What should I know before buying used 2011 Taco?

Some surface rust for sure...Need more photos of frame (ifs area, cab and bed bolts, etc) not sure of damage parameters for current frame recall.

I would personally hire a third party inspector prior to purchase, especially based off those photos. Will work on links..Best way to have clarity prior to 20k+ or (any) purchase. Best $100 dollar mod available.

AiM - http://homepage.aiminspections.com

 

Thanks I'll check out an inspector. I wish the Toyota dealer would be more upfront on the frame/rust inspection. I asked yesterday and they noted no rust :/

 

the spot u really gotta look out for is hard to see...Its on the inside of the frame next to the cat converter...Thats where mine had a huge hole in it!!!

 

Pretty disappointing, I have asked a few questions of the dealership to answer regarding the status of the rust/frame recall on this 2011 without getting any responses. They previously said their technician had "found no rust" on the vehicle, which is not true based on the photos my friend took. I really want this vehicle but they can't get me any answers when asked about rust/frame issues. You'd think an official Toyota Dealership would have no problem answering some questions.

 

Most of the Toyota techs seem dumber than shit
for some reason,every single time I ask about a problem,all they ever say is my tech couldn't find anything wrong,or there is no problem.I swear they simply are either lazy and or Toyota does not want too cover recalls and the fact that its Toyotas fault for being cheap on quality.

 

Do yourself a BIG favor and have a fellow Tacoma owner or inspector look the truck over good,as it does look like it may have more hidden rust problems than any photo can ever show you.

 

There is no active "rust/frame recall" or class action suit ordered remedy for 2011 MY Tacomas--Toyota's (two I believe) warranty extension ('95 to '00) and "recall" ('01 to '04) programs ended some time back, and the current but not yet final class action suit includes only '05 to '10 model years. As to car dealers (new or used), do not trust them or believe a word they say--especially what anyone connected to "sales" has to say.

So, it is not that they "can't get [you] any answers" but rather that the only truthful answer they have will not sell the truck--the fact is that right now a 2011 (or '12 or '13, '14 or whatever) Tacoma with a badly or near badly rusted frame isn't worth crap--so they fidget, fudge and outright lie. They (the 2011+ Tacomas with rusted frames) may someday be worth something if enough owners of 2011+ vehicles file suits, or if another "'11 to '??" class action suit is taken, but 'til then their value is in a dumpster; and even if another "campaign" is launched, or a new class action is settled, who wants to buy a truck that may end up undrivable, and have to be laid up for months waiting the frame to be replaced?

 

Looks like a no-go unfortanutely at this point they aren't returning any questions via email or phone. Pretty unprofessional if you ask me, seems like I may have hit a nerve in pushing for further details on the frame/rust. Dang, seemed like such a great opportunity to finally snag a Taco!

Seems hard to find 4x4 in the long bed for under 30k. I will keep up the search, thanks everyone for your awesome info!

 

They did you a favor,that goes too show how they will handle themselves AFTER a sale when you may need them,since they wont contact you back they know you are not a typical buyer that believes all the B.S they tell you.

 

I will risk of being flamed or labeled a "senile geezer" (OK so there's some truth there) for repeating what follows; though I feel it bears repeating, loud and often...

There are three kinds of new car dealerships:

1. Good ones;
2. OK ones;
3. Those that suck monkey balls if hell;

"Good" is as good as new car dealers ever get, most are "OK", but a surprisingly larger number "suck the monkey balls".

It would seem the one you have found is a solid "3".

Used car dealers come only in flavours 2 and 3...

 

In your next search check out the radiator support and bushings. Dead giveaway if it was wheeled hard. Also test drive without radio on. Pops, creaking, dash rattle = it's been wheeled pretty good

 

Thought searching at dealerships for a certified pre-owned Toyota would have implied they would be more professional. Not the case apparently. Stay away from Northbrook Toyota in IL!

 

I suspect whoever traded it in was dumping it--I wonder how much they allowed on it?

We get "snowbirds" all the time bringing their rust buckets here and trading them in. 99.44% of new cars dealers automatically wholesale them and they show up on the "buy here, pay here" (BHPH) lots. Ten years ago the BHPH lots had gobs of flooded cars from Katrina...

 

Probably didn't want to deal with a pushy buyer, when there are less-discerning buyers available seeking a popular vehicle.

 

Looks like a pretty good deal to me. I do have an 2011...those headlights might not be OEM, they looked replaced. Mine needed to be changed out as well as the daytime running lamps burnt the lenses and eventually it cracked.

 

Dealerships come in all forms,but the bottom line is they only care about money too be made,its up too you too verify that the truck you buy is good to go.Trust me a BETTER Tacoma will come along for you.Be patient.

 

Agreed...there are lots of folks out shopping for vehicles that don't do their homework when it comes to researching known problems. That dealer will have a new 'sucker' wanting to buy that truck soon and that's all that matters to them.

 

Yeap that's the truth!

 

I got a 2015 with 36k miles for 29k it's an sr5 it has a 100k mile bumper to bumper. It's has a spacer lift an the aal on the rear with aftermarket wheels and tires I drove it from Oregon to Chicago it has only been here a month.

 

Just an update...

Brought home a Tacoma tonight! Found another deal close to home - Certified 2011 Tacoma for @ $22k out the door and only 30,500 miles on it in great condition. Listing (and photos) here. Carfax here.

Having in double checked by mechanic in the morning before paperwork goes through, looking like it will go well.