which 2004 4x4

Im looking at two 2004 Tacoma's near my parents and I want to buy one while Im home for thanksgiving. Both are 4x4, 3.4L, extended cab, manual. From what I can tell both are in great shape and are very clean, here are the differences between the two

Black 2004
Bottom price $10,000
155,000 miles
TRD stickers but no locking diff
Needs tires
Cleanest I have seen for this age

Red 2004
Bottom price $11250
175,000 miles
Actual TRD
New tires
Have not seen in person yet but pics look just as good as anything I have seen and has great service history

What do you think of the prices on both. Which would you lean towardsI would prefer the red for the locking diff but I feel like the price is high for the milage

 

Have you checked the frames for rust? What's the previous maintenance history?

 

both are rust free and have good service history. Basically I feel like the black non-trd is a decent price but I feel like the red actual-trd is priced high. This is in Washington state so prices seem high compared to the rest of the country anyway.

 

Prices are pretty close to what 1st gens bring. I sold my 01 with 189k miles for 10.5k

Make sure you check service history for frame inspection and coating. You can get the vin and check this through Toyota customer service. On a 2004, the frame is covered until 2019 so long as it was inspected and coated.
IMO you can't go wrong with either truck, I've never needed anything more than 4wd. Locking diff is nice but usually not necessary.

 

For me new tires and a trd and locking diff is worth the extra $1000 or so bucks. I wheel my truck though. If your truck will never see dirt or just fire roads then the locking diff is not a big factor. With these trucks both trucks are not too far apart in mileage and are still considered lower miles for a 1st gen.

Also...

 

This just cements the idea that I need to drive my truck out the west coast and sell it. These trucks don't sell here. Someone locally had a TRD double cab bone stock, no rust, clean for 7800. The miles were up there at 170k, but it's a Toyota not a Lada

 

That's actually about 3-5k under what he is stating they are going for vs here in southern California. Those trucks would be $14-17 if they are as cleans he is saying.

 

Just for fun I went and looked to see what's out there right no in so cal. Actually quite a few 1st gens for sale. There are some that range from 6-10 with higher miles and not as clean. Here are some others I found with similar miles and options.
1. https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/5884338089.html

2. https://ventura.craigslist.org/ctd/5877660098.html

3. https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/ctd/5882336811.html

4. https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/ctd/5882339611.html

5. https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/ctd/5882348542.html

6. https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/ctd/5870592231.html

 

I would go with the actual TRD truck if you intend on off-roading at all. The locker is worth every penny if you use it. Assuming both trucks are rust free and have clean maintenance records.

 

No. It says in the OP, you literally haven't even seen the second truck. Get under them and physically inspect the frame.

 

since that is in my local CL as well I am pretty sure it is not legit

 

Think this one might be a scam. It's for sale here in so. California too lol

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/ctd/5871032161.html

 

Yeah my bad, I just read the actual ad. "Exterior color: black"

I'm retarded.

Deleted the retardation.

I'm a millennial, don't expect much from me.

 

Start it cold, make sure it doesn't struggle. Check the whole undercarriage. Drive them both. Feel out the sellers.

 

bah, I am a taco junky now and scan cl everyday looking for a deal. Don't beat yourself up

 

I'm partial to the red TRD myself...

I don't like black, as it shows scratches really easily.

Tires and a locker can easily run the difference in cost btwn the two...

I'd go red.

 

If the frames check out, I'd also go red. You'll need new tires on the black truck soon, and that'll easily be upwards from $500-1000 depending on what tires you get. You're hardly saving money with the first truck.

 

this one was in my local CL too, I flagged it after 10 seconds



@EricKrum go look at the frames and bring a small rubber mallet to tap. but physically look them over.