New Buyer for advice - 2001 with 250k mi???

Hello All,

I am new to the Forum, infatuated with Tacoma's, and am seeking some advise on buying a my first... Yes, my first yota...

It is a 2001 Tacoma SR5 with 250k for $8k.

This lil guy is tricked out and super enticing but I am skeptical about the high mileage.

Any input is greatly appreciated on if this is too high mileage or what work I should expect to put into it...

Below are the details and specs I am working with:

Cons:

- Currently has a P0440 and P0441 engine code and would need to pass California Smog Inspection.
- Slight rust on the bottom.
- Probably needs to be regeared
- New sliders within a year.
- Drivers side back door lock is broke , and passenger back window doesn't work.

Pro's:

- Timing belt done at 204k
- front brakes redone about 5k miles ago
- new radiator 1k miles ago
- brand new transmission from Toyota with 1-year/10k mile warranty
- ToyTec Ult Lift Kit
- BFG KM2 35x12.5 + spare
- New AC compressor
- New power steering pump
- New bilstein 5100 shocks
- New rear wheel seals, brake lines refit
- rear diff rebuilt

- Others: Camper top, Safari Snorkel, Front ARB bumper & 9500lb synthetic winch, Rear TAG bumper & swingout, Custom welded rock sliders, Extended diff breathers, Yakima Warrior rack , Fog lights & LED bar, JVC Headunit

 

Tacoma`s Supply and demand controls the price .

Don`t let new vehicle Lust overcome your Common sense !!

All the not stock goodies will lower the price but for the select few looking for those things

 

The most important thing to look for in tacomas is frame rust. Then checking if it is mechanically sound

If the truck is from a cold weather area, from the salt belt, then it is a must do to throughly check the frame for rust.

If it's a southern truck, it's not a bad idea to check the undercarriage anyway

 

Pics?

What body style / engine/ trans
Really depends if you want a truck with 35's or a more commuter / street friendly truck. This is definitely a trail rig build so checking things like the driveshaft carrier bearing, rear leaf springs, and front coilovers for excessive wear. The truck is really worth $8k without the issues you mentioned with the engine codes and door issues (although the doors can be fixed for cheap with knowledge found on here if you're the least bit mechanically inclined). I'd see if he can go lower because there's not a whole lot of people with $8k that are willing to spend it on a used truck that's modded already.

 

Just FYI of comparison;

Last October I bought a 1999 Tacoma, 5spd, 4x4, V6, 370K miles, extended cab SR5 with a camper. Other than that, it was all stock and well cared for.

Took that puppy for $3000 and it has been a non-issue daily driver since then, just rolled 385K. Even towed my motorcycles on trailer from Texas to Utah. He orignally wanted $6k but was leaving the country and cut it in half for a quick cash sale.

 

My 99 just hit 210k makes me feel like it's a new one lol.

 

If no major frame rust, and if I'd everything is running correctly 8k would be a good price, only if it's an xtra cab, or double cab

 

Most people price things hoping to get it but would settle for a lower amount. My first priority would be frame rust.... no matter where its from. Just because a truck has been in Cali for the past 8 years doesn't mean it didn't spend a few years up north. Just becuase something is painted or coated a super nice black color under it doesn't mean that there isn't a serious problem. Google "Tacoma frame rust" and you'll see how serious it can be. These pics will also help you see what to look for. Don't just look for the color of rust, look for the texture and scaling. For $8K, I'd want something that is nearly rust free. I purchased a 2000 Tacoma with 289K on it in April for $6500. It's a lot of money for a truck with high miles, but its rust free and in exceptional condition. I still think I got a great deal.

Good luck man. Post a few pics on here if you can.

 

Let's see some pictures!

 

Is this the white access cab on craigslist? Personally the only thing it has going for it is the aftermarket parts. 250,000 miles plus throwing codes (could be simpler evap code that needs a gas cap or more). I don't think its worth that much. You can ask market price when you're throwing codes. There are better deals out there, at least in california. I say that because I just spent a lot of time looking for a used tacoma and bought a first gen two weeks ago.


I see a 2001 access cab with trd supercharger, locking diff, leather interior, 72,000 miles, for 12,500 on orange county craigslist. I understand if you're working with a budget but imo a couple extra thousand to be at 72000 miles vs 250,000 is worth it. You can add the bumpers, etc as time goes on and you get some spending money. It is a 2wd though. I was going to look at the truck if I didn't buy mine.

 

Added some Pics.

 

Thanks Dalandser for the feed back. Pics above in original post.

We started at $9.8k and came down to $8k.

 

All I can say is the California trucks look so much better

All it took was one winter and the surface rust was every where.

In the Great Liquid Brine Belt of the Northeast

 

THis car started in Kentucky, then TN, now California but has been all over mountians in midwest, CO, UT, AZ, MT, etc.

 

The rust based on the pictures doesn't look bad but the guy definitely used the truck (maybe you're planning on using it for same purposes). I would assume its been buried to the hood in water (snorkel) and been flexed out (trimmed bedsides). This isn't a bad thing depending on how the owner took care of it. Just be careful buying someone elses toy and expect that an offroad modded vehicle will most likely need some kind of work done. Seems like a fun toy for 8000 and I admit it looks like a blast to take camping and it is a tacoma so the miles aren't necessarily a bad thing. Just don't be caught in a position where you can't get it smogged and registered because the codes are costly to take care of.

Don't be afraid to have a mechanic look it over before you buy, if the seller is against the idea then that might be reason to run. I offered any one who looked at my built pre runner to bring a mechanic or meet at a mechanic if they paid for it.

 

I agree - having a mechanic figure out what's causing the engine codes will help you determine how much the total price of the truck will be once you fix it.

 

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. Some good input and am going the mechanic and Smog check route before i jump..

 

I almost bought that one. But a carfax showed an at least 80,000 roll back. (Odometer is at 173k). Seller didnt know. Poor guy. It likey has more than 270,000.

 

Wow good thing you checked the carfax, that would not be a good feeling to find out after the fact. Bummer

 

Way nicer trucks in my neck of the woods: rust free, low miles and just a little more expenisve...

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/d/toyota-tacoma-extracab/6239725342.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/d/toyota-tacoma/6233877697.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/d/toyota-tacoma-xtracab-x/6240621006.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/d/toyota-tacoma-double-cab/6240451349.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/d/tacoma-prerunner-with/6240074791.html