Info for a friend looking at a 2009

I've got a 2003 and am consequently all up-to-date on first gen Tacomas, but I've got a friend looking at a 2009 in Western North Carolina. I think he's looking at a 4x4.

Does "TRD" on second gens mean e-locker? I'm aware of the recent settlement on frame rust. I believe there is a recall for leaf springs. What else should I have him look out for?

Thanks,

Matt

 

TRD Off Road means rear diff locker, both on Prerunner 4x2's and 4x4's. Look for the diff lock push button on the dash left of the steering wheel.

TRD Sport has the hood scoop, and a mechanical LSD in the rear from 2005-2008, starting in 2009 the Tacoma switched to brake assisted limited slip.

 

Thanks for the reply. I've just been shown a link to the truck. It's not a TRD. It's a "base" whatever that means. It does appear to be a 4x4.

http://www.mountainford.com/used-in...dex=14&count=22&offset=13&limit=1&match=exact

 

I think it's seriously overpriced for a 9 yo vehicle with 141k.

Yea, I know about the 'Tacoma tax' and all that nonsense.

If he's interested, a trip to a good CU and find out the loan value would be worthwhile. Then call his insurer and ask what they'd value such a vehicle at for purposes of replacement (stolen, totaled, etc)

Understanding what a financial place will give for a collateral loan or payout gets you much closer to a real value.

Yea yea, I know all the 'it's worth what someone will pay lingo' too. I get it. But the numbers learned above would at least give a starting point.

 

He's friends with the owner of the dealership, so the price you see isn't the price he's paying. I think he's in a $13k neighborhood. That still seems a bit high to me, but I haven't priced a second gen ever.

 

I thought the price was high too, but NADA actually shows retail at $18,600. Prices for 4wd are ridiculous.

The only thing that stands out to me is the headlights, the driver side looks new while the other one is cloudy. I'd check to make sure that driver side hasn't been wrecked.

 

You can get a little more specific info from Toyota by plugging in the VIN in the ad at toyota.com.....

https://www.toyota.com/owners/vehicle-specification