What do you guys think of this Tacoma?

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/5062573765.html

Hi, I'm new to the forum and to Tacomas. I'm currently looking for a 1st generation because I like the compact size. KBB gave me a price of $11,300 for a 2004 xtracab limited v6 4x4 (which I think the Tacoma in the ad is?). I know it's hard to give an opinion without seeing the car in person or at least seeing more detailed pictures, but what do you guys think?

 

I'd be wary of the hail damage, somehow I doubt the dents could be fixed for a few hundred

 

I agree. But I don't really care about any minor dents or scratches because I plan on using the truck as a beater/camping/hunting truck.

Also, how much is a fair price for the truck? I think his asking price is at least $1k too high, but from what I've gathered reading this forum, Tacomas tend to sell for higher prices than those listed on KBB.

 

I think you could probably find one in much nicer condition for that price (and without a list of things that need fixing). those aren't the stock wheels- not a problem in and of itself, but I'd be asking some questions about off-sets, spacers, etc. looks like there was a topper on there at some point (or has the plastic been replaced inside the tailgate with after market part?). single owner? accident reports? he's been towing with it. I'd rather have a truck that hasn't been towing who knows what for who knows how long. lots of questions there... not to sound like a downer, just lookin out for ya. and that's just one opinion of many. maybe someone else can chime in.

 

the price seems really high to me my buddy had the exact same truck but his was an 01 about the same miles sold it for 5500 like 2 months ago.

 

It is not a Limited, you can see the SR5 badging on it. Plus it has the split bench, not buckets. Looks like no locker either.

If its been a mid-west truck all of its life, a thorough frame inspection is called for. Frame rust can be a big issue. Has it been treated by Toyota?

12K is a decent price for the mileage if the frame is in good shape.

 

I'm with everyone way to much money.from what I learned when shopping for a tacoma, pictures always look great until you get there. Judging from the pics it looks real beat up, so I imagine in person it looks horrible.

 

Hail damage, not a TRD...too much for that. Price would be about normal if it was TRD and no dents. Be sure to thoroughly check the frame.

 

Now that would be a steal around here lol

 

Wow your buddy sold it for way too cheap. In Houston you can't find a clean title Tacoma in good condition with under 170k miles for $8000 and that's for a prerunner. If it was a 4x4 then he could have got even more

 

I also think that is too much money for that truck. I got basically the exact same truck but with manual trans/locks/windows for $9,400 a year ago in central Texas. Oh and mine didn't have hail damage, but the body is not perfect.

 

Look into another one.If you can get it for 2or3k less than buy it.

 

Thanks for the responses. I searched a little more and found these two additional trucks:

http://cargur.us/3Rmk8

http://cargur.us/3Gd5J

I like the TRD offroad model but it has 200k miles on it! From my understanding the TRD offroad has the rear locking diff. If I plan on driving the truck through snowy trails, mud, and other terrain one would encounter camping/hunting, should I be only looking at TRD offroads or would the truck in my second link do the job? Would it be worthwhile to get a truck like the one in the second link and install the stuff that the TRD offroad has? The pricing and mileage on the second truck is a lot better. Should I be worried that something is wrong with it? It's been up for sale for 58 days; don't Tacomas in good condition at that pricepoint generally sell quickly? Sorry for the flurry of questions....

Edit: put in working links

 

A non-TRD 4x4 is more than capable of snowy trails, mud, and some off road use. I drive mine through snowy/muddy cornfields, pastures, etc. no problem. My intent isn't "off-roading" as a hobby like a lot of guys on here (in which case you'd probably be modding a TRD with after market parts anyway). Rather, I'm using my truck to get a job done and get me to where I need to be to put the decoys out. If there's a large rock or deep mud, I avoid it if possible rather than testing the limits, but these really are capable little trucks. Put it this way- There's nothing I wouldn't attempt with my non-TRD that I would otherwise attempt in a TRD. The differences in a stock TRD vs. non-TRD aren't that great in regard to true off road use. Slightly beefier suspension, a few other things. All else equal, sure get the TRD if you have the option.

 

Thanks harpolith, you totally clarified it for me. The owner told me the only thing he's ever done besides basic maintenance was replace the struts/shocks (recently) and power steering pump (few years ago). He also sent me some pics of under the hood and beneath the car. What do you guys think? Is there anything that pops out at you?

 

I like the one owner aspect on that last one. Are you aware of the frame rust recall on tacomas? I don't remember the exact years, but lots of chatter about it on this forum. If my memory serves, it was around 04-09, but I could be wrong. I'd look into that a bit if I were you.

 

Yeah, I am aware of it. I made sure to read over the '1st gen. Tacoma buyer's guide' sticky. It's just unfortunate that I live nearly 800 miles away from New Jersey, or I would go inspect it. I did look up the VIN on Toyota's site to see any recall information. The only one that popped up was from 2012 regarding the spare tire carrier plate corroding, but it seemed to only apply to cold weather states. Plus, for what it's worth, the owner told me that the truck's only had one winter in snow/salt.

What would be the best route to take from here? The truck seems good and the owner seems honest enough. I know I'm a completely new member, but would any of you guys who live near Red Banks, NJ be willing to check it out? I can paypal you some money for your time. The only other thing I can think of is telling the owner to bring the car to a shop of my choosing for someone to inspect.

 

You could try dropping a post in one of these NJ threads and maybe someone would be willing to help you out:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/nj-b-s-thread.274779/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...oma-marketplace.256079/page-145#post-10064649

 

One thing I noticed...that blank plate to the left of the center air vents is normally where the passenger airbag on/off switch is. My 1998 has it. Was it an option? I'm also wondering why there's holes drilled into it. Otherwise it looks like a pretty clean truck.

 

Oh wait, are those underside pictures of a four door? That's why there's no switch.