02 tacoma v6 for 4x4 atv?

Hey guys, I just found this site as I'm trying to research the Tacoma.

Few questions if I could get some honest answers that'd be great.

Here is the story, traded two non-running 99/02 Jetskis a while back for a 06 4x4 big bear pretty clean and decently maintained four wheeler.

I don't really do any mud bogging or such but I wouldn't mind getting into something my boys could have fun with me doing. I have other 4 wheelers but none 4x4, still have had plenty of fun with them. the big bear has gotten like 2 hrs of use since I acquired it and all on level ground pulling a small trailer.

Ok to the point

A guy offered me a 02 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 v6 ext cab. 86K miles for the big bear.

The bad all front passenger side body panels are trashed hood fender bumper grill, lights ect, he also stated a/c and power steering lines were pinched. I asked but he has no conformation if frame was tweaked. clean title as it was a "Other guy had no insurance and owner only had liability" . I'm in the florida panhandle and my fourwheeler seem to be valued at around 3K-3500 but I've seen a few with mods for sale under 3K. I figure $500-$800 in body parts alone and the replacement lines. I'm new to Toyotas as I've been a Chevy guy so I know little about them other then my annoying friend who says its a pretty sought after smaller 4x4 truck. But I've been wrenching for about 17 years now far from know it all but good with diy's repairs even deep within a engine if I have the tools or can afford them.

So what do you guys think?

A running 4x4 400cc Yamaha atv for a busted in the front 02 taco with new tires and a v6 worth it or would I be losing out?

 

a clean one with that amount of miles could sell for over 10k in california but its hard to say in your situation. some pics would help.

 

Yeah guess pics would help.

 

Hmm
Pics?

I'd say if your up for a project go for it!

 

I use craigslist for most real world value comparisons and I don't see any similar year or model for sale in my area or any 4x4s (edit I mean any newer 4x4 tacomas for sale that is, tons of full size trucks ect, tow 4x4 tacomas regular cab within 200 miles plus or minus a year, and still only a handfull of late 80's early 90s' for sale. I'm not looking to flip it really unless the money would be that good but just don't want to lose out find out its a dud as I said before I've owned a few full size this would be my first smaller size 4x4 truck unless you count a jeep wrangler I had years ago and bronco 2 which fell apart within a year. I know Hondas (cars, easy fixes and cheap) and Chevys not against learning but that's why I asked here I see tons of wicked looking Tacomas. I know in the jeep world most people dislike v6 of the newer Cherokees.

 

if you know body work and youre up for the project then i would say go for it. If youre planning to have a shop repair it then youre probably better off passing the deal off because it will cost you a good amount. on a side note ive seen similar trucks sell at insurance auctions for less. it looks fixable but definitely have is professionally inspected.

 

I mean I can remove and replace panels and pull out a few bruised framing mounts, Ive replaced entire front clip of a Honda before and pulled out the radiator support banged into place and welded extra supports. I wouldn't have anyone repair something I could do like I said if tool is affordable. I've also tried two auctions both ticked me off guess I don't know which ones to go too because i can't compete against the local used car dealerships around here and the private towing repo type places are silent bids which I've never won.

 

I would look closer at frame,2nd pic looks like bed and cab are not lined up.

 

yeah I haven't seen it in person so I couldn't say, its an hr drive so I'd need to get schooled up on what to look for if general consensus is good deal.

 

idk the frame is bent. look at the pin striping where the bed is and also that gap isn't right.

 

Take the engine out of the truck, and put it in your ATV. Now you will have something to behold.

 

He sent a better side pic.

 

That first side pic doesn't look right. The pinstriping is off between the bed and the cab and the cab and the door. I think the damage is deeper then just front end, he hit something pretty hard to so that

 

Any ideal how much a shop might charge just to check to see if frame is tweaked?

Not that I'm trying hard to get it but my atv may be valued at 3k , how ever it's been for sale for about 4 weeks now no real responses. My area has a quite a few more atvs with way more mods and some newer*for sale*for 3k to 3500.I look at it as only having 2k in it as thats all I expected to get for the skis after years of use and finally just got tired of repairing two two strokes. I know everyone's saying insurance sales are cheaper but one isn't the title salvaged? Two I don't have the 2 - 3k cash on hand. So let's say 2k into the truck 1k for striaghtening, another 1k for parts. Would this be a decent truck for 4k? All repairs minus straightening would be me on my own time.

 

Considering my house was just flooded last week maybe I was just in a hurry to get garage cleared I'm not sure it's worth the work. I'll just wait for a samuria I guess. Thanks for all the responses guys.

 

definitely bent frame

 

Round two...

just so happen another guy posted a 03 trd extra cab model, same issue hit but this guy has a new (or another frame at least not 100% sure on new) frame included and it has a fabtech 6" inch lift. shot him an email just to see and he seem to be game for the trade, it's a project he just gave up on type of thing.

add pics once again appreciate your advice.