Too many miles to buy?

Looking at a 2005 Tacoma TRD with 266,000 miles. Is that too many? It is a manual transmission and the photos look incredible.

 

Maintenance is the key. How well was it serviced as issues came up? It will not be a “gas in the tank and oil changes” vehicle but you can keep these trucks going as long as you want to put in the effort. Take it as a challenge to get to 500k.

 

A well maintained 2nd gen is just getting past broken in at 266. If it’s got its maint records, just go get it a good inspection by a good independent mechanic. If all is ok, it should serve you just fine.

I only wish I found a good second gen before I spent big bucks on my 3rd and it’s trips to the dealer for recalls and stupid stuff.

 

It depends on the price. With that many miles it better be priced right. Chances are good that it'll go 400,000 miles, maybe more, before you have any major issues with it. But chances are also good that you'll need to start replacing some less major parts soon. Things like water pumps, alternators, AC compressors, suspension components, etc. don't last forever. I wouldn't pay so much for it that I didn't have enough to cover such repairs in the near future.

 

$6,900 for the truck. According to KBB a decent price.

 

I have an 95 with over 500K and a 02 that i drive everyday with 461K, getting her to 500 i hope. I change the oil ever 20-22K believe it or not and not with synthetic. First gens are damn near bullet proof.....

 

Check the frame!!

 

fatrip thanks for that tip. I had an 08 that I had the recall done and frame replaced. Unfortunately there are no frame photos.

 

Frame and head gaskets would be my main concerns. I'd think about replacing the timing chains as well. I think their useful life is 225k.

 

Listen for the dreaded manual throw out bearing chirp.

 

It's an attractive price. Depends on your budget and what you're looking for. Besides the miles, is this the config you're looking for in a Tacoma?
If it was me, I'd seek out a younger truck with lower miles

 

It is for me, the 2005 models have known issues with head gaskets.
I’d pass, unless you have a service record of new replacement gaskets.
But then again, that just my opinion.
You could buy it and never have a problem.

If you do have a problem, the money you spend fixing it, could have help buy a new truck.

 

I bought my xrunner with about 93k on it, chirping from day one. Planned to fix it, drove it for another 140k miles, traded it in last Dec. Never touched the thing, just let it squeak.

 

266k miles is nothing if you were the original owner and knew how the truck was treated it’s entire life.

266k miles is bad bad bad if your buying it second hand

 

Mine has been chirping for about six months now. ( Gen 2 ‘10 with 120k miles).

 

I’d buy that Bitch. All day. See if I could get 900k out of it

 

Nobody has asked what engine it has.

V6, I wouldn't buy it regardless of history.

I4 with good records, I might.

 

I would disagree with this. Both are quite reliable and there's no way I would choose a 4cyl over a V6.

OP, the miles scare me even at that price. You will find wear and tear items will constantly will need to be replaced and the future costs and constant downtime will make it not worth the attractive asking price.

 

05 Head gasket issues would make me move on regardless of miles or price, that’s just me.

 

My thoughts on this are that driving a Taco up to 266K and beyond is no big deal. Even if you started at 150K, by the time you got to 266K, you’ve got 116K worth of enjoyment out of the truck and when repairs come due, you expect to pay.

However, starting at 266K with unknown maintenance history, it could be a money pit that you are constantly throwing money into. The cost of the truck and repairs could easily exceed the initial cost of a lower mileage truck.

I also feel that the mileage on the truck when you buy it should be directly proportionate to the mechanical ability of the owner. If changing oil is a challenge, buying at under 100K is probably a smart move. If you have to pay a shop for most repairs, it’s probably best not to buy a truck with 200K miles on it.