2007 Tacoma -- Worth Looking At?

Saw a 2007 Tacoma listed nearby, but haven't had a chance to take a look. Not new to the Toyota world as I have a 2017 4Runner which I love, but look for something more utilitarian.

It has 152,000 miles, dealer wants $13,000. Has 4.0L V6 auto trans.

For that price is this worth taking a look at?

 

pricing is always negotiable....
Looks good other than being a used car lot....

 

I really do dig the 2nd gen look. Couldn't hurt to go check it out!

 

Great looking truck. I paid that for my 2007 TRD Sport long bed double cab v6 auto back in 2015 and it had 78k on it. I found mine on Craigs List.

 

Yes, from a distance it looks like a sweet looking truck. Proof is in the pudding however.

They just got in a 2004 Tacoma as well (160K miles at $12,000). It looks equally as nice. Want both of them!

 

CHECK THE FRAME

 

Definitely! That's the first order of business.

If the frame is good, it's probably worth jumping on.

 

Good looking truck

 

I forgot about the frame rusting and leaf spring recall. Bring a magnet or get under and really feel around the frame because some places just cover the rust with spray paint. There was a leaf spring recall and I got mine replaced for free back in 2017 by a local dealer who also informed my of a clock spring recall and also fixed that. My old leaf springs had 2 upper leaves and 1 lower but after they replaced them I now have 3 upper and 1 lower.

 

Definitely this! I didn't realize the E46 M3 I had bought 10 years ago had bondo work, until it started cracking these last few years. Get a weak fridge magnet. It should stick to all metal parts, and fall off areas where bondo has been applied.

 

Thanks for the tip guys! Unfortunately, I'm going straight from work and don't think I have a magnet here, but will take one if I can find one.

Do 1st gen Tacoma's have the rust problem? I heard it was more limited to the 2nd Gen's due to a design issue. I'm going to look at a 2004 Tacoma as well -- obviously it could have rust, but is it as big of a concern for 1st gens?

 

First gens had a frame recall for rust problems!

 

I checked the VIN of the 2004 Tacoma against Toyota's recall site, and it said it had no open recalls. Thinking that means the frame recall for rust was done on it?

 

At that price point I'd go look at it

 

Looks good! Even has a projector retrofit.

 

A deep inspection of the frame is a must. When I bought my '08 in '19, I had the frame thoroughly inspected on a lift by my trusted indy tech and myself. Looked perfectly fine. Took it to the dealer for a look before the frame campaign ran out (12yrs). Lo & behold Ma Toyota said a new frame is in order! Fingernail sized hole on top of the frame we did not discover. Couldn't have found it without a mirror. The dealer tech knew right where to look, A/C drains there on top of the frame! I just made it under the wire! Good luck!

 

I don’t think the frame replacement was an actual recall, so I think it would be unlikely to show on a recall list.

 

Looks like there room to crawl under without jacking it up.

Bring clothes you don’t care to get dirty. Or a big piece of cardboard to lay on. Flashlight, screwdriver, rags, maybe safety glasses. Poke at the frame with the screwdriver. Pay close attention to around the cats.

If it lived on salted roads, you’ll see rust or evidence of covered rust. It might look all oiled all over underneath.

I think the frame recall had some inspection criteria. Then replace, or treat with rust prevention stuff, or pass.

Keep in mind what dealerships do. They’ll polish the crap out of a turd & sell it for more than double what they paid for it. Used car lots are even worse. Look at their yelp reviews, look at the 1 stars. Expect the same experience.

If all looks good look at things to help negotiate the price down. Decode the tires date, look for the battery sticker date, oil condition, belt. It’s a plus if there’s maintenance records. Just saying it was regularly serviced at the dealership means nothing without proof. Are there any dents or scratches, if yes stare at it like it’s horrible.

A mistake I made was the tires all LOOKED good but they were so old that doing a 3 point turn caused chunks of rubber to come off.

I hate to sound prejudice and I’m sure there’s honest used car dealers but I’ve only seen the scum of the earth. They’ll try to bully you and get loud. Get louder and closer. Leave all weapons at home to stay out of trouble.

 

1. Make sure every piece of glass is Toyota glass

2. Download Toyota owners app. Put the vin in and add it to your garage. Then read the maintenance history

 

No, you're right. I don't trust the dealers either. Have walked away from some nice vehicles that were crap under the skin. Good advice but I walk into these places assuming they're less than honest, so thanks.

Appreciate the tips and things to look for. I do have grungy clothes and a flashlight, so am prepared to give them a thorough inspection. Crossing my fingers on both of them.

I did get the Toyota app and entered the VIN for both Tacoma's into it, but there was very little history. Not necessarily bad -- could have been a good DIY'er who did all the regular maintenance themselves or at a shop that didn't report to Carfax.

Thanks much!