, but here is a search
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...00&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=c3986

 

@WestCoastBestCoast , if your looking out of your area, such as online, always request photo's of the frame, several pics from front to rear. upon visual inspection, tap frame with a hammer, it will ring hollow sounding if rusted, and get the usual loud bang from good steel. Good luck, I spent 6 months looking before I purchased mine 9 years ago. I got lucky and found a 2003 crew cab limited edition with 83k miles. I only have 133k miles currently.

 

I’ll ask them for more photos of the frame. Currently they have one photo of the underside, and it looks pretty good.

Major update: I think I may have talked them down to $13k.

 

Make sure you read the first generation buying tips in the sticky section before you go any further. There is plenty of key information in that section about these first generation Tacomas.

 

@WestCoastBestCoast here's a dog and pony show truck, looks good from pics.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...=false&filtersModified=true#listing=217219558

 

@WestCoastBestCoast

https://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/5411811 One of the guys just posted this in "Lunchtable" thread.

 

@WestCoastBestCoast

I'm only half an hour away from you and there are a ton of 1st Gen Tacoma 4x4 under $15k; look under Monterey Bay and check out the searches that appear in the Bay Area. I found mine pretty quick and I'm actually looking to buy another one or buy a parts truck for a conversion.

 

Original owner

Double cab
4x4
Rearlocker

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/d/petaluma-2003-toyota-tacoma-4-door-4x4/6822729432.html

@WestCoastBestCoast