Going to purchase a tacoma this weekend want help

I have found an 08' tacoma with 20k double cab black sport. This will be my first toyota ever. I am kinda scared actually to be walking away from honda but I think that the tacoma will be an easy and enjoyable transition. This truck is used so just wondering if any one had any advice before I decide to purchase. Like what to look for or anything along those lines.

Thanks a lot, and hope to be posting more with you after this weekend.

Colin

 

Where are you buying it from?
A private sale? Or a dealer?
Just a note: The original factory warrantee 3/36 (or whatever it has) should be transferrable automatically to you. But just in case - make sure the 'name/paperwork' is transferred properly when/if you decide to buy the truck.

Obviously, do an overall visual check inside & out. Look underneath the truck and especially focus on differentials, transfer case, transmission - make sure you dont' see any leaks or other weird stuff. Crack open the hood and poke around. Look at the air filter, look at the radiator fluid, look at the oil dipstick (oil level), Check all the fluids and make sure nothing is off color, off smell, or foamy, etc.

Drive it....drive it in 2WD, 4WD including 4lo range.

Look at the tires - how are they wearing? Look at the brakes (if you can) especially the rotors (are they scored, uneven)?

 

Good info Janster but just to clear things up a bit. If you do go into 4wd do not do it on the road if you can help it. What I mean is don't go driven miles in 4wd on a road that is not loose. If you have to check it in a parking lot don't go pulling doughnuts at what not it could be your truck so treat it as such. You don't want to mess up the truck before you get it.

 

Welcome to TW!

Check Edmunds.com for the value, so you can get the best deal possible.

If you are buying from a dealer make them throw in an extended warranty at no extra charge. If you have to buy an extended warranty, I wouldn't waste your money. These are great trucks. Instead bank any money you would have paid for an extended warranty & use if problems arise. If no problems you end up with a nice savings account.

Put it this way. I have an 05 with 108,000 miles & not a single problem. Still drives as good as it did when I bought it new.

 

Welcome to the forum, TW is absolutely one of the most informative, friendly, enthusiast sites around.

If it isn't dealer certified, I would most definitely bring it by toyota or run the vin @ a shop/put on lift to see what's up, things can look great on the outside and things pop up later on. Known plenty of people this has happened to so get it check out if not certified. Better to spend a hundred bucks up front than to make payments & have a repair bill due to negligence by the previous owner. Toyota has the right to refuse warranty work due to neglect & it doesn't have to be yours unfortunately.

Also remember if you are coming from a honda car, the mpg is not going to be anything like your honda ..... its a truck, rides like a truck etc. Don't get me wrong, I love my truck! But my 97 Civic gets 38 mpg, just keep that in mind.

As far as the extended warranty & if it were me, since it is used not driven by me since day 1, I would get one through Troy @ Greenfield Toyota when you get closer to the end of the 3/36. His prices are fantastic & affordable for another 7/100k coverage. That is just me .... (the coverage actually extended your factory warranty another 4 yrs/whatever the mileage is up to 100k) There are other packages too not just the 7/100.... they are toyota warranties too.

 

Welcome to TW

 

Just for info I may be selling my 08 Taco. v-6 4x4 with 5000 miles . If I can be of help let me know.

 

well, I had to drive from VA beach to baltimore to look at it. Gave it the look around as to what I always do with cars. Took for a drive. All seemed well and made the purchase. Then drove it 4hrs home and WHAT A RIDE!!!! I love this truck! I took a few test drives on others and it was better. I actually enjoyed driving that long. I need to post some photos soon. Cant wait to start making the car "mine." Been home only a few hours and crutchfield just got a grand from me. But why the F*ck not. Happy to be here.

Colin