First time buyer with ?'s

Hey there TW! I'm looking to buy my first Tacoma and thought this would be the best place to ask a few questions.

I'm looking for a 2nd Gen. double cab, 6' bed, V6 4x4 for daily driver and fishing (hauling Old Town canoe)/hunting. No crazy off-roading and not looking to go nuts with mods. I'm relatively indifferent on trim packages.

What, if any, is the difference between the U.S. and Canadian models?
I found a '14 Limited (don't care abut a fancy interior, but it checks all the other boxes) with low miles that came from Quebec. It's in the States now and the speedometer is in MPH, which is the only obvious part I know to look for.

Is a 3/1 leaf package the standard for this model?

Anything specific to look out for on '12-'15 models, other than usual vehicle aspects (rust, fluids, etc.)?

I'd appreciate any input or advice while searching.

If these question were covered in another thread, please let me know. Still getting acquainted with the site and don't want to waste anyone's time. Thanks!!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Welcome to TW.

I'm no expert by any means, but the biggest difference I've heard of is that the Canadian models have a warning light whenever the windshield fluid gets low.


Best of luck on your purchase.

 

Likely one will have ketchup stains on the seats, whereas the other will have maple syrup stains.

EDIT: every single one of us is wasting someone's time with our comments and questions here on TW...it's kinda a requirement...haha, all in good fun!

 

* Gravy stains. From the poutine. I might be Texan, but that I do recognize the superior way to eat fries. It's almost as good as chili and cheese.

 

DO NOT BUY FROM QUEBEC. They are the rust capitol of canada, worse than the east coast even.

Rusted frames are big issue for Tacomas, and should always be avoided.

All Canadian models have 3/1 leafs.

 

Welcome to The Forum!

 

The 3/1 leaf package, "harsh ride TSB", etc. ceased to be relevant after 2011. The other notable feature of Canadian models is absence of the sodding "MAINT REQD" oil change reminder light. Rust is probably the biggest risk with a Canadian model, especially from Quebec just due to the heavy snowfall and salting they see. Beyond that it's checking some known problem areas with aging 2nd gens:

Steering rack leak (seepage near the tie rod bellows)
Timing cover leak (near the power steering pump)
Rotted out radiator support bushings
Worn out wheel bearings
Coolant transfer pipe leak below the intake manifold (not common, but very labor intensive)
A/C leak at the high-pressure line going to the condenser
Seized U-joint on steering intermediate shaft

 

...^^^... I lived in Quebec ... from Montreal to Quebec City ... for a long time on business.

I took a new Chevrolet from the southern USA to Montreal and it was a rust bucket after 2 years.

You could even see the rust coming through the white paint.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW!