Buying a 200,000+ mile taco

I'm looking to but my first tacoma and found a 1999 prerunner trd but it has over 200,000 miles. How big of a risk am I taking by buying it. All the electrical works, theres no signs of frame rust, and the water pump and timing belt have both been replaced.

 

I have 230,000 everything is running great as long as you keep up with normal oil changes and maintenance toyotas can run well past 300,000

 

With the things you mention being addressed, I'd say risk is related to price.

ie if it died next week, would you be in dire financial straights? Or could you fix it (even something like a trans replacement) and move on?

So the real question (to me) is are you paying the 'right price' for what it is?

 

I would almost say it is not worth it.. the way I see it you will probably have to replace the engine or trans sometime in the future. Use the money for a downpayment on a lease! unless you want to own...

 

Depends on price, condition and your mechanical skills

 

Any used vehicle is a risk; just depends in how well a shape the vehicle is in.

Since you can't be bothered to trust the seller, unless they provide legitimate receipts, you must assume that there are plenty of items that'll need replacing due to wear.

Read through the forums, look at troublesome items IE rust in the frame, lower ball joints, rope hooks, etc. and from there, decide how much you'll need to replace said items. Depending on the condition of the vehicle, and how much you really like it (or don't like it), determine what the vehicle will be worth paying.

We can't be your eyes and ears, but we can help guide you along the way.

 

I have a 3.4L that has 255,000 on it. Tail pipe is cleaner than any vehicle I've owned, burns no oil, idles/accelerates/pulls grades perfectly, and has zero sludge in the engine (just changed valve cover gaskets). I could easily see this engine running another 100,000.

However, I do think others make a good point on price. Here is one way to look at it. Lets say yours lasted another 100,000. Based on what you are paying, what would be the cost per mile if you scrapped it at 300,000. Say you got $300 at a salvage yard. And, to be safe since it is old, I would assume $100/month in repairs over that period. If it cost you over about $200-250/month, I'd say no. If you come in under $200, I'd say it's a winner. Remember to factor in something for reduced insurance and taxes/registration.

My numbers may not exactly make sense for you, but just use this line of reasoning and put in numbers you are comfortable with and make the call.

 

Toyotas run 4ever . my 4runner 3.4 has 325k on it and still going strong

 

And my 98 tacoma also running strong @ 208k , my plan is to keep this truck forever

 

Care to share your location and price? Price and availability seem to vary by location.

https://littlerock.craigslist.org/grd/d/adona-2000-toyota-tacoma/6923898870.html

 

Hahajahaha

 

Wondering if someone would catch that

 

I have a 99 4Runner with 290k miles on it. Bought it with 230k. Only thing I’ve done was fluids in it, brakes and shocks. Now it’s just sitting. Kinda sad. But give her a jump and she runs just like a top. I’d still daily drive it if it was registered.

 

My aunt has two 3rd gen 4Runners with the 5VZ. One has a blown trans with 275K and the other is at like 440K and running fine on the original engine. Meanwhile I have a 99 Taco project with 250K and I'd say it's in worse shape than that 440K 4Runner. All about how the previous owners maintained it plus a bit of luck.

 

Lol 200k is nothing on these trucks. I'll roll over into the 300k club in a couple weeks. I bought it at 238k 2 years ago.

 

Lol you could say that with nearly any vehicle. Hell I have heard more stories of people blowing up new cars than I have of our trucks...

 

I just bought a 2.4l with 201k, $3500, needed a new water pump, beyond that. I LOVE IT!!!

 

My Tacoma will hit 200,000 miles in a couple of weeks. I fully expect another 200,000 miles. But I'd be very cautious about buying one with 200,000 miles on it. But if the price is right go for it. Would probably be a good idea to have a trusted mechanic give it a look 1st.

 

5 lug?

 

Thats what his bio thingy says so I'd assume so.