Worth it?

Found a 2004 tacoma in my area. Looking to make a switch from sedan to truck. Price point sound good? Advice on common problems of trucks of this trim?


https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/cto/d/lowell-2004-toyota-tacoma-4x4-with-plow/7558111374.html

I checked JD power for a price estimate and it's saying 8k for my area. I'm going to offer 9k because it comes with the plow. Am I over estimating considering the work the truck needs?

 

Add said new frame, even so don't forget to bring your hammer when you go to look at it.
https://youtube.com/shorts/NiZzjR6b9xA?feature=share

 

You have to go look and tap on these.....
also look at all the suspension and lower parts up front....
Are you going to be messing with rusty old parts and bolts that have to be cut off to service every little thing in the future...

His list is indication these require moderate amount of service at these ages....


The frame replacement is not an end all, actually seen some of the replacement frames rusting faster than the original.........nothing has changed....they still dont dip them in the old toxic frame coating they used back in 70's/80's.....
to save em they have to be painted and fluid filmed on inside....

 

i cant stand it wen they block the plates

 

I can't stand it when average Joe can't spell, don't when to capitalize a letter, and not know when to use an apostrophe.

 

Looking at a used vehicle, first thing I look at are the nuts/bolts/spring clips, etc. under the hood. They are all heavily rusted on this truck. To me that is the first sign this is a rusty truck.
Image 8 of 9 showing the frame. If you look at the bottom of the wheel arch you'll see rust stains - likely the top of the wheel arch is rusting, hidden behind the plastic arch. The floor between the frame & the outside of the truck - a spray on undercoating is peeling off & there is rusty metal showing where the undercoating trapped water. If it's there, it's elsewhere.
Image 8 of 9 - See the body mount? That round washer with a bolt coming through it? See how rusted away that bolt is? You've only got a couple of almost rotted away bolts holding the cab onto the frame.

"E-brake intermediate cable snapped and will need to be replaced." IME the rusty weak cable snapped because the p-brake hardware on the rears are rusted/frozen. The truck will likely need all the p-brake hardware, the cable, all hardware mounted to/off-of the rear axle replaced.

It's not a bad truck for the location/age of the truck. But it is a rusty truck. Whomever buys this truck will likely be the last owner as the rust will soon become an expensive/inspection-failure issue.

Okay truck for someone very handy with some welding knowledge. If you will be dropping it at a mechanic, the truck is going to be expensive to own.
I'm going to guess it will need new evap bits in the next year or two. When it's time to replace the O2 sensors, I'll be there will be torches/welding.

You could keep this truck running, but it wouldn't take much to have it off the road waiting on rust related repairs.

 

Honestly I’d never buy a 1G Tacoma from the salt belt again. Even in Virginia the frames will rot out unless you park it all winter; ask me how I know.

 

My truck is a MA truck originally. I park it every winter & fluid film it every year too. Replaced most of the rusted bits over the years. It's a very nice truck now, but a northern truck will never be perfect.

But, there is value in a winter vehicle, so long as you buy it right. At $4,500 or $5k for the truck, plus whatever for the plow blade I'd be a lot more comfortable with that truck.

 

As obvious as is sounds, some of those replacement frames are now as old as the rotted out frames that they replaced.

If the replacement frame wasn't cared for (fluid film is my choice) it may be ready for another frame in the near future.

I'm not a fan of buying other people's plow trucks (unless it's a $500 beater, but those days are long gone).

 

After passing my usual vehicle road test and inspection.

Then it would come down just what kind of plowing the truck did. I love these Trucks but plowing snow is very brutal even when your very careful. Your small business lot or your personal driveway.

3/4 Ton trucks get tore up every winter plowing commercial accounts .

Best of Luck no matter what you decide

 

Rhino liner in bed is a warning sign. Plus, the plow in a salt area. Find similar vehicle without plow.

 

Read your post again.

 

I'm gonna test drive the truck on Tuesday. I'll be able to kick the proverbial tire and take some photos. Will report back.

 

I'd wear safety glasses when you kick the tires. You don't need rust in your eyes.

This weekend alone we had 2 new Tacomaworld members that are fellow New Englanders on this site looking for advice on dealing with rust. One truck needs a frame, the other 1 needs cab corners. You will be next if you buy this truck.

The truck your looking at wont pass Ma inspection as it sits. As Breakfast Taco pointed out, the ebrake problem is probably a rust related issue. There's a reason the seller didn't buy a $50 Autozone cable to fix the issue.

You already know the truck your looking at has rust. Your looking at a 10k truck, not a cheap winter beater.

I'm not sure what you think the outcome will be

Good luck & please post pics.

 

Did you get a chance to look at the truck today?