Looking at '98 Tacoma - 183k Miles - Too much?

Hey Guys,

New here, I have been in the market for a "New to me" 4x4 tacoma, mainly the 1st gens, because the research I've done sort of pointed me that way. I live in Jackson, WY and commute over a nearly 9,000 ft mountain pass every day to work, and winters are LONNNNG.

So my question is, i'm looking at a '98 Tacoma Limited sr5 4x4, with 183,xxx miles on it. The owner states all maintenance has been completed and up to date, the timing belt has been done, but not recently. So I imagine with the 90k recommendation, I would be looking at that in the near future as well. The only issue is the o2 sensor needs replacing, along with some clear coat peeling on the passenger door. He said no rust issues. His asking price is $7200. So is this a little to much for an older truck with somewhat of high mileage? Here is the link:

http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/4510711291.html


Just wanted to get some opinions before I decide to make a 4+ hr ride to check it out. I was thinking of offering $6500 if the truck checks out. Input?


Thanks!!


Liam

 

seems a little high for va

 

Figure at least 2k to "fix" it (so you'll spend 10k give or take) I'd go 5.5k tops or buy a newer truck. Do not be afraid to walk. The truck looks good, though.

 

Thanks for the input so far, really appreciated. What throws me off is all the "Book Values". For instance, KBB is showing a value of $5500, and NADA is much higher at almost $8k. What gives?

 

Yeah that price looks about 2000 to high to me. Took me 1 1/2 yrs to find one reasonable with decent frame. If frame is real good might be worth 6000 around my neck of the woods. lol

 

That's actually a pretty good price I think. Tacoma's go for higher prices in mountain states. That's about average for around here. I'd actually try and bump him down just a bit (for the maintenance stuff) but mostly because it's not a TRD and has no locker. It looks really clean but I'd probably not pay over $6k for it personally. I do commend him though because it looks really clean and well taken care of.

 

I have an '01 DC with 179K on it so a '98 with 183 does not seem that high. The O2 sensor issue could be costly. Why does it need a sensor, what code is it throwing? If you need cats then toyota ones are way expensive. The sensor is only about $100. Does your state have emissions testing? If so then maybe an O2 simulator might be in order.

Does anyone know if the '98 came with the locking diff? I think it was a TRD option so this truck may not have it. I think you might also need some wight in the rear to help traction and possibly an air locker to get out of deep snow.

You could come down to southern AZ as Tacoma are everywhere. Should be easy to find a rust free example.

 

98 is the first year they came with locking diffs. Although I seem to recall reading about there being a few oddball 97s that had it...but I could be wrong.

EDIT
Actually, from searching it appears 95.5-97s had a locker option, but TRD didn't come around until 98. I don't even know whats true anymore I've always known and been told 98+ had lockers but I'm unsure now.

 

If it is a Limited model, sun roof, than it did not have a locking diff.

My 98 Limited is running around 255K miles.


My 2¢... Find out what the O2 sensor issue is. Get a quote from dealership. Plus one for the timing belt, take that off $7k and make him a cash offer! Then get it fixed for less and buy beer or sliders with the savings.

 

The CL ad does not mention the timing belt being done. Find out what the mileage was at the time, and if he has receipts for it. Some guys don't do that job until 120k.