Opinions wanted: 2001 TRD Offroad 5-speed (1 Viewer)

[Will Van]

I’m looking at this 2001 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road tomorrow. It has the 3.4 liter 5VZ-FE engine, R150F manual transmission, rear e-locker, and manual J-shift chain-drive transfer case. 158k miles and looks really clean. Also, priced aggressively.

The downside is that it’s a rebuilt title. Supposedly it was in an accident and sustained minor damage to the front right fender area.

I am told that insurance companies are totaling a lot of these trucks with minor damage because body panels are getting hard to find.

Regardless, what do y’all think? Anything I should look out for?

Craigslist Link

 

[Will Van]

Seller is buying these trucks from IAA auctions with minor body damage, repairing them, and flipping them. He said he used to ship them overseas, but COVID-19 has put a damper on that market, so he is now selling them locally.

The auction/salvage photos just show the bodywork removed, but I don't see much actual damage besides the flat tire. Seller said the body parts that were removed were included with the sale (you can spy them in the bed), and he only had to add a few cosmetic trim pieces and reinstall the bodywork in the bed. Does that make sense to anyone? I'm not familiar with the insurance industry, but I do know they total the majority of cars out if they're over 10 years old for minor stuff. If the airbag deployed, would they total the car?

 

[chap79]

Looks really nice, the only question I would have is does your insurance company/financial institution have any issues with the salvage title?

 

[Will Van]

Looks really nice, the only question I would have is does your insurance company/financial institution have any issues with the salvage title?

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm going to pass. There are lots of Tacomas out there. No need to buy one with salvage/rebuilt title.

 

[joseywales]

What was it priced at? I’m curious on what “aggressive” pricing is in Texas. We don’t get many low priced Toyotas here in the PNW.

 

[alabamatacomaguy]

I had a 01 Tacoma exactly like this drivetrain wise just silver exterior and grey interior.

The frames on these are known for rusting. Spending its life in alabama Mine was mint when I sold it in 09... still regret that

The timing belts last 80-90k on them

That one doesn’t look bad but if I had to guess it’s been repainted.
It’s sadly rare to see these in decent shape anymore.
Some interior parts didn’t last much to/past 100k on them. Drivers side seat side cover goes fast on them. Also some of the plastics used on the dash and interior parts would never go back right once disassembled.
The Lower ball joints need to be replaced every few years as needed or 80-100k. When they fail the wheel disconnects and damages body. The rear locker if not engaged every few months can stop functioning but usually people disassemble and clean the motor and I think they are good.

 

[Will Van]

It was priced at $10,500.

I am probably going to pass due to the rebuilt title.

Thanks for the feedback!