considering buying...

new to the forum. i am considering purchasing this 1998 tacoma

http://www.carsforsale.com/used-cars-for-sale/1998-toyota-tacoma-englewood-co-248957264

i had it looked at by a mechanic and it checked out pretty good. they said there was slight play in one of the inner tie rods and recommended replacement with an estimate of $340 (including alignment). also said was not needed immediately, maybe in the summer.

they also said the rear pinion seal was seeping and rather than quoting me a price on this they said the dealer should do this. my question is this:
should i push the dealer to do this before purchase or use this as additional bargaining leverage? does it need to be completed immediately or do i have a little time?

thanks in advance

 

Being that you are at the 200k plus, you are looking at engine wear now. I would at a minimum get a compression test done if you didnt already.

You can always take you repair estimates into the dealer and ask them to knock off that amount. The you can find a local indy that will install parts you buy and save some extra money that way.

 

My pinion seeped for the entire 300k of it's life. You got time.

$340 for an inner tierod is pretty spendy. You could do it yourself for $50 +$40 for an alignment.

 

looks nice but I wouldn't want to pay more then $4,500 for a regular cab 4 banger like that but make the dealer replace the pinion seals before you buy it or deal is off.

if he wont fix it then be firm not going over $4500 so you have that extra $1000 to fix it.

as to the tie rod its a simple repair you can do yourself and then just pay for a alignment. here is a video that shows you how to replace it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVQHgcXEhpE&index=17&list=PLidCGcjQT-XKRS3Bx0B0UNSLZ1RSdHnri

a leaking seal "may" be nothing and last forever like that "or" it may require YOU pay to have it rebuilt and or replaced (depending if its wear related or not) so gambling on that pinion leak could cost you $500-$1000 to fix.

just sayin

 

Thanks guys! Compression checked out great. I decided to not have them replace the seal and talk them down instead. Hopefully that works out in my favor.

 

youtube has many videos showing most repairs you might need to do so its a great helpful tool

I haven't looked but there should be a video on the pinion, often 4 runner or highlanders have identical parts to ours so you should find something about it