2005 Toyota Tacoma... $8k should I buy it?

Hey guys, just wanted to get some opinions in the thread.
I have the opportunity to buy a 2005 Toyota Tacoma Access cab TRD Off-road with 237k miles (a lot, I know), brand new Falkens 285/70R17 I believe as well as some nice wheels, clean car all around, couple owners, but all Arizona owned, bought from the dealership in '05 down the street from my house. Some service records on carfax etc. Car is a rwd, but I don't need this truck to be 4wd. Paint and body all original, looks amazing, already have all the parts to do a 2012-2015 front end conversion. He's asking $10k, got him down to $8k.

What do you guys think? Thanks

 

05-06 are the years to be extra careful. Cracked frame at the motor mount(s); Higher than average head gasket issues; leaking timing cover.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...comas-2004-06-4runners-would-you-help.497863/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/05-motor-mounts-failed-failing.21849/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/updated-t-sb-0326-08-oil-leak.17846/

Converting from what to what?

 

@Chuy thanks for the response man. Thats what makes me so nervous about this one. I have also heard of the head gasket/water pump issues/over-heating issues before they remapped the engine in 07 and especially 09.
And I just meant the front end conversion (bumper cover, headlights, grille, hood, and a few brackets), it essentially makes your truck into a 2012-2015 body style on the front end. Bunch of cool threads on here to do it.

I probably won't go through with it due to this truck needing to be my main transportation from Phoenix to Tucson almost every weekend, probably not the best idea with this many miles. I think I just like how affordable it is/ and the condition.
Thanks again!

 

I would pass.
Unless the head gaskets have been done.
Then I “MIGHT” consider it if the frame was extra clean.
At that, I still wouldn’t pay 8k for its.

 

I've got an 06. My head gasket popped at around 236,000. Got a new frame a couple months prior so I did a motor swap.

Like @TnShooter said, if it hasn't been changed already; pass.

 

$8k is a bit high, especially for 2wd with that kind of mileage. I paid $8500 for my ‘06 4x4 with 153k miles. As said before the ‘05 and early ‘06 4.0’s had higher than normal head gasket failures so that’s another thing to keep in mind.

You could more than likely find a better deal on a lower mileage truck if you look around, and his initial $10k asking price is way too high.

 

236xxx is alot of miles. Not sure I would classify that as a defect

 

Pass

 

For S&G what is the KBB range of the truck?
There are 2 values to a car/truck, what it is worth to you and what a bank will loan on it, ideally the former is less than the latter.
Also be warry of the saltiness of guys from the rust belt, yes these trucks are worth less in those areas do to being close to EoL do to rust than one from a rust free area out west
With another production shutdown of new trucks do to parts shortages we'll probably see another spike in used truck values like we saw over the summer and fall (maybe Carvana knew this shortage was coming?)

Personally, yes I think these trucks are selling for more than they are really worth, in reality they are going for a premium so if you really like the truck you..... well it's your choice at the end of the day.

 

237k miles on any year tacoma would scare me, not just it being a 2005. Pass.

 

I'd be patient and wait for something your gut feels better about. The fact that you're hesitating speaks volumes. Listen to that little voice.

 

Being a PreRunner, TRD or not, their asking price is too high IMO but as others suggested; what's KBB private party and retail show for it, in your area? I do see this truck as having higher than average miles for its age at 237k miles (industry average is currently @ 13.5k/year x 16years = 216k miles), but if the frame checks out and the head gaskets have already been done...then it boils down to; are there service records, is everything done/up to date, and how well was it treated? Is the title clean? Is the price, right? Are you in love with that truck, or just the idea of that truck?

"Whenever there is any doubt, there is no doubt."

I'm curious as to your thoughts on why that is. Not trying to start drama, legit interested to hear your thoughts on that point of view.

Mileage on a Toyota has historically never really been a concern for the average consumer, due to their track record on reliability/durability (if we ignore rust issues lol). That provenance is one of the main factors in the high resale values.

 

@BuddyS Most definitely! I agree 100%

Alright everyone, I went ahead and passed on the vehicle. That mileage doesn't scare me on a Tacoma, but for the 05-06 1gfre v6 it does. It was well worth the $8k, per Kbb and comps online the value is at $10k private party in AZ. I live in Arizona and truck prices out here are always high, car prices in general are high out here, and higher mileage is normal due to the extent of freeway traveling that has to be done to get to work per the average person.

@eherlihy haha I don't need a 4x4 man, just even more overpriced and heavier

I appreciate the help everyone. Cheers

 

Why did u pass?

 

237k miles of unknown maintenance history is an easy pass for me.

 

Understandable. Thanks

 

Wuz gonna say. Off road means 4wd doesn't it?

 

Honestly, get a Corolla

 

Nope. Sports and Off Roads came in both flavors, 4wd and PreRunner.

 

I’ve got a Tacoma with 217k.........so the mileage wouldn’t have scared me from the deal, BUT the fact the owner dropped 20% on the price.....that was the red flag for me.....
Be patient, your Tacoma is out there, coming soon.