First Post--Need advice on upcoming Tacoma purchase

Hey everyone. My name is Jason and I'm new to this forum as of about a week ago. I have been searching high and low for the right truck and I believe I have found it. I've got a check from the bank and all the purchase details worked out with the seller and will be making the three hour journey to look it over and hopefully drive it home on Saturday. Here are the details:

-Private seller
-2006 crew cab, V6, automatic, 4X4, SR5 package, TRD Sport package, tow package, short bed, 6-CD changer, Speedway Blue
-65,000 miles
-Maryland truck so rust shouldn't be an issue
-Clean Carfax
-Supposedly garage kept
-Said to be in superior mechanical and cosmetic condition all around

I am new to the Tacoma and trucks in general for the most part, but most certainly not new to wrenching on my own vehicles.

My question is what are some things I should look for before buying? Are there any known problem areas on this year, or with any of the options listed above? Specifically, if you were buying this vehicle what exactly would you check the hardest? Obviously, a general inspection for soundness will take place but I need to know the areas I may need to pay special attention to. Please chime in with any advice you can offer. Thanks in advance guys!

 

take for a ride and ensure the 4x4 engages ( both hi and lo ) and dis-engages with no problems. Take on the highway, check for vibrations.

look under neath the truck to see if the truck may have been abused off-roading

check the fluids, ask about maintenance history.

if all looks good, you may have a good deal.

 

^x2 From what you said it sounds like a good deal just take your time while looking it over.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I ended up buying the truck and now I'm making a list of maintenance items I need to take care of. Off the top of my head:

-F/R diff fluid change
-Oil change (Mobil 1 5-W30 full synth and Mobil 1 filter)
-Transmission fluid change
-Front brakes
-Grease U-joints
-Leaking Timing cover TSB (6K miles out of warranty). This will also include new valve cover gaskets, new belts, coolant drain and fill, new spark plugs, and a few other gaskets/seals while I have it all apart.
-Replace gasket around Extang trifecta bed cover

-TPMS sensors are also acting up so may consider swapping them out when I have the tires re-mounted to put the white lettering facing in...looks cleaner to me!

-Brake fluid looks practically new so I won't mess with that yet.

Anything else I missed?

 

Check the cabin air filter, gets overlooked alot. should be behind glove box.

would at least check and clean back brakes/drums.

Drop the spare tire, check it , put some lube on the cable before hoisting back up.

What part of VA beach you in? had a house in kempsville when stationed there.

miss being able to go to oceana's auto hobby shop to work on truck.

 

Always a good idea to "baseline" a vehicle with over 50K regardless of what the owner claims. Do it all.

Add Air conditioning check and or recharge.

 

Go here and see if anything is needed from the dealer.... www.recalls.gov Good luck I'm sure you'll love it...

 

Good thinking on the cabin filter. I need to check the engine air filter now that I think about it. I was planning to check the rear drums but failed to mention that in my earlier post. The previous owner said the brakes all around are original so they're likely due for a change/adjustment. Good thinking on the spare tire too.

I'm actually going to be performing all of this work at Oceana's hobby shop. Nicest I've seen in about 5 different states! I'm also in the Navy and I live on the corner of Independence and S. Plaza Trail.

 

It sounds like you've bought a very nice truck. The only additional item I'd suggest is a thermostat if you're going to flush and refill coolant. I recommend the Toyota coolant. Good luck.