2002 Worth Buying?

I’m looking at a 2002 Tacoma Xtra Cab 4wd it has 230k miles on it. Am I crazy to even be considering buying this. Is this an interference engine should I worry about timing belt and ball joints? I put pics of the frame as well is this a bad frame? 5k is what they are wanting for this truck. Any input would be appreciated.

 

You need to educate yourself on where the problem areas on the frame are and inspect those areas carefully
That may just be surface rust but it looks worse to me

 

Where is the truck located? You need to thoroughly inspect that frame because there is enough rust to be concerned. If you didn't know, these trucks have a terrible frame rust problem. The worst spots are typically in front of the rear wheels and behind the front wheels. I probably wouldn't buy this truck based upon how much I see but the rust also looks a bit surface level. For example, the gas tank skid plate and outer ring of the rear brake drums usually rust out fast and they don't look too terrible. The rear differential also isn't too rusty. It kind of looks like this truck saw some salt, but not continuous salt, throughout its life.

These trucks also have a lower ball joint problem where they can fail and cause your wheel to go cockeye.

The 5VZ-FE six cylinder is non-interference.

Were this a rust free truck $5k would be a good to great price.

 

I appreciate these replies. The frame looked iffy to me so I’m glad I posted. I will wait for another Tacoma to come available

 

very dependent on geography, but just from the pics that you shared that looks clean for the Midwest. agree that a bit more discovery would need to be done, but keep in mind that there a lot of differing opinions on this site regarding acceptable amount of rust. even if there is rust damage, there is quite a bit of quality repairs to the frame that can be done if needed.

 

Sounds like a steal to me -- I'd jump on it. You will definitely get 5k out of that truck even if the frame was rusted.