Trying to get a taco again… would you buy it?

I wouldn’t take rust advice from people who don’t live in rust states. Where’s the truck been located for its life?
Folks who say “paint is only a cover up” or “don’t buy if it has a rust cover” are likely people who’ve never been in a rust state.

Ive owned Toyotas in a rust state since mid ‘90s. I’ve had three rot out completely over 7-14 year ownerships. I have two currently with mint frames. Paint isn’t always a cover up, it’s also a protective. I use waxoyl on one and the frame is as solid as any desert truck. If I listed it for sale and received comments that I’m covering something up that’d be a super lame, uninformed, dm. It’s preventative maintenance and shows the owner actually gave a shit about the truck. The alternative is to leave it uncovered unprotected just to prove that frames rot…? Kinda dumb, yes?

From what can be seen the frame looks solid but you need to look it over. Look at proxies…how’s the tank guard and spare tire holder? These rot as fast as frames and If these are nice the frame probably is too. If the tank guard is missing, that’s a red flag.

I personally wouldn’t buy a 3in lift nor 260k or a dented up bed with what looks like a hole in it but we might have different purposes. 14k$ seems like a lot.

GL-

 

I'm surprised 1st gens are selling for that much.

 

Sorry I was writing the response when you posted the images. Ditto with checking the frame looks too good to be true for that age and mileage. Did you get any response about ball joints/timing belt/other maintenance?

Personally I’m not paying 14k for 261k miles. At least where I’m at you can get cheaper for lower miles. Granted these things are insanely popular where I live so there’s a lot of sellers at all kinds of price points. But that’s my two cents. Especially if it’s not maintained and you want it to last you could be out thousands right away on repairs

 

This guy knows what he is talking about. That looks like a replacement frame to me based upon the rust seen on the bed underside, the rear differential and rear drums. Up north we call that a good thing. But 260k for $14k is a no go unless real clean. For less than $10k, maybe.

 

Take your time. You will know when the time is right and the truck is right for you

 

Keep looking.

 

No worries all good

still working on getting information from the seller about the three key areas you mentioned.

I agree. The price is too high. It needs to come down.

I’m concerned about the rust on the underside of the truck bed where it has a rust hole. Also not a fan of a body lift.

it might be safe if I just keep looking if the seller is not making any changes to the price.

here’s some more photos.

 

Great perspective from someone up north. This truck is located in SC but the carfax show it did spend some time in Kentucky.

Thing to think about if I end up seeing the truck in person… thank you

yea agreed price needs to come down

I do feel hesitant so… I’m still looking! It’s nice to see one that seems to have good paint and interior at a price that I think I could manage. But of course the miles are high so it may be a pass

might come to that

 

I got another one for yall to look at.

-$13k
- 2003
- double cab
- 4wd with locker
- 200k miles
- plate bumper front rear and sliders
- OME front
- Dakar springs in the rear
- paint job looks like it needs to help

https://photos.app.goo.gl/U25pWPrVfx5njhiL9

 

A little high on the price especially since the paint is rough. No pics of the interior or engine bay?

 

naw no shots of the engine but I saw it on face time. Looked decent.

paint has chips missing with some areas starting to rust.

 

Body looks resprayed and the frame coated with something... But honestly, the frame looks totally fine from those pics. I'd go look in person

Edit: holy shit those slider welds are a joke on the latest one

 

Yea not the best looking weld there. Good spotting

 

Here's one in GA. Less money, more miles, but looks decent.

 

What makes you think this frame was coated? Looks untouched to me.

$13k is too much for a beat up body.

Go for that one in Georgia.

 

I have a 2004 OR 4X2 W/locker (not for sale) if I compare it to these trucks mine would be worth 20K. See pictures of it in my album.

 

My Tacoma must be worth 3x as much because that’s how much I have in upgrades alone minus the labor.

 

Yeah apparently these gen1 trucks are becoming collectible classics like old muscle cars.

 

"For these reasons I'm out"