Advice on buying 05 Tacoma with 287k miles

Any feedback is appreciated...

Looking at an 05 Tacoma double cab, 4x4, SR5, automatic with 287k miles for $6,000. KBB value is between $6800 - $8500

Seller has good service records, very clean inside and out, 2 owner truck. New frame and wiring harness. like new tires. Couldn't find any rust underneath. Shifts smoothly into all gears and into 4 hi and 4 lo.

My hesitation is 287k miles...sure didn't feel like it had that many miles when driving it. Everything seemed to work well from windows to trans to steering to suspension

https://annarbor.craigslist.org/cto/d/ann-arbor-2005-toyota-tacoma/6920105098.html

Thoughts?

 

Looks like a clean truck but I’d have the same concerns as you with that many miles...

 

if it was me, I wouldn't do it.

 

I bought mine 2007 sr5 4x4 with 196k miles for just a touch more money. It needed some work but anything over 100k miles needs work. It's used. Im not worried a bit about mine. If it gets you where you need to go then that's good enough. If something breaks, fix it. It's a whole lot cheaper and (to me) smarter to buy very used.

 

in comparison.......

our '05 TURD auto has 174K ish

 

Seems some of the 05’s had head gasket issues.
Also motor mounts but the new frame should had taken care or that.
Ac clutch/compressor, the plastic antifreeze bypass tube.
Maybe have a compression test and leak down test done?
Truck looks clean but you never know.
Look under the hood for rusted clamps brackets etc.
Have a shop you trust look it over.
Ask for some time to look at the service records.
Could be someone’s baby.

On the other side my father in law has a low mile little to no maintenance abused 06 I wouldn’t touch.
But clean it up and hey you got a low mileage truck.
Only used hard and put away wet and dirty.

My 08 is a queen with 180k.
Wouldn’t hesitate to drive cross county at the drop of a hat.
Either knowing how the owner treated it or excellent service records are a plus.

 

I’d offer 5k cash. Gives you some leftover Incase you need some repairs.

 

At that price point I wouldn’t worry about the miles since it looks and drives well.

 

Find a 07 or newer with less miles.But if you want the one listed,be prepared to pay for a rebuilt motor,offer $5,000 like others have said maybe.

 

300k is pretty high mileage.
Pushing 200k myself purchased with 50k I worry about rings seals etc.
I know my maintenance was diligent and often wonder if I’d do a motor job or get rid of it.
She’s not giving me back all the oil I put in her!
I’d love to hit a million or until my knees give out from pushing the clutch.