Looking at a used tacoma that has front end vibration

Here is a link to the listing: https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...lectedEntity=d311&zip=37327#listing=180580663
No pics here, but I do have some which I will post later.
Asking price is $7800, it is a 2004 that has 219k miles on it. It is a 4x4 that has obviously been someones hunting rig (deer hoist in the back, and a matthews archery emblem on the back glass) The interior was fairly rough, but could be made to look decent with some work. The check engine light is on, but I think it is just an 02 sensor. (if I go back to look at it, I will bring my OBDII scanner.) The clutch seemed good, and everything shifted fine, but when I got any speed up when test driving it, it began vibrating fairly badly in the front end, and pulling to the right. The steering wheel also has quite a bit of play in it. The tires are fairly worn on it, and I did notice that they were more bald on the left side of the drivers tire than on the right. The salesman said he would have the techs check it out tomorrow when they arrived, but I am not counting on getting a honest answer out of them. At this point, I am just trying to narrow down what it could be, and decide if I should purchase this truck, or keep looking for a better option, and I figured I could get some good opinions here.

 

Could be out of alignment bad or could be worn parts that need replacing.

 

What parts could be worn, and how much money are we talking about getting into to fix it?

 

If the engine code is p0420/0430, the expensive cat will need to be replaced 800$++. Other codes that worry me are trans codes or emission pump codes. All expensive.

Are the tires normal looking or aggressive offroad tires? Often wildly worn mud tires will drive like triangles for tires. Tires 600$+

The steering racks are known for leaking, bushings wearing and inner tie rods wearing, all can be remedied with a rack. Another 600$+ labour.

Frame rust is also another issue that needs to be looked at. It's normal for those taco's to have rust on the diffs and frame, but you want to make sure there isn't penetration or holes.

Personally I would look for a private sale but 7800$ talked down to 7000$ isn't terrible.

 

Could be a number of things under there. You're talking about a 13 y/o truck that may or may not of been taken care of. If it's at a car lot then they should repair it before trying to sell it.

Could be worn bushings, ball joints, worn out steering components, wheels out of balance. Judging from the tire remarks the alignment is out or it could be out from worn parts too.

 

after changing out tons of parts on my truck a few years ago i found out not only that my old tires were cupped too bad not to shake but some "new" used tires had it too. brand new set of bfgs and the truck drives strait and smooth. that being said, it could be a number of things and youre looking at anywhere from about $50 (say the control arm bushings are bad and you change them yourself) to about infinity. i hate to say but after 13 years my truck was beat to hell by the po and by me. ive spent probly 4,000 in the past 3 years changing bad parts out with new.

it also worries me that its a dealer trying to sell this truck in this condition with 200,000 miles for over 7 grand. i would pass if i were you. for 7,000 you could find a wayy nicer 1st gen.

 

This looks legit. Same price range and Miles.

https://knoxville.craigslist.org/ctd/d/toyota-tacoma-sr-v-xtra-cab/6223488791.html

 

Supply and demand as long as the demand for these trucks is high it will keep the price high.

As the amount of these trucks dwindles that will keep the price inflated as well

It all depends how fast the dealer needs to move the truck.

Make a low offer don`t be afraid to horse trade

It comes down to just how much work you can do yourself and How much you need to pay to have done.

The vibrations could be as simple as junk tires being put on .

Then it might also be time for some major front end parts without being under the truck we are all just guessing

 

One thing nobody has said here is, take it to a trusted mechanic and let him check it out. Not the techs at the place you're buying it at. Of course they'll downplay anything. I have 257,000 on my 04 DC 4x4 and have replaced all the main components of the front end. Rack, LBJ's, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, CV axles etc. plus timing belt, water pump, thermostat, tune up included. A lot of stuff. So for the OP, it would be nice to know what's been done to it. And as mentioned before, a rusty frame is very possible depending on where the truck spent most of it's life. I agree with looking for and finding something better in the same price range like @daryl lict said. Good luck OP!

 

Maybe things are easier In California I myself don`t know any shop but one at least 45 minutes away I would trust to do a prepurchase inspection on a Toyota 4x4

 

The salesman called back yesterday to say that the techs had checked it out, and they said that the ball joints were in need of replacement, and it looked like it had got a new axle put on it recently. On top of that, I know it will need new tires fairly soon. This is coming off a new/used Chevy lot, with no cheaper trucks on the lot. They have it listed on cargurua, but it isn't actually showing on the lot. The salesman made it very clear they were not sinking any money into it. The truck just came in on a trade in last week, and had not even been cleaned. he said they had a wholesale offer pending on it. If I were to buy this truck, I would certainly low ball them, but I am inclined to keep looking, as I think I can get something better with my budget.

 

Keep looking OP. What's your budget?

 

9k

 

$9k can get you a good used 1st gen with no major issues...at least out here. I'd pass on this.

 

Here in phoenix you could find a super nice 1st gen with barely 100,000 miles on it for 9k

 

I doubt I can find one with anything like 100k on it for that price. Most v6 4x4s in the 8-11k range are 180-220k

 

fair enough, i was window shopping about a month ago and the numbers are down right now. looks like the lowest mileage in that price range is about 160,000 atm.

 

Preface- I am barely a novice under the hood.

The symptoms you mentioned don't sound like they would be a result of bad ball joints. I say this because I had mines basically snap off and I had 0 issues like what you mentioned.

 

I scaned the replies and I dont recall seeing any mention the bushings in the front member where the axle slide into the housing... 200k miles this might be an issue too.

as to the catalytic convertor... if she is an oil burner you are wasting your money, you are just going to coat the new convertor with oil and end up back where you started in a few months.