Should I buy?

Looked at a 2005 DC V8 4wd today. Everything works from what I can tell, looks like valve cover gasket is leaking, potentially rack and pinion issue, and some rust mostly on the bed the frame looks decent. Clear coat peeling on all fender flares, few other spots, good has peeling and some rust. In Louisville KY, sellers asking 8500 pretty firm. He sent screenshots of mileage at times it was logged in shop but not really any proof of anything or what was done when. I have more pictures, didn't know what would be most helpful so here are what I'm seeing as the worst things. I really appreciate any guidance you can give. As with the market, sort of have to jump on it if I'm going to do it. Found him as a private seller, but he is actually a dealer and doesn't have the title yet, I went to his house but how do I verify everything is legit? I can't find anything in any sort of decent condition around here at any price, I was looking at second gens but they are pretty pricey. Deal or no deal?
215k

 

Run away. Whole thing is sketchy.

 

I take it you already read this thread? https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-you-wanna-buy-just-bought-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/

Need more pics of the frame.

 

Read it on the way to look at it

 

It does seem a little sketchy, but I was also at his house so if he gives me a bill of sale and a truck how can I verify it's legit beforehand? Interior is very nice condition

 

Rear axle housing looks fucked but the frame looks generally alright for a KY truck. We’ve had a couple of KY members who’ve already had their frames replaced due to rust damage.

You didn’t mention what the current mileage is. Can you get the VIN, run a Carfax, get any details at all about anything? Assume right off the bat it probably needs the timing belt/water pump (use the Aisin kit) and new OEM lower ball joints, along with steeeing rack bushings.

 

Check out the bed and rust coming from underneath. One point of rust through is a good indicator your whole bed is compromised. Thankfully not from function but from future aesthetic. The leaking steering rack and corroded lines will cost you a bit to replace just in parts alone unless you go aftermarket. Frame rust is flaking and some coating near the cab mount that worries me what’s underneath, good metal or more rust.

The recent pics you just posted are 1/2 incomplete.

 

And a radiator. Unless it's been done.
But, no title, no deal. They made more than one of these, another will show up. Shady folks count on FOMO. You went to A house, not necessarily HIS house. What if it has a savage or flood title?

 

Set up a Toyota account in the app and check the maintenance history

 

It's a 20 year old truck. Why doesn't he have the title? No title, no sale. It should be signed over immediately. This is enough for me to walk away.

 

Check out the bed and rust coming from underneath..

 

The rust holes in the bed and generally rusty crusty condition of the truck and its fasteners and bits would be enough for me to pass. The rest of the questionable seller shit? Out on that too.

 

Don't buy it without a title. You are opening a pit of hell for yourself, regardless of price/mileage/condition.

 

First class advice!!! NO title NO sale

 

The fact that you’re even considering that rust bucket for 8,500 is crazy.

 

Too rusty, too crusty, and no title. Not even a close call, look elsewhere.