Please help me evaluate - '05 282K miles $7K

I need a truck for occasional use, maybe once a week or once every two weeks for Home Depot runs or similar home errands.

I already own two Highlanders and know the Toyota brand very well.

A 2005 double cab with 282K is for sale with an asking price of $7,000.00. The ad says it's been owned by Father and Son since purchased.

I have an open budget but hate to overpay for things. I'm frankly open to anything from the years 2000 to 2019, all generations.

https://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/d/fairfield-2005-toyota-tacoma/7639888570.html

There's also a 2003 with 176K in excellent condition, no rust whatsoever. Asking $13,2

https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/cto/d/brooklyn-2003-toyota-tacoma-door-ft-bed/7634493068.html

 

#1 What does the frame look like (4 rust)? Assuming all 18 years was in NY.

#2 Same as #1, what does the frame look like? Also this is a first gen. Does this have a timing belt or chain?

 

I too would be most interested / worried about the frame.

 

Assume the frame is good on both. What next?

 

I vote 2003 4wd 1st gen
Get pics of the frame- as others have suggested.

 

The frame in this era was well known for issues so this isn't something to assume on.

 

05's had motor mount and head gasket issues on V6 models.

 

I can see the rust on the frame behind the rear wheel on the 05
the 03 is probably rotted out under the bed liner given the other rusty hardware I see, and asking to much for the condition its in (dents and stains)

 

you’re gonna need to crawl under and look at the frame, more so towards the front corners near the catalytic converters that is usually the main spot where it rots out, but that is your main concern on any used Taco purchase

 

If you need it for local hauling errands perhaps you should look at access cabs instead.
All things being equal they are less expensive than double cabs and have a bigger bed than most double cabs.

Also, look at Facebook Marketplace.
There are a lot more listings to choose from than Craigslist.
I live near you (Dutchess County) and there are dozens of Tacoma listings.
You do have to join Facebook to access it but it's worth it.

 

Pass on 2005 to mid 2006

 

Since you have 2 Highlanders put a hitch on one and get a 4x6 utility trailer for that HD stuff that's too dirty for the back of the Highlander.

My commision is 1/2 of your first year insurance savings from NOT having a 3rd vehicle. You can keep the other 1/2 and all the maintenance and fuel savings.

 

Clearwater Bill, a great suggestion. I have one of those Cargo Carrier Hitch Basket that folds up and I already have a hitch on one of the Highlanders. After a scare with cancer and blessed with an open budget, it's more of a case that "you can't take to the grave"

BigKahunna, thanks for your suggestion on getting an AccessCab instead. I actually prefer those over the double cabs but sometimes my teenagers tag along and this has me thinking that a double cab is better on their knees. Then again, this is only for local runs.

 

yeah I don't get it.

the 1st gen is Autocrapic and supposed to be closer to $7k

and the 2nd gen looks black. Black means heat and scratches, usually a no go on any vehicle when other factors compare.

that 1st gen, owner hasn't even put any upgrades or restored the headlights. WTF has he been doing all these years. And why does he have a Tacoma in Brooklyn.
Both of them in NY probably rusted out underneath. Probably not good to buy a truck from NY.

I now see the 2nd gen is RWD. I'd go ahead and forget that exists.

2nd gen dude in 280k miles and almost 20 years of having a truck in the NE didn't even bother to put some rubber all weather floor mats
and got those POS covers hiding who knows what
no shell, softopper, nothing, not even a $100 roll up tonneau
with garbage step bars

1st gen looks hit in the back and rust visible
sticker on the tailgate instead of glass like an idiot
more step bars
no cheap rain visors
seller described 178k as "low mileage"
"recently tuned up" (doesn't say what he did) and "exhaust replaced" (yeah because rust)

"window gets stuck, factored into the price"
how the hell do you factor $50 regulator into the ripoff price and dude hasn't fixed it himself

I'd tell both of them to fuck off

1st gen, years ago, with less miles (~130k) were closer to $7-11k when I was looking
not $13k for more age, more miles, worse condition
everyone thinks they're Warren Buffet now because they have a vehicle

you're gonna have to search more than just those 2.
IDK how Toyota Pickup, 1st Gen, compare to 2nd gen
there are Lexus and 4runner, similar or shared parts
just no open bed

anything from NY will have rust from road salt. The state believes in destroying your car for no reason.

at minimum places to check years ago would've been:
-forum classifieds
-craigslist
-offerup
-FB marketplace
-cars.com
-cargurus
-carmax
-searchtempest / searchcraigslist (national search engine site, compiled results)
IDK if there's any more nowadays

 

get the double cab long bed. same leng bed as the access cab. and you get the same double cab setup for your kids or anything you want to put in the cab

 

At 282K miles, I don't think you could call head gasket failure was caused by a defect. How about "this truck has 282, 000 miles on it, how many vehicles have that kind of life span?"

 

^^^ THIS times a thousand. I have a 1953 Studebaker truck-bed trailer with a new straight axle under it and have hauled a ton literally and figuratively with it. Cattle, gravel, yard trash, dump runs... and when it's not being used it doesn't need to be insured or licensed. If it breaks it's easily replaced. And it looks cool...

 

Anyone selling an older Taco needs to post clear pics of the frame at different areas or I'm going to assume they didn't take pics for a very good reason.

This is a pic of my 2015 underside. [I took it for the ''show us your cats'' thread as a spoof]

 

There is no "next" until the above is confirmed: On 1st, 2nd and early 3rd gen models, It's Job 1. Especially with this amount of miles and years.