New help making a decision on a buy

First off, I searched around and read a bit but Im not finding direct answers to my questions so I thought I would ask here. Feel free to redirect me if these questions have already been answered.

Im looking to buy a newer tacoma. My budget is sitting around $21k or so. I am looking specifically for a 2005 or better, V6 4x4, double cab and preferably the TRD sport. The problem is the V6 4x4 is really hard to come by here in San Antonio and even more so in red or blue (the only two colors im interested in). I finally found one but it seems a bit pricy for the amount of miles on it. Here is a link to the ad. http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/3056623541.html

I wanted to get your opinions on the truck and if there are any maintenance milestones coming up? Ive only ever owned american made full size pickups but I no longer need the towing capability like I use to and want something smaller, sportier, and a little better gas mileage. Most importantly I want it to last and not need repairs constantly. Is this truck worth taking a look at or should I pass. Thanks for the info guys, if there are any general things I should read on tacomas feel free to post that here as well.

 

Seems like it's been taken good care of. Tell him you want it stock and get the price down. Find out what maint. has been done.

 

I'd offer 18,500 cash, also check how hes fitting 15 inch rims? make sure he didnt grind the calipers

 

That comment alone says that you need a Toyota. The proof is in the pudding. Toyota makes trucks that will not need major service after 150k miles, Ford/GM... good luck...

 

Any other input? $18.5 seems a bit low for these trucks in the san antonio area. I dont want to offend him but if thats what its worth I have no problem demanding it. Do the 2006 models have any pros/cons I should know about that I could use as a bargaining tool?

 

Looks like a bad ass truck. Check it out for rust...if it looks desent offer $19,000.

 

I'd like to know how he's running 33/12.5's on a 3" lift and not rubbing like hell. I also would be curious about the 15" wheels.

 

this

 

Im having him take some pictures for me behind the wheels. Is there something specific that could be bad about running that small of wheels? He said it was all done by a shop so hopefully nothing shady went down. Where specifically would the tires rub if they were rubbing? Would there be evidence I could look for or have him take a picture of?

 

I like it!

 

Here is the answer I got back from him today:

No bother at all. I won't be home until tomorrow to get you some pictures but I will go ahead and answer your questions.

1) I am not the first owner, I think I am the 3rd but not positive.
2) I have most of the maitenance receipts in the owners manual that toyota checked off. The oil changes are done every 3K because I'm old school even though it uses a semi synthetic and could go longer.
3) The bed liner is the stock hard plastic bed liner that it comes from the factory with.
4) I don't want to pay for a carfax now because I have to pay for one when I put it on ebay but if we get down to the point where that is all that is stopping you from buying then I am more than willing. I have no problem with that. As far as a mechanic looking it over, I would be happy to let one look it over. The truck is perfect.
5) I am negotiable to a fair offer but please keep it realistic. I am not desperate to sell the truck.
6) The tires only rub when you back up a hill and have the steering wheel turned but they barely rub. They don't rub going forward at all, lock to lock.
7) When you know the right offset (four wheel parts knows thier business) then 15's fit fine. I have had no issues at all with the brakes touching the rim and they are stock, not modified. They are close but four wheel parts told me I would never have to worry about it and I haven't looked back.

I will get you some pictures tomorrow afternoon and text them to you. I will say this, you are the second person to ask about the wheel setup because no one else runs this set up. It looks so killer I wouldn't think of changing it for myself but I have considered selling the wheels and tires and putting it back to stock to sell. That would put more people at ease and put some extra money in my pocket. My suggestion is to leave it because it's awsome but it's an option. The wheels and tires add value to the truck that I won't ever get back unless I sold them seperate. I paid $3,000 for that set up and they fit other vehicles so I know I could sell them for $1,500 or so.

 

Honestly Im a little hesistant after his comments about the wheel setup Im and tempted to just go grab a new 2012 from the dealer. Guess thats just another route I need to start thinking about.

 

id pass on the fact that four wheel parts did the wheels and assures you that there will be no problems not sure if your looking to buy from a dealership but my family has purchased three vehicles form toyota of boerne ( 2 tacos and a prius) and have been given a good deal and good trade in value. the service department is top notch too. i know they have several clean used tacomas on the lot as i looked today while getting my tsb done!
just make sure you know what your looking at! good luck with purchase and check out the san antonio thread!

 

whats a ballpark figure for a V6 4x4 Dbl cab brand new from the dealer? I was looking at KBB and a few other sources and it was saying MSRP between $32-$34k but when I went in person last weekend they were talking closer to $36k-$38K and im sorry but I refuse to pay over MSRP.

 

You are giving the deslership more than a couple of grand if you pay MSRP! Never believe anything on the sticker except destination fees.

 

i'm thinking whatever the msrp is, that's a pretty reasonable otd figure