Good buy or not?

What do you guys think of this truck? I have been looking for single cabs for a few months now and it seems as if I always get there "too late" and good trucks are gone quick. This truck came up on craigslist a couple days ago, and I met with the seller to test drive it. Solid guy and very honest. Engine sounds good and smooth, drives smooth on freeway, shifts smooth, and couldn't find much wrong with it. Only thing is, I have been looking for step side and bucket seats (center console) 2001+ 4cyl Reg cab and preferably 4x4 but not a must, so ill be sacrificing just the step side and the center console. He is pretty firm on the price, but I was able to bring him down to $7500. So with that said, is it too much for the truck or fair deal? should I keep waiting for the truck I really want? I don't want to get desperate and make a $7500 mistake. Thanks in advance for your help..

https://monterey.craigslist.org/cto/d/salinas-2001-toyota-tacoma-prerunner/6990113528.html

 

It looks clean but too much in my opinion.

I think you can find something for $7500 with 20k less miles if you’re patient.

If that were a 4x4 I’d say hop on it now

 

Keep waiting. That's a lot of money for a truck that isn't exactly what you want.

 

Thank you guys for the quick response, I just haven't seen them often in my area. And the ones I have seen are not as well taken cared of as this one. Even though this isn't exactly what I "want", it does have the features I would "settle" for if you will. After reading on the forum for a while, I think I might be looking for a unicorn.. my exact want would be 2001+ reg cab, step side, manual, 4x4, 2.7, and under 180k miles... so yeah, keep dreaming huh? lol..

 

Step sides seem to be pretty rare, so you might have to compromise there. I believe all the 4x4 reg cabs have the 2.7 though, so that helps.

I bet you'll find something.

 

Keep being patient. That price is perfect if it was a 4x4, but not worth it for a prerunner. Don’t compromise on 4x4, it’s worth the wait!

 

The line between common sense and Tacoma Lust can be crossed so easy!!

It comes down to what you want and the budget will allow .

We are not all the same in what we look for in a truck .

I thought that Hot Pink paint job would look great pulling into job sites

 

If it doesn't exactly fit what you're looking for, don't be averse to pass and continue the search. It took me the better part of a year (searching every day) until I found my Taco, and I'm glad I kept my patience and diligence. You'll find it eventually.

 

Just be sure to check the other posts for Tacoma prices to get an idea for budget purposes.

Also, I've learned from buying and restoring vehicles that are "old enough to vote" that rubber components deteriorate regardless of mileage. Be sure to have additional funds available for those incidental items whatever the engine.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/price-for-1st-gens.631848/

 

Have you searched in the Fresno Craigslist? Quite a few over that way if you're willing to make the drive. I'd say it's worth it to save a grand or 2

 

I have checked out Fresno and surrounding areas but haven't found anything (don’t know if I mentioned it MUST be stock and original, aftermarket rims and tires yes, but no lifts)

I am actually willing to drive 4-5 hours one way for the right truck. I think a truck like this will certainly “fit” what I’m looking for even tho all the “wants” aren’t there. I don’t have a problem and could live with compromising..

Thanks for the thoughts and opinions, keep them coming

 

Whatever you buy, get under it and examine and tap the frame from front to back.

 

Nobody mentioned the worst power combination: 2.7 with A/T. If you want 2.7 make sure it is MT. If you can't drive MT make sure you get 3.4

 

It's a $4k truck.

You know you don't have to only shop local...

 

Not if it's 2x4 and 4cyl with A/T

 

$7900???? Regular cab with manual windows? WOW!!!
That is WWWAAAAYYYY out of the ballpark on that one. That is a $5000-6000 truck.
Remember, there are not too many people that are interested in buying a regular cab truck and even less interested in one that is 2wd.
I say you have the upper hand in negotiations.

 

Hard no. It's 2WD and an automatic.

 

Toyota offered the 4x4 regular cabs with the 3.4l v6 from 1995.5 - 1997, but if the OP is intent on getting a 2001 - 2004 then it will have to be a 4 banger

I would only get a 4cyl regular cab if it had a manual trans, the 4 banger is a dog with the auto trans behind it.
Toyota only offered manual transmissions on 4x4s and 5lug Tacomas in the 1st generation (6 lug Prerunners were all automatics).

 

Clean truck for sure but over priced. Look for the SR5 model for that price.
Where are you located?

 

That's something I'll definitely consider if i buy it.. would the 2000 fit on the 2001? thought there was a change on the center console.. could be wrong..