pre-purchase questions 2006 Tacoma TRD ac/airbag sensor

Trying to do a sight unseen deal on a one owner. The ac is not working and airbag light is on. I would need airbag problem resolved for licensing inspection. Worst case scenario. Junk yard fix ?

 

Who knows?

 

How do I get in touch with who ?

 

Could be airbag itself (easy), spiral cable (easy), chewed wiring (time consuming), fried airbag ECU (depends if you can find one from junkyard, may need programming)

As you may be aware, buying a 17 year-old 2nd gen sight unseen is frought with other risks. Timing cover leak, steering rack leak, rear wheel bearing... each one a 4-figure fix at a shop.

 

3JOH22A Thank you. Are these leaks visible to the eye ? I would be bringing truck to Baja and have a mechanic here and labour is $20 an hour. Where would I get you tube DIY for diagnosis before I buy?

 

Do all vin numbers start with a number on a 2006 trd ? looking to import to Mexico. Saw one (2006 trd) here yesterday with a made in California sticker,vin started with a number.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

This isn't a dig or a bash, but I would absolutely not be buying a "great deal" 2nd gen without knowing a ton about the trucks and being able to get a very good look firsthand before being obliged to pay anything. It's very unfortunate, but it's very common for people looking to move a used car to be perfectly willing to let the buyer beware and omit (or even conceal) serious issues.

They're generally great trucks but very often the "great deal" can evaporate in a puff of smoke, especially if the work that it ends up needing is not something you're able and willing to do yourself.

I don't know nearly as much as a lot of people about these trucks, but I know way more and can do way more than most, and I've been on the prowl for a "great deal" for the last couple of years with no real luck.

There's a reason that ones in good shape, with maintenance records and full histories command the resale value that they usually do.

 

Yes both leaks are readily visible without disassembling anything and affect the majority of older 2nd gen Tacomas for sale. Often the leaks aren't severe enough to require frequent fluid top-ups... Just search for those terms on YouTube or Google.

 

If the door jamb label says California, then it was assembled in Baja California (Tijuana). If the label says New United, then it was the 50/50 Toyota/GM plant outside San Francisco (which today builds Teslas).

Might be repatriation to Mexico instead of import to Mexico!