Thinking of buying...

[CoMarc]

I found the below listing on Craigslist and thought it might be a nice starting point for doing the Tacoma front end conversion (after a bit of work from an auto-body shop). Here's the ad: Craigslist. It's got everything else I'd want in a 4Runner.

So I went down to it and took a look for other damage that we can't see via the ad. below are some of the pictures I took. The engine still runs and works fine. I wasn't able to test drive it, but we did start it up and I watched if run, revved it, and looked for any leaks. From those pictures, would this be a good buy to try and fix up and put the Tacoma front end on?






The part that worries me the most is in that last picture. Behind and in front of the wheel you can see a bit of the frame which is bent. Do think think that this may lead to more problems with the truck? If not, would this be pretty easy to fix so that the bumper could be put back on? Any other concerns you all can think of?

Thanks ahead of time!

 

[brian2sun]

I wouldn't pay anywhere near $4000 for that personally. Even if it still has a clear title and not a salvage (which I'll bet it is), maybe $1500 at the most IMO.

 

[GbRunner]

For sure not worth 4000, like mentioned above I wouldnt pay anymore then 1500.

 

[CoMarc]

For sure not worth 4000, like mentioned above I wouldnt pay anymore then 1500.

Price I already knew it wouldn't be worth $4k, but do we think this 4Runner can be rebuilt and used again, or is it just a parts car?

 

[brian2sun]

You need the frame inspected before you even start negotiating IMO. That would sway the price a lot. Or pay for it as if it's a complete total and then if you can fix it, it'll be a bonus.

 

[GbRunner]

Personally I wouldn't buy it and rebuild it. If you have the mechanical skills and have the time to take it on as a project, I don't see why not.

I just see a lot of work for what you get out of it.

 

[larrylegend]

I always thought frame damage was the fastest way to a salvage title. It just boils down to what the price is and if you are just going to wheel it and never sell it. Obviously, if it has a salvage title you won't ever be able to sell it for much, but you could just wheel it until it quits.

 

[CoMarc]

I always thought frame damage was the fastest way to a salvage title. It just boils down to what the price is and if you are just going to wheel it and never sell it. Obviously, if it has a salvage title you won't ever be able to sell it for much, but you could just wheel it until it quits.

I suspect if there is frame damage that it's not very repairable. Is that a correct assumption? Most of the deep body work would be done by a body shop, and then I'd bolt on all the Tacoma pieces. It would become more of a daily driver than a wheeler vehicle.

Where would I take it to get the frame inspected? It doesn't appear drive-worthy currently so I'd have to have it hauled away to get it checked out. Any other pointers of what I should think about?

 

[brian2sun]

Normally a body shop could tell you if the frame is bent, but since it doesn't drive, your best bet would be to have a body guy come to it. Or if you really really want it, you could use AAA if you have it to tow it to a place to have it checked out. Personally, I think ther chances are low that thing will make a good DD again.

 

[WrexHAmm]

Not wanting to jump the gun but if you do get it I would love to take that locker off your hands for you . I am also in Denver, would be even willing to pull it off myself.

Did I notice that the front and rear rims are different? There goes parting out a set of rims.

Front end damage is so iffy. Those collisions end up doing way more damage than meets the eye. Personally I would pass or wait it out, at the rate they are going on that the price will just continue to drop. I for sure wouldn't make that into my DD.