2001 supercharged tacoma good buy?

Hey guys I’m new to TW but I figured it would be the best place to get quality opinions on a potential buy.

I found a 2001 ext cab 3.4l with 170k miles with 1st gen trd supercharger installed from factory when the truck was brand new. Engine and blower seem to be in decent shape other than some belt squeal. The body needs some work as well as the interior but I figure with about 1500 bucks I can get it back in shape. He also has a 3 inch lift and 4.56 gear installed with 33s. The asking price is 8500 bucks. Any input on this?

 

If it's 4x4 absolutely. Buy it before someone else does. Check the frame too depending on where it's located.

 

Yes it’s a 5 speed with 4x4 and the frame looked good just seems like the truck might have been neglected. Engine still seems pretty strong though. I’m not very familiar with the superchargers just didn’t seem like it had that much more power than a stock tacoma. Could be because of the heavy 33s on it though.

 

Totally, that price is massively low. Check that frame like it really matters.

 

Oh also the rear axle seal is leaking on the driver side and the check engine is on due to the cats being gutted

 

I would want some maintenance records on that, especially with the SC. Is it tuned at all, are there any supporting fuel mods? How often has the nose cone oil been changed?

What kind of lift is on it? What other maintenance has been done, lower ball joints, tie rods, timing belt, etc?

You don’t want to spend 8500 on it but then have to dump another 5k into it to fix broken/neglected shit.

 

It has the 7th injector for sure and the timing belt has been replaced. He also replaced the oil in the SC but I don’t think it has been rebuilt as recommended at 150k which I was planning on doing for my own piece of mind. As for the front end and lift I’m not sure on any of it but I’m comfortable enough to do most mechanic work myself if I need to replace tie rods and ball joints, I’d actually probably replace them unless they look new.

 

But like you said that’s what I’m worried about is you just don’t know what all you have until I would actually buy it and get it on my lift to see what actually needs attention

 

You absolutely need to inspect the frame. Look for rust near where the leaf springs mount and if it's been undercoated by Toyota. I would also check what states it was previously registered in. If it spent time in any salt state, I would be very careful.

 

I believe it has been in the south it’s entire life so I doubt it’s seen any salt but I will check

 

Check if there's paint or undercoating hiding rust too. You can never be too safe.

 

This; I made this mistake on a 2000. Somebody had sprayed over a softball sized hole in the frame. Sucker looked solid when I inspected it. Didn’t realize I had an issue till I started getting flakes of rust and undercoating coming off. Took a screwdriver to the frame and found it

 

Will do! I appreciate the input guys.

 

As long as the frame is in good shape sounds like a deal, supercharger probably has original miles so
figure 1000 for rebuilt so ask for a 500 discount

 

If this is to be a daily driver, you might want to pass. Those gears and tires and gutted cats make me think it was going to be someones toy.

Can you find out if the compression numbers are any good?

If you are in a smog test state, you will have some money into it before you can drive it.

 

Maybe if it was cheaper so nope. IMO if the body and the interior are shit what makes one think they kept up on the rest of the truck?

The drivers door is a different shade of paint.

 

Yea I think I got over excited on the truck since it was so close to me. I may make him a low offer and just see if he takes it. I've been looking all over and just can't seem to find a decent supercharged 3.4 without someone wanting a ridiculous amount of money for it.

 

Don't be so set on an S/C'ed one. It's not a race car.

And most will agree with your impression. Not a big improvement in real power over stock.

Not much does. These things are best, stock.

 

Yea if you don’t want an extra potential of 100 more hp you could sell the supercharger and 7th injection
for 1500 or so and get a better bargin

 

*potential.

edit: I realize there are no 'bargain' performance enhancers.

The guy is having a hard time finding a S/C truck. Time to broaden his horizons.