Taco Newb Need Advice

My 91 Subaru threw a rod a couple of weeks ago and I've been forced to commute with the gas guzzling pig that is my 80 series Landcruiser. So looking for a small 4WD truck to replace my Subie. I've been trying to find a decent 96-2004 regular cab Tacoma w/ a manual trans. I havent been looking that long, but everything I've found so far has been:

a) way over priced
b) super high miles
c) beat
or
d) all of the above

I'm looking at a 96 right now. Seems pretty clean with a few blemishes (see photos), I dig the color, but it has 215,000 miles and no AC. I dont think the seller will move lower than $5,100. Is this a reasonable price? What is the life expectancy of a well maintained 2.7L? Any thoughts on the 2.7L vs. 2.4L?

Any insight/advice is appreciated,

Thanks

Attached Images


A few blemishes...

 

IIRC KBB private party very good condition: $3,800 ish
Clean Retail both KBB and NADA: $5,400 ish

...but a truck with 214k? $5 just seems seem kinda high

 

IMO i would keep looking for something with lower miles and something that looks like it has been well taken care of.

 

The rust spot, seat wear, and a cracked windshield are the only problems I can see from multiple photos he sent, and the seller claims no other issues. He also claims all services performed w/records, synthetic only, yada yada yada... according to him it HAS been well taken care of.


I like to treat others like I want to be treated. I'm all about being even handed. So assuming the truck has been properly maintained, with newer Kumho's, manual trans, and NO AC, what do yall think is a fair price for it?

 

Toss him a offer at $4400 or what ever you see fair. Might still be a little high but its a Toyota. Theres always more out there if it dosen't work out.

 

I would want to crawl under it and look for oil leaks...anywhere, any fluids, brake, tranny, for 5 grand, that truck better be bone dry underneath. Ask him what has been replaced on the truck. with the cracked WS, rust and seat, it does not qualify for "very good condition" KBB, he's fucking high if he thinks he's getting 5k for that truck. If I were you, look over truck in person, preferably have someone who knows trucks look it over with you. If it's dry and seems to be good, hit him with 3000, point out KBB, when he blanches, tell him you have cash and to make a counter offer, i would not pay a DIME over what KBB says id "fair condition" if he holds his line, walk away, he's a jackass....5k???

 

I think I'm acting like a 16-year-old because I need something now. But I feel like I'm going to burn through any money I would save holding out for a better deal because I'm commuting an hour a day in my Landcruiser that gets 12 mpg with a tail wind. I might just have to drop $1500 on some pile thats a little more economic until I find a good truck.

So Tacoma gurus, what about my life expectancy question? I realize there are a lot of variables to take into account, but what can one reasonably expect from a properly maintained 4cyl first gen Tacoma that has 220, 240, 260k miles?

Any opinions 2.4 vs. 2.7?

 

Dude, give this a morning bump, there's guys with high mile four bangers on here that could chime in