Need some advice, buying a rusted frame

I often wonder if these used dealers know what they are doing when they slap the asking price on these old tacos

 

It’s hard to tell from the photos, there’s way less paint on your frame than mine and mine is completely shot. That doesn’t mean the one pictured is shot as I think it’s solid but could not swear it is. If it’s just surface rust it could be wire brushed and treated with fluid film or other similar products and last for decades. It’s just hard to say from these photos alone.

These usually rust from the inside out and,,,, some people are liars and some people just don’t know

 

My sons green first gen looked new. It was rotten on the inside near the passenger side shock mount. Tough to tell

 

Thanks everyone, I've passed on that one. Especially given I can't easily go and see it in person to test myself, not worth the trip in the end.

Have a good lead here, frame seems decent, let me know if something stands out to you.

 

Much better.

 

Much better -- top shelf there. Dig the front receiver hitch. PreRunner 2WD it seems.

 

Precursory glance, still 2WD (don't pay a 4WD price,) frame looks clean (still need a ping test,) The oil slops look like it could be a messy change or a leak, the areas around the LCA's look like the bushings were probably replaced (too clean, this is good.) Rear skid plate is missing, or maybe they removed it for pics. Moisture around rack boot is questionable (leak?) I can't tell but it looks like the rubber is beginning to decompose, may need new bushings and with the boot leak, maybe a new rack. The Bilsteins indicate someone has at least tried to maintain it. Probably will need ball joints.

All those wet-ish areas show what you'd expect on an old truck, there will be some work that needs to be done but use all this for negotiations. I'd be concerned whether the leaks are from something expensive (timing belt, etc.) or not so expensive (valve cover, oil filter housing, etc.) Offer accordingly.

 

@rocknbil what would you offer for this given what you said? They’re pretty firm on the price. 140k miles, $13000

 

I'd have to see it, there's too many variables. Your best bet is to bluebook it or look at what's on Bring a Trailer to get a general range. For a 2WD in pristine condition It start looking at my wallet at around 7-8K, tops, probably less.

 

Regarding price, I see this on this forum and every other auto forum I frequent: 99% of prices on vehicles for sale are considered "too high" by forum members.

I really think that if the OP has spent a couple of weeks looking at trucks online and looking at prices he should have a better feel for the current market than anyone that hasn't been looking at this in the past couple of months.

Sure look it up on KBB...and you can look at completed auction prices on sights like eBay....but in the end the best thing to do (in my opinion) is find the truck you want, or even one nicer than the one you thought you wanted, and pay up to get it.

 

need More pics here...

 

Price too high for 2wd and 140k. If seller not willing to go lower, pass, and keep looking.

 

Condition, maintenance, interior, etc. If it's loaded up with mods that kills the value. Stock keeps it strong. A nice pre-sunner can fetch high teens. Check out bringatrailer. This is really the only place for reliable sales data. Add 5% to every sale (buyers fee).

If it is 140k and needs absolutely nothing, has maintenance records that shows timing belt was done (V6), and no significant body flaws, and the interior is close to perfect with no smells or rips, sure, 13k is good.

 

$13k is too much. Also, don’t buy a 2WD if you live in New York.

Here’s a nice prerunner with 140,000 miles that went for $10k for comparison.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2001-toyota-tacoma-75/

 

Yes 13k is a lot but the frame and truck is very clean. Timing belt was changed at 90k, Spark plugs, serpentine belt, thermostats and water pump replaced. Truck had 3 owners, split it's time over California and Texas.

I will bargain on the price for sure, hearing what that's overpriced for a 2WD. I got a pre purchase inspection done yesterday by Lemon Squad, waiting on the results of that. Planning to see the truck on Friday myself.

 

@ztwatson I'm in NYC.

@Pbfender15 Thanks for sharing this site, wasn’t familiar before

 

Original factory frames can be purchased.
If you are looking for a project, you would have a nice summer project in replacing the frame.
I would price out: frame, lower A arms, front/rear springs, e-brake(everything), gas tank, fuel lines, brake lines, and anything else you can see that needs replaced.
Sum it all up and subtract from asking price. Then consider it from there.
If the body is in really good condition and it seems mechanically solid, it might be a worth while project. But that price is a pipe dream.

 

@Red Archer Please post a link to an original factory frame for sale. These have long since been discontinued. One was shown as "in stock" on a dealer site 3 years ago and I called to buy it and they said their system was incorrect; there are no frames available.

@OP looks like a nice truck. Someone on this site was looking for that kind of rack to use for a roof top tent. If you don't want it maybe a sale to be had...

 

Well, it has been a while since I checked so they may be dried up.