Looking at a used tacoma for the first time. what to look for?

I am in the market for a used Tacoma, and I want to be sure of what I am buying whenever I go to look at a truck. I have no experience with vehicle mechanics at all, but I will be bringing my dad with me who does have limited experience, but has never owned a tacoma. What are some specefic things I need to look for when looking at, and test driving a used tacoma?

One listing on Craigslist in particular has gathered my attention. The price is very good, but the mileage does seem a little high. It does have a newer engine in it, so I guess that is also a plus?
https://chattanooga.craigslist.org/cto/6164123078.html

 

Unless there is paperwork from a shop proving the engine work then I would assume it didn't happen.
300k is a lot of miles, but not awful if it's been taken care of.
But remember, even if it does have a new engine, if everything else hasn't been replaced its gonna need a fair amount of work in the future.

As far as what to look for, frame rust is the biggie. There is a thread somewhere on here with specifics of what to look for.

Also, if you do some searching online there are mobile vehicle inspection businesses that you can pay to come inspect it.

 

Ask for pics of the frame, particularly in front of the leaf spring main eye.

 

I'd say a new engine is a minus. That engine shouldn't have to be entirely replaced at that mileage unless it was water damaged or he really beat on the truck.

Make sure he has paper work for that engine swap. And some sort of warranty. If not, don't go for it.

Another thing to look for is rust. Get under the truck with a screw driver and a hammer and beat on the frame. It seems silly but these trucks, even the new ones, have crappy rust prevention and our frames will literally become so rusty it'll unsafe for driving.

Other than that, see if the timing belt/water pump has been replaced. If not, factor about $1k into the price and talk him down.

Also, glimpse through here. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-tacoma-buyers-guide.156943/

Good luck man.

 

It also looks like the paint is fading on the hood. So for one, the previous owner didn't really care about washing it and neglected it, which is another bad sign but it is a 96, and fading paint for a 20 year old truck isn't that unheard of. Still....

The rear bumper is aftermarket so it either rusted away or he got in a fender bender. Check out the frame in detail back there to make sure nothing is warped out of place.

Check the tires for unusual wear, on top of checking the oil, etc.

 

My dad's 97 has super faded red paint LOL..

 

^^This is all good advice^^
I would add...be patient, don't jump at the first one in your price range. Resist the urge to buy quickly. Take your time and the right truck will pop up.
Good luck with your search. Welcome to TW!

 

This.

 

Amen... I tried as hard as I could not to rush. Looked at several trucks, but ended up buying mine as kind of a "screw it I'm done looking" it's had its quirks but I'm happy with my decision.

But don't buy a truck just because it's a good deal or because it's cheap, at the end of the day even if everything mechanical checks out its gotta be the truck you want or you'll end up regretting it.

Just my advise, it's worth what you paid for it

 

Says rustt free look below the window n wheel. Wells they are bubbled pretty bad for. Rust frer

 

Let me tell you my experience buying my second Tacoma, maybe you can learn from my mistake. I was a little short on cash, and wanted to buy a 2002 4-door in good condition. So I got a really beat-up one with 200k miles that needed some work for $6250. I can't tell you how much I wish I would have worked a few months and saved up and bought one that was taken care of for $10k.

I immediately had problem after problem and before I knew it I had spent $3k even though I did many of the repairs myself. If I had just bucked up and bough a good one in the first place I would have a nice truck and wouldn't be out any more money than I am now. (My truck is super beat up and abused and will probably have more and more problems. I'm in the process of selling it.)

 

I am in no huge hurry to get a truck, so I am not just chomping at the bit to buy THIS truck. I don't mind even paying more than that for something that may be more reliable. I am mainly just looking for things that I need to look for when looking at a used tacoma.

 

What are you rolling in now, Jonathan?

 

I currently don't own a vehicle. I will be turning 17 in about a month, and this will be my first vehicle. I am still able to get the transportation I need from my parents, but I am ready to get something of my own, so I am not working off of their schedule.

 

Cool.

 

Might of missed it, but are you willing to learn and work on your potentially new truck? Are you set on a tacoma? Do you have tools, or set money aside to buy some. Honestly I'd say look a little older and I get your 17 and on a budget and want something of your own. Nothing wrong with that we were all there once before. Whatever you get you will love it and remember it forever.

 

One owner old man or woman nuff said

 

Yes, I do want to learn to work on whatever I get. I am not dead set on a Tacoma, but I have heard great things about them. I just want something relatively affordable, that I can use to get to work and back, and take hunting, and trapping in the mountains, so not dead set on a tacoma, but it seems like a good option for me. I don't have any tools to speak of, but I can buy what I need. The truck I was looking at is $4500, but I have no problem waiting a couple of months, and spending double that if I need to.

 

I'm partial to toyota as I currently own 5 and 1 JEEP. Would you want just toyota or any other brand. Some 4runners can be found fairly cheap or some 80 series land cruisers can be had around 4-5k with 200k miles