Is Tacoma with 225k miles too much?

Howdy!

I'm looking at buying a used 2007 Tacoma Prerunner with 225,829k miles for my teenage daughter. The seller is asking $10k. I know that a Tacoma can last a very long time. But, is it risky to buy a Tacoma with this many miles?

How many miles should I expect to get out of this truck?

 

Ehhh, too high for me, both in mileage and price. If you're able to talk to $6K-$7K then MAYBE. But def get maintenance records, if available, and check underneath for rust!

 

Unless it is mint and has been maintained well that price is too high for the miles, age, and not being 4wd IMO.

2nd gens can run 300-500k with minimal major issues but only if they are maintained well, while an minimally maintained one might get there it's not nearly as likely as a well maintained one.

As with any used vehicle you should either inspect it top to bottom, inside and out and/or have a trusted shop do a pre-purchase inspection if you aren't confident in doing so before buying.

 

Thanks guys for the response. I appreciate it! This truck would be for my teenage daughter. She's always wanted a Tacoma, but we don't have the budget right now to pay more than $10k. So, unfortunately, I'm stuck looking at high-mileage trucks.

This Tacoma is being sold by a Toyota dealer. That may explain why the price is so high for the mileage. Although, I've looked at other used Tacomas and it's very hard to find any less than $10k. I'm sure they won't have the maintenance records. But, I would hope they've inspected it before putting it up for sale.

 

Just because it's at a dealer don't trust that it's been properly inspected, do your own inspection or have one done by someone you trust. If they won't let you then walk away, no way I would pay that much for that old of vehicle with those miles without looking it over very throughly I don't care whose selling it.

There was recently a member that bought a dealer "certified" 3rd gen and found out the left headlight bulbs were missing, while it's a minor detail you would wonder what else they overlooked if they didn't check to see if all the lights worked.

 

That's a great point! I would definitely inspect it before buying. I do all the maintenance on our family cars, so I feel confident inspecting the truck myself. I'll bring along my scan tool to pull all codes that the truck might have. And, I'll definitely go under the truck to look for any rust, oil leaks, and inspect the CV axles and suspension.

If we could squeeze another 100k miles out this truck, I would feel good with my purchase. I'm meticulous about the maintenance of our other cars, so it would be well taken care of. I'll try to get them to come down on the price. At the very least, I'd ask for $10k out-the-door (all taxes, license, title fees included).

 

Take a peek under the oil cap too and make sure the engine isn't full of sludge.

 

Yes, definitely. I also like to pull the dipstick and inspect the oil for foam or "chocolate milk" consistency which usually indicates coolant is getting into the oil due to a head-gasket leak.

 

Check the frame carefully and thoroughly. The areas that have the most rust issues are the inside of the frame near the catalytic converters (opposite the front cab mounts) and delaminating of the C channels near the dog leg where the front mounts for the rear spring are located.

 

Thanks, I'll be sure to keep those in mind. I've seen some videos about rust on the inside of the frame which may get overlooked.

 

For sure but typically the first thing they do to used vehicles is change the oil.

 

That is true. So, probably not the best indicator of the truck's maintenance history or condition. As you suggested, looking under the oil fill cap for sludge is a very good idea.

 

Not to split hairs here but keep in mind that it's a pre-runner so it's just rear wheel drive. It won't have any CV axles to inspect. It will simplify the drive train though.

 

That's a very good point! It's been a while since I've owned a truck. But yeah, I guess it won't have CV axles with the rear drive. Just the main drive shaft back to the rear differential.

 

You can get a good idea of how well oil changes were kept up with by looking down the oil fill, some light brown deposits are normal but if it's black and sludgy looking it wasn't taken care of.

 

I hadn't thought of that, but that's a good idea. I just got off the phone with the dealership. They've lowered the price to $9k and are willing to negotiate further. So, I'm certain that I can get this truck for less than $9k and have them include all fees in that final price.

 

Honestly as a first car, knowing you will maintain it, I think that it's ok to spend a little extra to have something fun that you want for your family. The truck isn't a great value on paper, but if she really wants it, you know it may or may not live long enough to pay for itself, and it'll be nice because it's a fun little truck, then God bless. Plus it's not exactly a speed machine which is good for a new driver.

Just really check it out well before you sign. If it's in good or great shape, you can justify it.

 

I'm OCD on the HG since it's been a problem for me with my own truck ... others may have more specifics - but I would open the radiator cap and make sure the coolant is full - and visually see where the coolant is in the overflow tank. Go for a good test drive and right after open the hood and check that overflow -- bubbling coolant? is the height the same? If you're there for 20 more minutes open that cap again and check the level.

 

I’ve got 200k miles on my 2013 and I wouldn’t hesitate to drive across the country or into the back country. If the trucks been looked after I’d look at black book value and go from there.

 

Does it have the rear locker?