Would this offer insult you?

if you like the truck and want it show him both quotes from KBB and NADA and say you want to be fair since it is in very good condition even though it needs some maintenance items such as the alignment and possibly some front end parts making it seam like it needs an alignment. so offer him $14k as your best and final offer.

that is fair to both of you, he gets $1k over book value and since the average Tacoma truck has an asking around $2k over book value he is asking the going rate of other truck for sale. that doesn't mean the sell for that and it often sells right at $1k over book value if the buyer negotiates so both of you get a fair deal on the truck.

in my opinion try to be firm and let them blink first but even paying the price he is asking (if it comes to that) you will be happy you bought it.

try asking him to agree to a down payment to lock in your deal stating he will sell it at an agreed price contingent on him getting the alignment done on it before the papers are signed as part of the deal to buy it, and if something is found wrong he gets it fixed at that time on his dime or you can get your deposit back and walk away. all he can say is no and if the alignment guys find front end issues you can negotiate those costs.

trust me, he will see you are being very reasonable with this request yet when he thinks about what "might" happen at the alignment shop, he will be inclined to take your $14k as-is offer and not have to bother with it.

 

Great advice, Keakar. Thank you!

 

Ok, it needs tires..$800. Change all the fluids and fix what really is or could be wrong with it...say 3k (battery, belts, brakes, suspension, clutch, exhaust, drive shaft, windshield, alternator....) lets say 4k to fix. Credit him 350 for the cap (because I'm feeling generous, today)

I'd want to get a clean truck for 7k, tops (but that's just me)

If the truck is clean and has a history you're comfortable with I'd offer him 11k in $20 bills or DO NOT be afraid to walk.

Go 11.5.

Sound good. I hope you get it!

 

Not realistic here in any stretch of the imagination.

 

Its not even a California truck, it may or may not pass smog without issues and the tint has got to go.

I paid 13k for my 02 4x4 AC TRD with 110k miles in 09.. he is way off base with his price.

You can buy a sencond gen for that money. Offer $10k and keep looking.

 

are you kidding lol

^^^^^^^^ totally agree ^^^^^^^

todays resale values on tacos are way way higher then they ever were back in 09, you cant even begin to compare

 

I agree... I would say 12K
I honestly wouldn't worry about being a "low baller"... Too me, low balling would be anything under 11K. If he doesn't like the 12K then at least it's a good negotiating starting point. He shouldn't get offended... unless he's a little bitch, lots of those out there

 

Not sure why you like this particular truck, but your proposed offer sounds fine.

In California, Tacoma's are one of the most popular "work" truck. That's why the 2wd market is so strong.

Whether it's worth it to you or not, that's your own question. Personally, I don't think these trucks are worth $10k, much less $15. You can get a newer & nicer full size truck for less money. That's the draw of Toyota I guess.

FWIW, the carfax report for the truck checks out. It was a California truck up until Summer of last year ('14), so hopefully smog is ok. He doesn't have it listed in the Mojave, AZ craigslist where the truck was last registered.

 

It's craigslist, chances are someone already offered him $5k and an old blender on trade, so your offer may only be mild offensive.

 

Better yet, Tattoo work in trade.

 

Worked last time I used it.

 

I wouldn't offer more than 12k. If you want I can go offer him 11k

 

My initial reaction is pass on it. Take your 13k and get a newer truck. The market here Commifornia is ridiculous for these things. I paid 6k for a 2001 DC rough and ready to work.

Here's why you should just pass on it, he's 19, it's not a CA truck so there is extra fees changing it over, you can get a nice 2nd gen for a couple thousand more, and it's not made of gold.

What ever you choose good luck to you. I'm in Fresno/Clovis CA if you find something
up here I would be happy to go check it out and let you know.

 

arizona, plates for a Cali truck. When I see yellow flags I stay away immediately, not worth the headaches down the road. It took me over 6 months to find a tacoma and everything checked out, even thou it needed a lot of maintenance. When I bought my truck I offered him 3grand less than what he was asking. From there we negotiated and it was all mine.

First check it out, test drive, check it out again take your time. Then make an offer.