New here and looking for a used Tacoma for son

Our son will be getting his driver's license in a few months, and has his heart set on a Tacoma. (We are recent Toyota converts.... we have a 2017 Highlander, and decked out 2017 Tundra). I'm here looking for information on used Tacos.

Our budget is $10-11k. What we're seeing is nothing newer than a 2008 and in the neighborhood of 200k miles (in a 300 mile radius from where we live). I know these trucks are tough and go forever, so while 200k used to scare me, since learning more about Toyotas in general, I know it's not too big of a deal. Of course we want something dependable and safe for him. Since we're in WI, it has to be 4x4.

What kinds of things should we be looking out for when looking at these trucks? Any particular problems with certain years? Some have less miles but are older (backwards I know), so is the year more important, or is mileage more important for these?

Any advice is appreciated.

 

If you shop hard you 'might' find a 1st gen unit (pre 2005), or even older, particularly if you are willing for a regular or access cab, with reasonable miles for the year that has been well cared for. Sorry to say, for a new driver, having a few bumps and bruises already in place takes a little 'stress' off too.

Frame rust is the #1 concern in any salt area. As in beat on it with a ball peen, pry on it around the openings, and use a borescope attached to your smart phone to look inside the frame. Don't just stick your head under, see some undercoating and call it good.

If it's over 150k miles it's worth the effort to do a compression/leakdown test. Just to validate the motor is pretty healthy.

After that it's just like any other used vehicle for the most part. It's nice to have maintenance records, little to no modifications, everything working, etc etc.

If you aren't a strong DIY person, it's worth paying for a professional inspection from an independent shop. (dealership not required, maybe not even preferred)

Just make your list and be sure they include everything you ask for. Brake inspections, tire inspections, ball joint, u joint and wheel bearing inspections, etc.

It will take a while to find the right truck, but they do exist. Your budget might be a little soft for a nicer 4wd though.

An alternative shopping idea might be a RAV4 or 4 Runner in AWD or 4WD. Might be easier to find, less wear and tear, less cost. Or a Subaru in one of their SUV/CUV versions (Outback/Forester). Just a thought.

 

Good advice. (I've tried the alternative route suggestion... RAV4, etc.... no go, lol). How much would I expect to pay for an independent inspection? My husband is a pretty decent DIY mechanic, but I think a 2nd set of eyes is good.

I have heard that certain years were a bigger concern with the frames, is that accurate? Are there some that they will still replace if it hasn't been, and it's an issue?

 

Around where I am (Southern Maine/New England) I’m seeing 2nd gens at dealers for as low as 10-12k for decent options and limited mods. They’re usually Regular and Access Cabs 05-08 with 150k-200k. I think these years will be best bang for your buck. I searched for months and found an access cab TRD private sale and negotiated a fair price. Good luck!

 

New England is prime for frame rust and most that I’m seeing (Craigslist) have already had the frame recall done. It’s the body rust you want to watch out for.

 

Welcome to TW! Check for FRAME RUST! Other than that have a trusted mechanic take a look at the truck.

 

On the inspection, I'd expect about an hour or hour and a half of their normal shop rate. Don't know what rates are in your area, but it should be well less than a dealer.

The older the frame the more the risk. There's 16 thousand versions of who is getting what done by whom for what price. There's been extensions, etc etc. You can find lots of threads around here on the topic, but like anything else, some will be accurate, some will be dreamers, and often it actually depends on the dealer and even their relationship with Toyota.

In general (yea that sounds vague) if you find a very rusted frame, I'd not bother to mess with it. If the owner didn't pay attention enough to have it dealt with via the mailings and such that Toyota did, there's a good chance other issues were neglected too.

There is what we call a 'Toyota tax'. IE you can get the same vehicle in another marquee, with similar condition and features, for a good bit less. Yea, the older Toyotas are tough, but I'm not always sure they are worth the premium price if something else is available. For example, in that mid to late 2000's range, I'd be just as happy with a nice Ranger as a Tacoma for several grand less.

Good luck with your shopping.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/so-you-want-to-buy-a-tacoma.475482/

 

Depends on who is doing the 'rejection'. If it's the son who doesn't even have a license yet, and it's your money, and titled in your name, then you are in control. Right?

You could offer to wait until he's able to pay for whatever he wants.

Or even to let him pay the difference between a nice 4wd alternative and the truck he wants.

If hubby is doing the rejection of alternatives, happy shopping, and I'll wager the budget shall rise.

 

Take your time shopping & have the vehicle checked over by "Your Trusted" Mechanic/Shop- Ask around about Toyotas for sale with Family, friends, co-workers, etc.

 

When i was looking saw a sweet 08 ac mt in dresser wi. 160k they are doing a frame replacement n rear springs. Only thing that detered me was its a sport. But i think it was around the 13k price tag. They said they will advertise it after the frame replacement.

 

Thanks for the tip!


As far as alternatives, the son wants a truck, and for good reason. He's a hunter, and throwing a deer in the back of a RAV4 isn't the best idea... He's helping pay for it, so we might as well get something he actually wants.

 

Lucky kid

 

That’s awesome, if you find one and are on the fence, post some pictures of the truck and area of concern and chances are one of us can answer them and help y’all out.

 

I paid about $100 for an independent inspection once.

 

Well, that moved quicker than I thought, lol. We are in western WI, and I found one online at a small dealer in MN (just north of the Twin Cities). So we made the 2+hr drive after work the other night and ended up bringing it home that night. It's a 2006 4-door, 185,000 miles. Paid $12,720 - a hair over budget but so glad we didn't pass it up. Was told one owner, he was an older gentleman wanted to trade down (had no use for a truck anymore). What really sealed the deal for me was that before we left, I popped the VIN in the Toyota website, and I was able to see the entire service history of the truck which verified a lot of what I was told. He had it in for the frame recall in '14, and it did not need to be replaced so it was coated. I could see the guy did all the scheduled maintenance and no major repairs whatsoever.

Husband called and told our local Toyota salesman about it (he was looking for one for us too), and he was thrilled for us. He did say that even though frame was inspected and coated, they've seen some "bad jobs" done with that and thought we should have it in to be looked at again to be safe (said he would make it happen for no charge), as when he looked up the VIN, we would have until July of this year to have anything done yet under the recall. Service department gal said that usually they will only allow one "free" inspection of the frame, but our sales guy talked to them and told them no charge. So they looked it over today and said the frame, and all the other parts underneath look great. Had them change some fluids (engine and differential oils), got an extra key made (as it only came with one) and we were on our way.

Truck has no rust. Meticulously clean inside, I swear it's almost like new yet - no wear on the seats, dash controls, etc. So should be a great truck for the kid.

 

Congrats on the new to you truck.
05 to 06 had frame issues at the motor mounts.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cracked-frame-weld-at-motor-mount-bracket-help.529341/

 

Good looking truck. Beats my first 4 banger ranger by a long shot. Congrats on the find!

 

Welcome aboard!!!