Hey Scotty, I'm a long-time fan and this is my first time submitting a question:
I'm looking at purchasing an '03 Highlander with 134k miles for $6.8k (3.0L V6 FWD, very clean exterior) or a 07 Tacoma with 107k miles for $9.8k (rough exterior and interior). Both of these vehicles are through dealerships.
I do not need the car immediately, want to leverage this against the dealerships, and I plan on having both vehicles inspected for known issues (e.g. frame rust for 07 Tacoma and stripped engine bolts for 03 Highlander). What are your thoughts on which one I should go with? I'm looking for a vehicle that will last a long time, be reliable, and is old enough that I won't feel bad beating it up or working on it (e.g. lifting it, tinting windows, new tires).
Both the Tacoma and Highlander are known for class leading quality. Just know the 03 Highlander did have some major issues.
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Highlander/2003/
This is engine bolt strips like you said. Make sure to have it checked by a mechanic before purchase. Also that price is a rip off. Is that US dollars? If it is, an 18 year old Highlander w/ 140k miles for upwards of 7 grand is ridiculous. I would look private party. The Tacoma's price is more reasonable.
I agree that the price is outrageous. KBB priced it on the high end of $5.8k and I was going to use that as leverage to talk them down. If not, I'll just walk since I'm not in dire need of a vehicle.
I do want to go private party, but I just PCS'ed to a new area and the hassle of getting the vehicle registered back in my home state (the tags are much cheaper) is a headache I do not want to deal with right now. Hearing that private party purchase from another, unbiased source makes me really want to look at that avenue now though. Thank you for your input, Kerem.
kbb is also pretty false if you are using kbb use the trade in value 5.8k is also outragous if I would not be able to get it under 5 grand, i would walk away. 5 grand tops for me. Even that is a lot. Also, if they don't let you have a mechanic check it out before purchase, walk away. Walking away is the solution of many dealerrship scams these days.
Awesome. Thank you so much for that knowledge. I'll keep that in mind when dealing with these jokers. Thanks, Kerem.
np;)
Is there a way to upload photos onto here? I forgot that I actually have photos of the '07 Tacoma that may help add a layer of detail.
You can't on this site but if you upload it somewhere else and then attach the link here then we could view it but even if it was the most pristine vehicle ever, it is overpriced. More so the Highlander.
I figured it out. The link is below:
https://postimg.cc/gallery/0DyS7jM
As you can see, the exterior and interior are rough. That's why I think the $9.8k asking price is outrageous too.
Wow. If the frame is rusted don't even think about buying it as well as the frame rotting is common with those Tacomas.
@jonny-tsunami
You can post photos by just clicking the "Attach Files" link below where you enter text. But the gallery link works just as well.
@mountainmanjoe
Oh I can not see that on my screen maybe it is on others or I am missing it.
maybe your browser is blocking it
@mountainmanjoe
Where does it show the add files icon? I have the fonts on the left and at the very right is the emoji. Is it between those?
I was wrong. That's mods only. Image upload is disabled. Sorry! I guess you have to use external image hosting.
@Kerem
I definitely agree that the likelihood of the frame being rusted out is high. That's why I'm pushing for an autobody shop to inspect it before purchasing. Similar to what you said, if either dealership doesn't allow me to get the vehicle inspected before purchasing it then I'm walking.
I'd go with the Tacoma. They are TOUGH trucks and can really put in the work.
I like the Highlanders ok, but if I'm going to spend that kind of money it would be a Tacoma for me.
Hey! The reason the Tacomas price is low is because of its condition. Look at this: https://postimg.cc/gallery/0DyS7jM
But I do agree that the Highlander's price is absolutely ridiculous.
I took your advice and started looking at private parties. I stumbled upon this '02 Tacoma w/ 341k miles. I've attached the link. I'm was going to ask 6.5k pending a review of the frame for any signs of rust damage.
https://neworleans.craigslist.org/cto/d/loranger-2002-toyota-tacoma/7255618025.html
How expensive can trucks be therre 7.5k for a 20 year old Tacoma with 350k miles is absolutely absurd.
But I see this is the cheapest one private party so he says its highway miles have a mechanic check it out and offer him 5.5k
@Kerem
Thanks for your advice. I'll definitely do that.