Good buy?

Haha fair enough ok thanks guys.

Here's the Craigslist ad for photos, and to put this guy on blast, I didn't take any photos when I was there, I should have

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/d/2002-toyota-tacoma-prerunner/6368329773.html

 

I don't...the previous owner put them on and unfortunately the TRD headers were discontinued long ago. Exhaust probably is as well for 1st gens. Someone a year ago or so found a warehouse full of TRD headers and has been selling them on ebay since. Still some available last I checked.

 

Yeah I know they are, just need to find a way to identify them. Oh well, there's always the aftermarket world.

 

Ah, Cali. What does carfax say where the truck originated?

 

New Mexico

 

Hm...Could it be that he had to get a cali state ecu to pass inspection? Best you ask owner these questions.

 

I have no idea. I told him I knew the odometer had been rolled back and he just kind of shrugged. I told him I thought it could really have 4-500k miles on it for all I know and he seemed to agree with me. But like I said his English wasn't great. All he could tell me was that the motor was good. And he said he had it for a year but looks like he just bought it a couple months ago...

 

and there you have it.

 

The fact that he bought it not so long ago then grew bored of it this quick may indicate there is a problem with it... or he's just not into tacomas

Either the odo was rolled back for a legit reason (cluster or ecu swap) or for a shady reason. Anyway, I'd stay away...

 

couple things I noticed right away. door handles have been replaced, passenger side window trim is chrome (not black), it's advertised as PreRunner 4x4 (contradiction in terms right there), steering wheel actually looks black (or is it just dirty?) should be grey or tan, can't tell from the pics.

according to the report you posted it gained 70k in 18 months between 7/26/06 and 12/1/08, then gained 40k in the next year (1/28/10). then in the next 2 years gained 100k (3/28/12). and then went from 372k to 155k in the same year. I guess as long as you know the true mileage it doesn't matter.

so him reporting it has 153k is total BS, and it seems to fail emissions pretty regularly, and then miraculously pass in a few days.

as others have said, pass on it unless you can get it for like $2k. remember it has almost 400k truthfully and is not worth even close to 7800. then again you may inherit a problem or fraudulent vehicle and be subject to other fines/fees

 

Probably used it as a work truck but lost contracting job..who knows