Buying used 2005 Tacoma

I'm looking to buy a 2005 Tacoma listed for pretty low because there are some known issues. There is 220,000 miles on it, access cab, 4x4, manual. The issues are cam cover oil leak on passenger side and squeak from rear diff at drive shaft.

I just want to know if these issues are major and if I should be worried. Or they are easy fixes that won't cost me too much.

Any feedback is appreciated, thank you!

 

Pay for a professional inspection from an independent mechanic, and have them include a compression / leakdown test. They should provide written estimates for any repairs they recommend, as well as a list of things to monitor. You can use that list to help negotiate price as well.

At 220k and 16 years old it's not time to ask folks on the internet to guess at stuff. Even if we guessed correctly on the two things you mention, there could be several other things you are unaware of.

For example, the frames on these trucks don't do well if they've lived in salt country and not been maintained. And that condition alone could make the deal a non starter. If the frame were to be a problem, there's no use at even checking out other things, just walk away.

Or it could be perfect and a gasket and set of ujoints have you rolling well.

 

Dont buy it unless its had the heads replaced or your getting a killer deal on it. 2005's and early 2006's have bad head gaskets and its around $4,000 to fix

 

Is it going to be a "throw away" temporary vehicle? The high mileage and age of that truck, along with the supposed cheap price for its condition, in my opinion, gets classified as a temporary vehicle which I would expect to last a minimum of 1.5 years, and max 3... If that is only how long you need a truck for, go for it...but if you're expecting it to last longer, then expect to spend more money on repairs or on a lower-mileage truck.

 

AND possible Head gasket issues $$$$ AND motor mount issues $$ on 2005-06 Tacoma's.
RUN AWAY FROM THAT TACOMA AS FAST AS YOU CAN.

 

Do as Clearwater Bill has suggested...We don't know what kind of deal the OP is getting on this so I wouldn't say no to buying it. These kind of deals doesn't scare me if I'm getting a killer deal. Buy it, drive it, find another used motor and drop it in there. AC 4WD manual would definitely get my attention for the right price. As for the rear squeak, likely failing U-joints.

 

Check the frame! Check the frame! CHECK THE FRAME!

 

I like your approach. Where can I find an independent mechanic for the Tacoma?

 

I have no idea where you live, nor whats in your area.

But every indy worth using works on most marquees. And they use systems like AllData to provide specifics for what's in the bay, assuming its in need of something beyond basics.

I will say this, and not being rude, just practical. If you cant do 50-80% of the inspection yourself, due to lack of knowledge, tools or space, really proceed with caution. No matter how any vehicle inspects today, one that old with that mileage will need work along the way. Maybe not big stuff, but a fair amount of small stuff.

If you can't DIY for much of that (or just don't want to) you'll have a lot of shop $ going out the window.