Looking at an 08 TRD

My nephew is looking at an 08 TRD and I was asked to take a look at her. I am more of a 1st gen guy and have very little exposure to 2nd gen Tacomas. So I have a few questions. He didnt say if it was stick or auto.

Do 2nd gens suffer from frame rot?
The V6 motor, the good, the bad and timing chain or timing belt.
Do 2nd gens suffer from lower ball joint issues too?

What should I look out for that I have not asked yet?

 

Frame rot is an issue
V6 is a great motor,timing chain
No issue with lower ball joints but the cam adjusting bolts can seize in the lower control arms

 

Eek, frame rot, same spots as on a 1st gen?

 

Rust is a problem on any vehicle that lives or has lived in the salt so always give the underside and frame a good inspection.

From what I understand the inner part of the frame near the front cats and the rear part where the leaf springs attach are the main places they rot out.

The 4.0L is a great engine if it's maintained, timing chain stretch and cam phaser issues can occur if oil changes are neglected though.

Pop the oil cap off and look down the oil fill tube with a light, if it's clean or has very light brown deposits it was most likely taken care of but if it's black and sludgy looking it was probably neglected.

Timing cover likes to leak behind where the power steering pump is mounted so check that.

Both the RA60 (Manual) and A750 (Auto) transmissions are good again as long as they are maintained.

The RA60 can have issues with the quill where the throwout bearing rides on wearing and causing a squeak but there are various fixes for that.

The A750 can have torque converter shudder issues around 45 mph, some can be fixed with an additive but others need a converter.

If it's 4wd make sure that works as well as the rear diff lock (diff lock only engages in 4L), if you end up bying it make sure the vent hoses on the 4wd actuators are good.


Other than that follow standard pre purchase inspection practices, check for leaks, test drive, make sure everything works, rust inspection, etc...

 

Very informative, thank you for taking the time.

 

Make sure to drive it at a good speed to see if it vibrates. Check every piece of glass to make sure it’s Toyota. Download the Toyota owners app. Add the vin of the truck to your garage & check the maintenance history

 

Check the steering rack. If (when) it leaks it’s a PITA to replace so deduct at least $1.5K for having to deal with that.

Rear axle seals can go bad and cost $$, front wheel bearings are a wear item too on 2G.

Frame rust failure is an issue as already noted above, check the gas tank straps too, they rust out and let go and the resulting damage can be expensive to fix.

The 4.0L head gasket and cracking motor mounts were fixed by 2008.

Having had a 2G (and had the frame fail and be replaced) I wouldn’t touch a rusty frame one. The hitch and spare tire carrier go bad at a similar rate to the frame so are a good comparison for rust extent. If the frame has been replaced AND the replacement is in good condition I’d consider it. Do realize other items are still rusty/cruchy and hard to work on.

 

Please explain adding the VIN to my garage for maintenance history.

 

If the vehicle has had any maintenance or recalls performed at a dealer, it will show this in the Toyota App. You’ll have to make an account. Take the vin & type it in after hitting the “+” symbol in the top right corner. Click yes to add to your garage.

Then go into that vehicles service history & click on the individual reports. It’s helpful when looking at a used Toyota or Lexus

 

Besides the frame as @Dm93 covered, I can't stress enough, check the vent tube on the transfer case actuator. If it's split and dangling loose, you'll likely have 4WD actuator problems.

 

All excellant suggestions...