High miles on body, low on motor, worth it?

Hey guys,

So theres a 00 Tundra Limited (4.7) for sale near me, and I'm interested in it. Just wanted to get your guys thoughts. It's got 320k on the body, but a little under 100k on motor and tranny. It's got new ball joints, rear wheel bearings, tail lights, blower motor, PS pump, and a bunch of other stuff. It isn't perfect cosmetically but it's not terrible. They're only asking 3000 for it (needs rear brake work and 4x4 work think it's just the actuator).
Now mind you, I live in the Outer Banks, NC. Vehicles rust away down here to the point that they will no longer pass inspection or frames will break etc. So that's why I'm looking at a cheap truck. As long as the frame looks ok, I don't care what the body looks like.

Just wondering...would you guys run away due to the amount of miles on the chassis? If I go look at it, and the frame isn't rusted beyond belief, and everything else looks ok and it drives ok....go for it?

Thanks in advance!

 

I would have a qualified mechanic check it from top to bottom.

 

Triple check the frame.

 

If you can live with the body's condition and the power train checks out good I would consider it. Rear brakes are easy but I would make sure that the 4x4 system is an easy fix and not a major repair before purchasing.

 

No running away here, at most body may need are bushings - easy and cheap. Yeah no rust & drives/feels good/all works = steal. Go Pho it!

 

The body isn't beat up by any means, it's just not flawless. And she said the 4x4 light is blinking and will not engage. So I'm guessing sensor or actuator.

 

$3000 seems steep for that but in over in Utah so maybe market is different here. I’d see if they’d go down to like $2400

 

And if the timing belt needs to be done, which is right about the mileage you listed, add another third to your purchase price.

 

I can tackle most things, and if I’m not comfortable doing it I have friends to help. I assume it needs timing belt/water pump every 90k or so just like the 3.4 in my Tacoma?

 

Yep.

 

The three things I would check out really closely are the frame, the frame, and the frame. If you have a Tacoma, then you should be familiar with frame rust issues.

 

Why does the body have 300k miles and the motor only 100k?

Seems odd as these trucks 4.7L motors are bullet proof when properly maintained. Based on the flooding on that Island, I’d guess she got flooded out during a Nor’easter. Survey says, RUNNNNN!!!