looking to buy a 2002

so i found a tacoma 2002 sr5, talked the guy down to 10500 (witch is at the very top of my price bracket) was looking for an older model, but this one seems like a good deal..



the good:

the exterior in good shape

new clutch

all maintenance done at toyota with receipts to prove it

standerd and 4x4 (dont want an auto)



the bad

167000 miles

the motor was warrantied at 60k and was replaced

ive done a bit of research and found that its due for timing chain/ water pump



so i have never spent this kind of money on anything in my life, (all previous cars have been older than i am, and im a huge toyota fan) i just dont know if i should take the plunge. if i bought the truck did the timing chain would it then be a reliable truck for many years to come?



thanks for any input



Dom

Reply 1 : looking to buy a 2002

Timing chains were on the 4 cylinders and don't need replacing, while the V6's have timing belts that need to be changed every 90K miles. How many cylinders does the truck have? How does the frame look? There is currently a rust recall campaign out, but the deadline is quickly approaching.

Reply 2 : looking to buy a 2002

its a v6 so its got timing belt 7000miles overdue so if i bought it it would go straight to the shop.. add a few extra grand to the price but then it should last a long time no?

the frame looks good, i thought the recall was only 95- 2000

my main concern is how parts like cv axels, lasts the last thing i want is so replace some dumb electronic thing todo with the 4x4 only to have to replace the cvs a week type thing..



i took the truck for a drive went into 4 wheel fine drove nice i would be the third owner

Reply 3 : looking to buy a 2002

Recalls were for all 1st gens. Price seems a tad high to me. Head over to kbb.com, edmunds.com and nada.com and do some price research there and come up with an average... that should give you a ballpark figure of what you should be paying.