Hello everybody,
n00b here just back from the Overland Expo and all fired up to get truck and camper. A while back, in this post i was vexed that i could not find a Nissan Frontier 4x4, crew cab, long bed, used combination and was getting frustrated with the search. Some of you had advised looking at the 1st gen Tundra. I'm now actively looking for them and am rather delighted that they are considerably cheaper than 2nd gen Tacomas with much more power and same dimensions.
A summary of my thinking:
1. 1800lb payload is way better than the puny 1250 of the Frontiers/Tacomas for about the same dimensions
2. Yes, its a thirstier motor, but the payload makes up for it.
3. Cheaper and much more robust engines - i am seeing 300k mile samples coming up for sale.
4. Simple enough that a 3rd world mechanic may be able to fix one. Too bad parts will not be available abroad - not too many accessories available here either.
Here is my dilemma: I have my eyes on a Tundra with a salvage title: it was rear-ended and the bed, tailgate and bumper were changed out. I haven't seen it yet, but apparently there is paperwork or receipts for the work done at a body shop. The haggled down price is $12,000. The current owner is flipping it after having bought and repaired it (i think). I am not bothered by the salvage title, and will take it to a shop to have it checked out underneath for any frame damage and sloppy repair.
Any thoughts on what i should additionally be looking for in a rear-ended vehicle? Someone suggested taking it to an alignment place as well to be 100% sure... Any feedback would be appreciated.
shridhar
n00b here just back from the Overland Expo and all fired up to get truck and camper. A while back, in this post i was vexed that i could not find a Nissan Frontier 4x4, crew cab, long bed, used combination and was getting frustrated with the search. Some of you had advised looking at the 1st gen Tundra. I'm now actively looking for them and am rather delighted that they are considerably cheaper than 2nd gen Tacomas with much more power and same dimensions.
A summary of my thinking:
1. 1800lb payload is way better than the puny 1250 of the Frontiers/Tacomas for about the same dimensions
2. Yes, its a thirstier motor, but the payload makes up for it.
3. Cheaper and much more robust engines - i am seeing 300k mile samples coming up for sale.
4. Simple enough that a 3rd world mechanic may be able to fix one. Too bad parts will not be available abroad - not too many accessories available here either.
Here is my dilemma: I have my eyes on a Tundra with a salvage title: it was rear-ended and the bed, tailgate and bumper were changed out. I haven't seen it yet, but apparently there is paperwork or receipts for the work done at a body shop. The haggled down price is $12,000. The current owner is flipping it after having bought and repaired it (i think). I am not bothered by the salvage title, and will take it to a shop to have it checked out underneath for any frame damage and sloppy repair.
Any thoughts on what i should additionally be looking for in a rear-ended vehicle? Someone suggested taking it to an alignment place as well to be 100% sure... Any feedback would be appreciated.
shridhar