Looking at a '02 DC, quick TITLE question

When i was looking for my DC - I test drove one with 160k miles that was cleaner externally and internally than the one i ended up buying with ~97k miles. I'm happier with the 97k knowing the important parts, the engine etc., have fewer miles on them. And last I checked, spray paint isn't so good for rubber parts... (CV boots etc...) That truck just seems fishy as all get-up or the owner is just a noob.

 

I bought my truck w/ over 220k miles on it but I knew it had been very well maintained (tons of service records) and that was my 3rd Toyota with over 200kmiles on it so that doesnt scare me too much.

I guess I need to get my mechanic to look at it ASAP so he can give it the good once over and I can set my mind at ease. If he gives it the thumbs up I'l think I'l jump on it cuz this thing is a looker!


in regards to the other truck I'm lookin at, how much will it cost to do all the maintenance that Toyota recommends on it:

OXYGEN SENSOR AND AND A CHARCOAL CANISTER, FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS, TIMING BELT, DRIVE BELTS AND WATER PUMP.

and are things things that require immediate action or can I replace them as I have the $$

Good Lord what am I getting myself into...

 

if your getting all that done at a shop it would be anywhere from $1500 to $2500 bucks to depending on where you go. If you have the know how you could do all of it for well under $1000 doing it yourself.

 

^This.

 

I used to have a '97 extra cab 5-lug. It was a strip model 5 speed. The dash had NO tachometer, so I went to a wrecking yard, and bought a used off a '01 that had been rolled because I couldn't believe a 5 speed would come without a tach. The mileage obviously didn't match, the new one was lower by about 20k miles. When I traded it in on my current '04 4x4 DC, I got a call from the DMV fraud department. They were very interested as to why my old truck had fewer miles on it when I sold it, than when I bought it 3 years earlier. I explained that I told the dealer the indicated mileage was not correct, and had even given them the paperwork I had showing EXACTLY how much the mileage was off. Turns out the dealer forgot to check the box on the transfer paperwork that says "mileage indicated is not actual mileage." After a quick call to the dealer the investigator called me back and said everything was cleared up.

OP: I would call it a red flag, but not necessarily a deal breaker. In my case, everything was stock, I didn't have to mess with the wires at all, since the new dash console pluged right in to the existing wiring harness. I had considered breaking in and changing the indicated milage, but I figured a tampered with dash console would send up more red flags than what I had already done.

 

Thanks a lot for the response and your experience. The truck looked and drove great and seemed perfectly stock and CLEAN! I could care less how the Odometer is incorrect, but I am concerned about wear and tear seeing as it may have 75k more miles than it says. If it checks out mechanically, and as long as I don't have a problem registering and insuring it in NJ, I'm all in.

 

Well I passed on the truck that needed a ton of work.

BUT I just found this one :

http://www.arnoldchevroletbuick.com...a-Tacoma-Doublecab-WEST_BABYLON-NY/1146392593

what do you all think? I plan on takin a test drive this weekend (its like 2+hrs away). No warranty, no service records. Anything I should take a close hard look at in particular?

Thanks

 

Carfax shows it was in an accident in 04. It also shows that it was serviced at the dealer for routine oil changes and had the water pump and timing belt replaced. Seems like a good price but not knowing how extensive the accident was would be an issue for me. Also, it would deter people from buying it if you ever had to sell it in the future. It looks like a nice truck though. I like the racks on the the roof.

 

thanks for the carfax info!! I will definitely ask about the accident. Great to hear that the dealer maintained the truck too

I like the accessories and I can put my Thule track on the cap also.

I'l low ball at 9500 cash and see where it goes. thanks again

 

hmm, no opinions?

 

check stuff like stiffness of clutch, check tranny mount. see if tranny/diffs are leaking, how the suspension looks, state of the engine, is it throwing a a cel? check inside oil fill neck and see how clean it looks in there. hows the plastics? any signs of crappy suspension jobs? bumpers ghetto'd on or trimmed?

 

I took the 2+ hr drive today to LI with my lady to look at the truck... and


I BOUGHT IT!!!


its Super clean inside and out, dealer maintained, drove great, and has every option/accessory that I was looking for.

4x4, 4 door, TRD, tow package, topper $10,100!!

I'm in love with this thing already and I havn't even brought it home yet! Pickin it up in a week or so after I get the funds together and will have plenty of pics for yall

thanks for all the input folks, soooooo happy to have found my new truck.

 

Nice!

 

sub'd

 

kinda a little late?