Is this a deal? Some might say no...

Not a "deal."

 

As clean as it is, with the low mileage, ome lift, bumper. Id be more comfortable at 14-15k. My guess is his low number would be 15k. It is a very nice truck, hard to find with that kinda mileage. But at the end of the day it's a 12 year old xtra cab.

 

Tell me what 4X4 truck you can buy with 50,000 miles on it for 16,000 bucks, that will last....trouble free, up past 250,000 miles? I have 12 cars/trucks of all makes presently and i've been wrenching for 30 years, I know of no others that fair as well. Just my opinion is all...
Do a Craigslist search of the entire country for first gen 2001 to 2004 and see how many you find.

 

i think most feel that is to old of a truck even with low mileage for the price. i know it is built well, it just a little to old for that price. just my opinion

 

what does the blue book value say?

 

It's not a deal... but probably a decent starting price when you consider its features. 15k is a solid deal.

If I was in the market for a good new-to-me 4x4 truck, I would look long and hard for a very well kept 2001+ first gen with less than 75k miles. I personally would rather spend 13-15k on such a vehicle than 30k on a new Tacoma. Just me.

 

you asked for opinions..... We're in a 1st gen. 'bubble'. I paid 1/2 that for mine 8 years ago albeit with a 'lil higher mileage. I had to do a bit of work right off the bat.
I can't blame the seller though, I'd try the same but really that truck has no more guarantee of making 250K trouble free than one with 200K. In fact the paint already has a big strike against it......time.

 

11.5K private party. 13K dealer.

 

There ya go.

The aftermarket parts add to the value for the person that wants them, but generally no more than 10% of their cost.
$13k dealer? Pay no more than $13k private party and try for $12.5k

 

When I blue booked the truck it came out to be $15,123 in excellent condition. So 15k for the truck would be about right.

 

Pretty much agree... I did a quickie KBB for $14K, throw in the extras and the current gen 1 tacoma "bubble" and $15K is solid.

If I had the dough I'd buy it.

 

That appears to be a solid truck raised without rust.

First gens with lockers, with low miles and in excellent condition are few and what the books say it's worth, (use nada.com), matters little.

The bumpers and suspension mods would easily run you $3000 + so if your intention is to add those anyway, it's reasonable to factor the cost of those in provided they are in good condition.

If you are planning to keep the truck for the long haul, you want to start with lowest miles.

As an aside, There is no compelling reason to worry about the timing belt until normal service interval. That is not an interference engine so worst case you are stranded but that's unlikely. Toyota does not specify an age to replace belt, only miles. My 2002 has 36k miles and original belt and Toyota advised me not to worry about it.

All the above not withstanding, I would try for $16k.

Best of luck !

 

As a dealer, the blue book value is usually what buyers research go by as a starting point of negotiation. As the seller, most vehicles you can't argue to get more than what blue book says. The only vehicles in my experience that you can hold your ground as a seller are Toyotas and Hondas. Now throw a tacoma in the picture and you can ask for 1.5 x the KBB value.

 

It's 10 years old! Much like a nice looking older lady, sooner or later, she will need some kind of work.

Be patient, Grasshopper, the truck of you life is just around the bend.

 

Thanks all for the opinions and input, great forum

 

i spent 5k on my 95.5
if i sunk another 12.5k into it; i'm pretty sure i could take over the world

 

Our local credit union will finance for 60 months on almost anything...

 

Deal is a relative term, right? The aftermarket on Tacos is so crazy. I had to buy new to feel like I was getting my moneys-worth when warranty and financing were a part of the picture.

That said, you've found one hell of a specimen. At 17k I wouldn't qualify it as a deal even though it has a lot of dependable life ahead of it. If you walk away with the truck at 14k you can feel really good about getting a solid deal, IMO. The truck has been mildly modded properly with reputable parts, and obviously loved. You know how to wrench so even when the maintenance issues show up you'll be able to address them without spending a fortune. Good luck!

 

I shot him $15,000 cash, he said no. I went higher that I felt it was worth to $16,000.... He said no, it would take $17,000. I said thanks but no thanks. Someone will pick it up I'm sure.

 

Good call on the no deal. Doesn't sound like he was a motivated seller at all, no negotiation? Sounds like he would rather keep than sell. Keep your eye on it, sometimes these high priced trucks will stay on the market for a while and you will start seeing the price drop further and further.