Need advice.. 1st Time Buyer

https://www.toyota.com/owners/my-vehicle/vehicle-specification

 

Black fender flares came stock on the "Rugged Trail" Off Road package, but the bed sticker showed mountains and not what is shown there. Concur on the wheels. FTR, the Rugged Trail wheels are black alloys.

 

As someone stated earlier, its more than likely a base truck. I have that exact truck. Indigo ink I believe is the color. It does not come with TRD decals, someone added those. Steering wheel is plain black just like mine, no left side switches as well. The grill is color matched but SHOULD be base gray color. The front bumper SHOULD be flat black. As for the rear bumper mine was black.

 

Price seems a bit high for a bare bones Tacoma. I just bought my 2010 4x4 TRD sport DCLB with 117k for $17.5 and that had a suspension upgrade and a softopper. And that’s California price.

 

They are asking $16.9k. Carfax not showing any accidents.

 

$16.9?? Holy crap! If it was a real TRD OR, it should be $11K max. Maybe $12K if it’s super nice.

As a hodge podged bare bones truck, it’s not worth a dime more than $9K. And that’s being really generous.

 

just for reference I bought a 2015 base 4x4 a year ago for 5k more. I'd say keep looking and you will find something much better

 

Based on the info here and being a little generous in some spots, here is the kbb value for the truck. This is figuring on 134k miles.



Edit: I changed the mileage to 131K and it added only about $200 more in value. Definitely not $16.9K

 

So obviously this is a base model .. Even though it looks good, interior is spotless and rides well.. price is a little high and has a few red flags... think I should keep looking!?

 

Yes, definitely keep looking. They’re trying to pass it off as a TRD OR to somebody that hasn’t investigated what a TRD package includes.

Let us know what else you find and we’ll let you know if it’s worth spending the time and money to have a mechanic do an inspection on it, or if you should run away like this one.

 

Unless you can talk them down, but I doubt they'll come down enough to make it worth it. Sounds like it could be a solid truck, but they're trying to pull a fast one and squeeze out extra money. If you're interested, mention the things we have mentioned here and see where they go from there. If they don't budge much, walk away. Lots of solid options out there still!

 

You can always get it checked out at a local shop. Most local Shops are always up for putting a vehicle on a lift for a pre purchase inspection. It'll cost a bit ($50-200) depending on how involved they get but worth it for sure

 

If $16.9K is in your budget, you should be able to find a real TRD OR or TRD sport access cab 4wd in the 2011-2013 range.

Both of the TRD packages are going to do better in 4WD when the going gets tough.

 

good advice already given

' LOOKS ' can be deceiving !!!!!

maybe this truck shouldnt be Ur Only choice if all the fakery is to be considered

no less if this is Ur 1st 4X4

' Upscale ' run with / keep up with the Big Dogs may Not serve U well

If U shop around within Ur price range

there are vehicles available

good luck

 

It's possible the previous owner was a kid who swapped a bunch of parts on his base model for aesthetic reasons (and debadged it, and then someone who wasn't paying attention re-badged it). I'd ask the dealer what they know, point out it is obviously not an OR, and ask why they are charging OR prices. If they have good responses and/or can own their mistake and correct it, decide what to do after that. Otherwise, I would not consider this dealer trustworthy.

Given the number of problems with the rear of the truck (the bumper color and poor fit, the misplaced badges, the side stickers) there's a pretty decent chance it was rear-ended, repaired at home with parts swaps, and not reported to insurance, i.e., not to Carfax either. So this is definitely not a vehicle to buy without requesting a four-wheel alignment check from a third party, to see if the frame is bent.

The main thing you will miss with a non-OR version in inclement weather is the ATRAC, which only comes on an OR. ATRAC can get you out of jams that would strand other Tacomas. Regardless, whatever truck you get, you are going to want to put some M+S rated tires on it to take advantage of the extra traction 4x4 will provide, so factor that into your budget.

 

Thank you all for the great advice!! I knew I did the right thing by reaching out to this group. Little did I know this truck was living a little double life. I’ve learned so much in such a short time. I knew that bumper didn’t look quite right so glad my suspicions were on point. I’m gonna apprise them of my findings and see what they say but I doubt they know more or admit it, if they do...much less come down in price so I will walk away and chalk it up to a great learning experience! You guys rock!! Guess my search is still on.

 

I'm just curious about this truck and what it really is. Do you have the vin# you could share or even what state it is in? I would like to do a little research just our of curiosity.

 

Vin#5TEUU42N78Z515207.. let me know if you find something of interest not already stated!

 

Definitely not a TRD OR. The dealer has a few other Tacoma's on their web site so they must like dealing with them. But it is overpriced for what looks to be a Base Access Cab 4wd. NADA list a fair price at $12,800. The dealer doesn't list it as a TRD OR just an "Access Cab". This is from Toyota's web site.

• VIN5TEUU42N78Z515207
• Model2008 Tacoma
• Grade4 x 4
• ExteriorIndigo Ink Pearl(8P4)
• InteriorFe13
• Engine6-CYL

• Body TypeAccess Cab
• Drive Type4WD
• Transmission5AT
• Selling DealerCarMax Laurel Toyota
• Servicing DealerNone Selected
• Date of First UseDecember 22, 2007

It could be the previous owner loved it so much they tried to make it look like a TRD OR so they probably took care of it and did all the regular maintenance. Buying a used vehicle is always a crap shoot. Start your offer at $10,500 and don't worry about insulting them. They are starting at $17,000 which is an insult. Good luck.

 

Good job walking away from that Mickey Mouse truck O.P.