Opinion on Potential 2006 DCLB Purchase

Hi all. Been lurking for while and joined a few years back but ended up in a 100 series LC back then and am on ih8mud more. Now we are looking to add a pickup to the mix to replace our Toyota Echo.

I found this 2006 DCLB about 150 from me in Portland, OR. I’ve done some (a lot) of reading here of what to look for etc, but was hoping to get some opinions on price, condition, etc from y’all here before I commit to a 4 hour round trip drive.

• 2006 DCLB black with bed topper
• 148k miles
• Dealer is asking $16k
• 2 owner (owner 1: 5 years, 16,500mi/yr, all maintenance done at dealer; and owner 2: 9 years, 4K/yr, no maintenance records)
• Spent 2 years in Iowa, remainder in NW Washington state
• SR5 Package #2
• Tow Package
• 4x4

Here are a few photos the dealer sent me.

 

Inspect the frame well or pay a trusted mechanic to do it that knows where to look for rusted out spots. Have the cooling system pressure tested well.

The last thing I'd look at in an older Taco is the body, the first thing I'd look is the frame.

 

From the photos, it doesn't look terrible for the age.

Earlier 2006's may have issues with the head gasket and/or motor mounts cracking. I would take to a mechanic to have a compression test and leakdown test performed (as well as a general inspection).

You didn't mention (or I missed it), but is this a Prerunner or 4x4?

If it is a prerunner, I'd consider paying about $14k for it with the yellowed headlights, rust and lack of service records.
If it is a 4x4, maybe $18k. Maybe.

 

Thanks for these quick responses. It is in fact a 4x4. Thanks for catching that.

If there isn’t a knowledgeable mechanic local to the dealer that knows “where” to look on the frame, can you point me towards resources about that? There are tons of rust related threads here but I could read those for a week straight.

 

By the cat converter, cradle, [under engine] check around all the frame welds, x members, leaf spring perches.

 

Thanks a bunch! Very helpful.

 

Wow, I bought from a dealer my 2006 in 2012 with 112K miles, DCLB 4x4 with Leer 100R... for $17,900 (that was over 6 years ago). Still a great truck in very good condition with 185K miles.

How the above truck for sale is worth $16K seems crazy.

 

Because new truck pricing has skyrocketed in those 6 years, inflation has eaten away at the value of the dollar, and the 2nd gen Taco with the 4.0 is in demand.

 

Valid points, I wouldn't pay it though.

 

Black DCLB's rule the world.

 

That seems a bit expensive. I'm trying to sell my 2010 PreRunner TRD Sport with 141k miles for $17,200 and I'm struggling with that lmfao. I don't know if $16k is a good price for where you're located, but idk to me it seems a bit pricy.

 

Waaaaaaay too much money for potential head gasket issues and frame issues. This is rust that has been very poorly covered up with black paint.

 

Since discovering a fist sized hole in the frame of my PreRunner after I bought it, I've taken the advice of the welder who patched it. He said to ALWAYS take a piece of cardboard (or wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty), a flashlight, and a small hammer. If anyone won't let you tap the frame where you see rust? Walk away. If it doesn't feel or sound like solid metal? Walk away or get a HUGE discount on the price and have a welder that you trust on speed dial...

 

I’d pass on a 16k 2006 with that mileage if it has spent winters in Iowa

A cream puff from a dry climate and I still think that’s steep but the used prices are definitely inflated right now

 

pS that truck was about 25k new 15 years ago OP

If you’re on mud with a Hundy you’re prolly used to sky high used prices but I’d continue searching

 

Likely just the waxy undercoating used in the frame rust campaign.

In addition to head gasket issues and frame rust, check for timing cover leaks and steering rack leaks, as both are 4-figure jobs to fix.

The tire has minimal treadlife left, so budget replacement tires in the price.

What is the aftermarket toggle switch on the dash? If it's aftermarket alarm, consider walking away, or you could be dealing with intermittent no-starts later on (which can strand you).

 

Thanks all. All valid points, I appreciate it.

I did notice the bald tires and was already factoring that into my initial out of pocket, or as negotiating power. Along with the busted driver window visor thing.

Does the rust on the upper control arm bother anyone?

The price is about where most things locally are listed for here in the PNW. Found a 07 TRD OR with 209k for 16k and a few others +- 1-2k.

Tacos are like Subarus around here. If you don’t have one, you likely have the other. If I go back home to Georgia it’s all Jeeps, and American pickups.

Thanks again for the feedback.

 

It "appears" to just be heavy surface rust, so it wouldn't bother me as far as structural integrity. It would, however, rile up my OCD and I'd likely want to find some used stock ones and make it a fun DIY!

 

Keep looking for one with less frame rust, even if you have to drive farther. The frame rust looks extensive and a simple coilover swap looks to be near damn impossible with those rusted bolts. Simple DIY repairs will be a nightmare.

 

It'll be hard to tell from pictures no matter what. If it's a truck you're interested in, make the drive and check out everything you can. Look for the rust and any leaks (e.g. valve covers). Under the truck, inside, take for a drive, etc.
$16k seems a little steep, but depends on the area. We sold our 2006 Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4, AT, 121K miles for $17K two years back. I live in a very high demand area and wanted Tacoma's don't normally last a week on the private sells.

It took me two flights to the neighbor islands just to get what I have now. First time around the owner hid front end damage from me. Shitty welds and gaps in the bumper gave it away. Not reported either.