Any differences between 2005 and 2009?

do LC arms assy and not the BJs only as the bushings are usually worn.

 

^On a 15 year-old truck, that means a few sawzall blades and a new set of alignment cam bolts at a cost of $200+.

KBB values have been upended by covid shortages and third world-level inflation over the past few years. Compare prices in your area and that's the going rate. If it seems unreasonably high, buy something else like a 2010+ Nissan Frontier. I purposefully avoided 2nd gens when shopping for a daily early last year, eventually ending up with a 2010 4Runner - fewer systemic issues and they depreciate a bit faster than Tacomas.

I see hazy headlights that need replacement, cheap chineseium tires ready to blow out any time. Steering wheel wobble may be due to the crap tires, bad ball joints, or worn out steering column U-joints (another known early-wearout item with 2nd gens). The truck more likely than not has a timing cover leak and steering rack leak.

 

Forget the 2005,too many possible issues.

 

Those leaks wouldn't have been caught on the inspection?

Tires and wheels would go immediately, I'm not worried about that. I just sold my Nissan Frontier last week, and am ready to get back in to a Tacoma.

 

Those "known" second gen wearout items described above have more to do with where the truck lives then it's generation and none of them are in any way unique to the 2nd gen.

 

Those leaks are very prevalent, like 80% of 2nd gens would have them with varying severity. My previous 2010 V6 had them after about 7 years, needing a power steering fluid top up every 6 months. All the used 2nd gens (and 4th gen 4Runners) I saw early last year had them. The mechanic likely used his judgment, considering it's a 15 year-old truck, and didn't raise an issue because they weren't severe leaks yet (to the point of needing frequent fluid replenishment).

3rd gens aren't saints, but they're newer, so these problems are less prevalent if you were looking for one today. In 10 years they'll be just as bad.

 

I would agree... I picked up an '08 TRD OR for a lot less than that with 188k miles on it in great conditions. I will say that it took me like 7 months before I found it because it's crazy what people are asking for these trucks.

 

No. Too much money for it's age (too old) front driveline mechanical issues, bottom trim package, headlamps are gone..... Is it a six-lug? If so, I'd worry about the actuators in a truck that old too. Keep looking. You'll find another one

 

I wasn't aware they made 5 lug 4x4s.

 

They didnt, they just didnt see the both 4x4 note. All are 6 lug.

 

Thank you: Missed it: My bad. Confirm the 4x4 actuating system and electronics are in full working order before you consider purchase. It's pretty old now in any 2nd gen truck and you don't want to get one that "needs work" or trouble shooting right from the outset.

 

I really loved that 2009, but while I was still negotiating with the dealer over the ball joints, someone else claimed it.

I was able to find a 2014 TRD Sport with 120k miles and an immaculate maintenance record. One owner, and it was serviced every 5k miles at the original dealership. Not a single missed scheduled maintenance item.

I'll be flying down next week to pick it up.

 

Nice! Congrats!

 

The leaks were gone after the 2012 refresh, including the timing-chain cover/block/head junction oil weep above the alternator IF you change the coolant at the recommended interval. My 2014 doesn't leak oil there. No power-steering leaks or damp rack bellows, or valve cover leaks, transmission leaks. Everything is dry. Purchased: 104k. Current: 134k.

 

Lot better deal.