Is this 2018 a good deal?

Hi Guys,

Newbie here. And new to Tacomas.

I made an offer on a 2018 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab, TRD, 4x4 Off Road. It has 152K on it. They accepted my offer of $25K pending some repairs. I was a bit surprised by how many miles on it for it being a 2018. It was also bought by the dealer at an auction.

The Good:
Truck is loaded. Has all the features I expected. I took it to my mechanic and he thought it was good (again pending some critical repairs). Clean CarFax. And appears that all normal maintenance has been done. Test drive (with my mechanic) was positive, ran strong, no obvious problems.

The Bad:
Oil leaking from front/timing chain seal. I know this is a huge job (20 hours, $4K+). It was also throwing a Bank 2 Catalytic Converter code.

I told them that I'd be good on my offer but they'd have to fix the oil leak(s), catalytic converter, and put on new front brake pads (currently at 25%). I told them they needed to use Genuine Toyota parts, Toyota FIPS, and show me receipts and pics of the work.

Sooo--I don't know much about these other than what I've been reading. Is this type of oil leak common. Am I asking for problems? Or are these generally reliable and this sort of oil leak is par for the course?

Thanks much!
~g

 

4x5 Off Road?

Unless the warranty on the timing chain seal is fantastic, I would steer clear. Not worth it for that kind of money. You can spend $30k and get a much nicer truck.

On second thought, steer clear no matter the warranty. Too much money for a truck with an issue like that.

 

Seem’s steep to me! What’s the book value on that thing? Are they covering the timing cover leak? Miles are pretty high IMO! Yes that leak is one of the common problems on the 2GR- FKS as well as the plastic coolant bypass which is a really expense fix!

 

I highly doubt they’ll fix those (properly) and sell for $25k, but doesn’t hurt to ask.
They’d probably rather not fix and sell to someone who doesn’t have it properly inspected.

 

a lot of miles...also check the coolant crossover pipe one the back of the engine for pink corrosion. $1500.00 repair.

 

Doesn’t make it a good deal.

Seems overpriced for what you’re getting. KBB values have went bonkers these past few years.

 

Too bad it developed the front timing chain cover leak. The repair can be hit and miss. If it’s not done just right it can possibly leak again. If it’s not leaking that bad, more of a mist or weep then some folks choose to leave it. A few reports of some folks here having the repair done at a dealership and still having the leak come back. And yes the coolant crossover pipe at the back is another potential leak. They seem to be more of a 2016-17 issue but a few newer models have been reported.

 

i wonder why it was sold at an auction? that seems odd for a truck that is in high demand.

assuming no accidents, all maintenance records of oil changes, diff & t-case fluids, pcv, coolant, spark plugs, etc., no sign of off-road abuse, good tires with more than 50% tread remaining, suspension and steering are good, and the repairs are properly made and guaranteed, $25K seems like an OK deal nowadays.

if you drive 15-20K miles a year, i wouldn't buy it though. in a few year's time it'll be 200K+ miles and the risk of having to sink more money into it goes up considerably imo.

 

I would let that one go, too many other trucks out there with less miles and no mechanical issues that could probably be had for similar money. That's just me

 

Nope

 

Price seems a little high but milage is not crazy. Probably bought mid 17 and ran through 23. 6 years at 152 is only 23k a year.

 

I’d let that one go, OP. Regardless of whether or not you’re getting a “good deal” for year and mileage, that truck has seen 20k+ miles a year and has too many issues already. You’ll probably save yourself a load of future repairs by putting some back until you find one in better shape.

 

If your ok with that kind of mileage you could get a second gen for less. Not saying it's a better truck but it's not worse either. Not meant to start a " which gen is better debate".

 

I wouldn’t. If limited to $25k I’d either buy an older used 2nd gen with lower miles or a 3rd gen SR5 with less options but less miles.

 

All the people saying it's too high haven't looked recently. Currently on the market nationwide the only thing close to $25,000 TRD OR has 128k miles for $25,900 and has cloth and frame damage on the history. Next closest is a 2019 with 113k for $32,900, not exactly same ballpark.

 

Thank you very much everyone!! I’m letting this one go. I really appreciate the help!!

I’m still looking (in Oregon) so if you hear of a good deal feel free to pm me.

cheers!

 

Hard pass.
Plenty of Tacos in OR/WA for sale.

 

This one is free if you can hotwire, don't know whose it is... it's not mine as I would NEVER buy a white truck.
/S (for free truck, still wouldn't buy white)

 

Worst deal ever.

 

the auction part is really easy.

many dealers are deathly allergic to keeping/reselling anything over 100,000 miles. everything most dealers get over 100k miles goes to auction automatically, part of that old stigma that anything with that many miles is bound to blow up any second. even toyota dealers.

my last car was 15 years old, i was looking to trade it in at 110,000. with all receipts of a trans rebuild, new convertible top, changed timing belt, new plugs/wires, and standard routine maintenance. most places made it very clear they'd take it only if they had to, and only if i would buy a car from them, but they were only doing it to sell something. many were extremely interested in it until i would answer how many miles it had on it...