Price I should offer?[ update :didn't buy]

UPDATE: 8/6/16 I didn't buy it because he had a guy saying he's buying it for 4,100 , that's what I thought was a good price but all the advice I received from here and other sources said not to , really sad right now, I'll never find another like it.

So I might be buying a 2000 Tacoma Trd 5spd manual 3.4 L v6 , with 238,000 miles. The seller said he has 5 more People interested. He gave me a price of 4,550$. Problems: squeaky ball joints, loose front light , horn doesn't work, cracked windscreen,and bad fuel level sensor(wobbles up and down when you brake). How much should I offer?

 

based on the pics it looks like it probably needs new leaf springs too, rear end seems to be sagging.

Take the KBB value of the truck in good condition and subtract the cost of the repairs you listed will need to be done

 

This will also be my first vehicle(17), the kbb value is about 4,300$. I want to offer 4,000 but I feel like one of the other potential buyers would beat me

 

Yeah I wouldn't offer more than that, there are a ton of used first gens out there...if this one doesn't pan out there's always the next one to look at.

Make sure the frame isn't rusty!

Tacomas, especially first gens, are notorious for frame rust. If the frame has a ton of rust or is rusted through in spots, walk away from it

 

I've been looking for a manual extended cab for about 4 months and this one ticks all the boxes and I'm honestly tired of waiting, the frame wasn't bad when I looked at it and test drove it, thanks for the advice!

 

I know the feeling, I waited for what felt like forever to get my truck. The perfect one finally came along (it wasn't cheap). I had to have a 4x4 5speed TRD

 

Here's how I buy a used car. I don't care how many buyers he has, if they want to overspend that's fine and good for buyer, but don't get into a bidding war or rush. I was 17 once and I know the bug. Patience. Who even knows if he's telling the truth. If someone wants to over pay for a worn out truck let them, don't let other people or the thought of other people buying the same truck add value to the truck when it's not there

 

I picked up an 02 with 192k for $5000 with à few fewer issues than yours (mines no museum piece). Some surface rust on my frame but nothing coming close to eating through it.

238k isnt too worrisome if it looks well cared for. If you're ok with a wrench you should be ok. I'd agree with the other guys that you probably don't want to go more than what you're thinking on it. More will come up. It's worth waiting it out rather than getting into a dangerous bidding war and paying too much. That's just my philosophy though.

 

Thanks I needed to hear this, I'm just so anxious to get a Tacoma as a first car ,don't even know why I fell in love with them, I'm just obsessed and won't take any other vehicle as a first. I won't pay over 4 and if it's gone then on to the next one , thank you for the advice , much needed.

 

I personally would not pay more than 2k-2500 tops if you really loved it... just my .02. but this is a stab in the dark going off what you're reporting... 1st gen manual red truck is sweet, tires look healthy.

you can get great bang for the buck in the used market if your willing to travel a little. some rigs well worth the few bucks in gas money.

 

Hmmm, your probably right , my brother who's a mechanic was saying the same but I thought he was just being pessimistic , he says I have blinders on and that I'm not seeing it for what he sees. I'm just worried about being outbid cause I've been looking for so long and need my own wheels for work and school (nothing worst than being driven by your mommy)

 

I don't blame you, they're awesome little trucks. I paid 3 grand for my 96 with 155,000 miles in 2012. But I had to sink $1500 in it just to make it road worthy- leaf springs, shocks, coil overs, muffler, exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, plus all the small stuff. Now it runs and rides great, but it still looks like a turd.

Don't sweat it, if you don't get this one another will come along.

 

Stab in the dark?,it drives fine, and other than about 300$ in repairs it seems like a good deal. But I'm the definition of novice so I don't really know.

 

You have leverage on your side. If the horn doesn't work and the windshield has a considerable crack and in your field of vision then it will for sure fail safety inspection when you try to register it. The owner probably has tried to pass it already or knows it won't pass and doesn't want to deal with it. I doubt he has 5 others interested. These are minor things but they add up. Ball joints are cheap to fix on your own if you are inclined but expensive to have them done by a shop. Mostly labor costs. Check the frame well for rust like others have said. Any doubts on the frame walk.

 

Id get him down for 4 grand. a 1st gen with a good frame is quite desirable even to this day. heck ive gotten offers of 4500 for my shit box 96 and it aint even for sale.

 

Keep looking man. I bought my 97 for 750.

 

but you know thats a steal that you dont see often. even rusted out tacomas advertised as parts trucks go for more than that most of the time.

 

I'm starting wonder if people are seeing a picture of an S10 with a few broken down lawn mowers in the back. I know of a 1996 with some like crusties that sold local for $4200.

 

I didn't get it and honestly I feel super depressed and feel like I'll never find one like it, really upset.

 

I take it the owner sold it? I'm not sure where people are getting these insane numbers from $750-$2000. I have no doubt those deals come up, but in my neck of the woods those are parts truck numbers after it's been partially raped for parts that went to Mexico. It's not going to help that school is starting and winter will soon be here.