Possible purchase 04' double cab need advice!

As the title states looking into buying a 04' double cab 3.4l 4x4 auto and supercharged. Truck looks great overall but, this is where I get weary. Has almost 180k and is a salvage title..Supposedly the damage was not severe yet is was deemed totaled All new wheels, tires, and lift.

So here is my question... What would you be willing to pay if it checks out clean (frame looks good, body work/paint done right, rust ofcourse, suspension/steering components, checking for tire wear also, anything else?)

I would post a link to the truck but, I am unsure if he is a member and definitely don't want to offend him in any way. Just looking for some solid advice and what would be a fair offer.

Thanks in advance!

 

If it checks out clean, I'd go in at the fair to good KBB price with a willingness to move up based on how much he put into the wheels, lift, etc.

 

Even with a salvage title?

 

x2 ^

 

Wouldnt bother if it was your DD. If it was a side project I would consider if it was dirt cheap and the owner had pictures of the damages.

 

From what I gather it sounds like it didn't happen to long ago so maybe is wasn't much damage. He is asking right under book price so to me it seems like a decent deal. Its definitely a truck I want to keep for an SAS project down the road but, it would be my DD for awhile...

My other concern is the motor/tranny with a fresh SC at 180k. I've never owned a 1st gen so I cant speak for how strong the auto trannys and 3.4 is

 

I wouldn't buy it. It could have hidden damage that will cost you $$$$ down the line. Some brokers buy these totals and spruce them up knowing they can still make money off the truck because of it's good resale value. They come out ahead, and you may end up with a pile of trouble.

 

I might just back off then and keep an eye out for something else. Just so hard to find a clean double cab 1st gens anymore and 4wd. If anything changes I'll be sure to let everyone know. Would still like to at least take a look at it. Unfortunately it is almost 4 hrs away for me. So it would consume an entire day just to check it out.

 

It would be my daily/weekend warrior when due

 

If you really want to go after this truck, spend an extra $100-$120 for an independent mechanic's pre-purchase inspection.

That, combined with a good sense of mechanical/value knowledge can make the plunge into a salvage title vehicle, at the very least...an "eyes open" experience.

 

For previous stated reasons, stay away! It will haunt you to the day you sell it.

 

Thanks for feedback guys!

I believe I'll continue searching around for the right one. They are just becoming so few and far between

This more feasible imo. Pretty sure its sold though.. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas-sale/356790-2002-tacoma-double-cab-4x4-super-charged.html

 

I would stay away from any salvage. Unless it was hell of deal.

 

Yup, get an independent inspection if you really like it.

When I just rolled my truck, the wrecking company owner said, "I can get this totaled for you." And there was NOTHING mechanically wrong with the truck. The roof was banged in, and not even by so much that you couldn't drive it.

Insurance companies are quick to write off old vehicles.

I'm no expert, but thru Carfax, an inspection, and a few phone calls, you might get the truck's story, and a deal on it.

But like others said, whatever happens, it would be hard to resell.

 

I will sell you my super charged 03 Extra Cab 5 speed with 150k miles for 13k.

 

I do appreciate the offer but, need a double cab and auto

 

Valid point on salvage titles. When I ran the carfax on my current truck before I bought it it was a salvage, but after a bit more research it turned out that the reason insurance was so quick to total it was largely because of body damage that inhibited the car from moving (fender pinched in or something). Just something to think about.

That being said, I picked it up for half the price of the truck in question. 13k is too high for a salvage IMO

 

I wouldn't even go so far as an inspection. You lost me at salvaged title. You are better off paying market value for a vehicle than ever buying someone elses problem.
Of course there are always exceptions but, unless it is going to be a dedicated off road vehicle or the price is a steal, move on imo.

 

Personally, I'd recommend buying a truck that's almost completely stock and get the work done yourself or by a mechanic. It obviously takes longer but this way you know everything that's going on with your truck, you don't need to worry about how hard this guy might have been wheeling on his set up and things of that nature. It also feels more satisfying once all the work is complete.

Just my opinion. Otherwise I personally wouldn't buy the truck even if I did want a truck that's ready to off road on

 

My biggest thing is their becoming so hard to find especially in my area. Everyone wants an arm and a leg for a double cab 4x4 1st gen. Being supercharged is definitely a plus on the 3.4 too. The truck would eventually become a full time offroad rig at some point. With all the available sas aftermarket out there it'll be easier to do a swap in the 1st gen down the road.

I'll keep looking around until something more feasible is found. I was just hoping for some more positive feedback and an acceptable price to pay. Otherwise, I'll continue to hold out.