Would you buy it?

Going to check out this 2003 Tacoma this morning. 130600 miles, $13,000. Seems like steal. Photos look great inside and out. It seems to have been super well maintained by the seller. Frame looks clean as can be. I've been on the hunt for a clean first gen with under 150k miles in the north east for months and I think I finally found it.

I always value the opinion of the community. Would you buy it?

 

Yes
Edit: assuming the usual suspects have been checked, looks to be a clean truck.

 

Yeah if it was boxed in to reinforce the frame or treated well if it was due to rust, also see if they still have the spare tire wheel carrier. There's also something going between the bed and cab that I initially missed.

 

Looks nice. Where did you find it?

 

I just bought a clean reg cab with 90k for a little less...not much.

 

In my opinion for that price I would try to find one with a clean non welded frame. That's just my opinion if I'm spending 13k I would like it to be a non welded frame. Are you looking for specially a double cab?

 

Any 1st gen Tacoma for $13k is not considered a "steal" lol

 

I agree with @Nano909. Honestly I would keep searching the miles are great but as far I see in the picture frame has been worked out re-welded/ reinforced. Truck is not worth the 13k.

 

Since the frame has obviously been worked due to rust or wreck it’s worth half what he’s asking imo.

 

Frame repair kills value even if it’s better than before. Priced high.

 

Bring a scan tool with you and check the monitors for completion and check for a P1000 code. Sellers will clear the codes and reset the PCM, it will usually take a week or two, depending on how many drive cycles you go through for any “hidden” issues to pop a CEL.

 

Yes as others have said, the frame has been worked on. I wonder why? I would not be interested.

 

In some state's that require vehicle inspections if the frame has been welded on, you need to prove it was done by a certified welder.
We had a member here from Maine that bought a 1st gen with a welded frame and it would not pass inspection because he couldn't prove the repairs were done by a certified welder.

 

Considering the frame being touched on. The seller is pricing it like its a pristine truck sort of like making his money back on what he "fixed". Not a deal for sure. He is pricing the truck market price. I would skip and wait a bit more. Youll probably find the same truck going for about the same maybe higher miles but no mods to the frame.

 

New Jersey license plate = rusty environment.

As others have said, the frame has been worked on. Why? Is that a thick undercoating on the frame and crossmember... hiding something?

Also every hose clamp is really rusted, every bolt in the engine bay is rusted... what other metal parts are? Again... can't help but think something is lurking under the frame coating.

I will say, a mid rise topper for a double cab is sweet though.

 

If I lived in the rust belt or anywhere that rust is prevalent. Then I would be making a trip to a state/region that isn't rusty when buying a used vehicle. Why deal with a truck that you know is/was rusted out. Travel and get one that is clean.

 

I would be concerned about the gremlins showing up constantly on a rebuilt.

 

I am concerned about what the paint and those welded panels are hiding... not worth 13k for sure. Did he treat the inside of the frame? Probably not. I do not trust it.

 

Dang $13k for an ‘03! My 2011 not even worth that much.

 

Any update on the potential purchase?