Buying a 2005 Tacoma with Front End 2012 Conversion

Hi guys,

I don't know much about Tacoma, but there is a guy locally looking to sell his 2005 Tacoma Prerunner. He's change the front end to a 2012 which i like, and also did a CST 4" lift spindles. Any issues or concerns I should worry about or look into?

He's asking $15K with 90K miles.

Thanks.

 

Make sure the reason it's been converted isn't because it's a salvage title.

Other then that, just make sure the work done looks clean and professional.

 

Look for leaks, look at the ball joints, make sure the truck runs good and there is minimal rust on the frame

 

Would also HIGHLY suggest taking it to a shop for a complete inspection prior to purchasing. Most sellers are more then happy to allow you to bring it to your mechanic to ensure everything checks out ok.

 

Heres a couple spots to check:
roll under the truck, see if you can slip your hand in between the steering rack and the engine...of its tight at all, there is frame damage.

Check all the body panels in the engine bay and up in the wheel well, if there are any ripples or anything looks slightly warped, there was an impact.

Check the gap between the bed and the cab on both sides, simple as putting your fingers in on one side and seeing if its the same on the other.

Check under the front bumper, up inside, make sure all bolts and nuts and fasteners are there, if you really want to go crazy, pull some of the fasteners off so you can see up under the fender liners and such, they can hide alot.

 

Thanks guys!

I will keep all those in mind when I check out the truck.
I did run an AutoCheck and it says "1 Accident record(s) reported through accident data sources".

Anyway I can get the details on that accident?

 

Get a CarFax.

 

Lol...Carfax. Autocheck is far superior.

 

Get both. And do a THOROUGH inspection on that thing. AND THEN take it to a mechanic to do another inspection. I'd almost walk at the accident notification, but I know insurance companies will put an "accident" flag on your truck in a fender bender

 

Yea, 2WD's are worthless...

 

Ask if he had it done at a shop. My brother in law did that clip conversion and no matter what we did it wouldn't line up right. But if it looks good go for it. X2 on the salvage title. People think that it's different so it will be more desirable and sell easier even if it has a salvage title

 

2005 with 90k? Not to be negative Nancy but 15k seems kinda cheap for the mileage unless it holds salvage title. Well atleast where I'm located. There's 2nd gens with 120k still going for 18k-20k. Granted they're 4x4 though.

 

4x4. Zoom in and you can see the front CV axle shaft

 

congrats. you're both wrong!

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/jodans-long-travel-build.257747/

we do know who's truck it is and zoom in you can see a tie rod!!!

 

Damnit! Welp time for glasses

 

Congrats, Jordan has an awesome truck, learn to TW.

And it's definitely a 2WD

Bam.

 

Hahahahaha what's the point of buying a 4x4 and never use it? 95% of people who buy 4x4s

 

If I were a betting man, I'd say it's salvage. If it's not currently salvage, check and see if the title was transferred in from another state at any point - sometimes guys will do that to trick one state's DMV into giving them a normal title.

X2 on taking it to a mechanic - any reputable mechanic will look it over for you - they may charge a few dollars possibly, but small beans to a $15k purchase. If the seller even hesitates a little, I'd walk away.

 

Thanks for all the feedback guys, I decide not to purchase the Tacoma.
Here's the ad if you're wondering: http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/5279356614.html
and here is the auto check: http://davis-moore.com/autocheck/vin:5TEJU62N15Z078749

The part that concerns me the most is the accident in 2009, then all of the sudden it went off the grid until 2015. Most vehicles will have some sort of REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL every year, so because this truck didn't I assume it was damaged and sitting in someone's garage as a fixer upper. Also, the 1st owner is from Cali, and the 2nd owner is also lives in Cali, but got a AZ title? The guy said he has a house there and save money on registration / insurance?

I dunno, but too fishy for me, so I passed.

 

Good decision, brother. Again, from my post earlier, I'd be willing to bet money that he switched the title over to Arizona to 'scrub' the salvage title. I call BS there.

Again, wise decision. You'll find your great truck, no worries.