What to look out for on used Tacoma purchase?

I will be going to a dealer to look at a couple Tacos later this week. One is an '06 DC 4.0L 4wd TRD OR with 70K miles, and the other an '10 AC 4.0L 4wd TRD Sport with 17K miles.

I have only owned Fords, since my first car in 1991. So, this will be my first experience with a Toyota. I have read through the TSB's and done some searching, but I was wondering if there was a used buyer's guide for the 2nd gens.

The issue that I fear most is rust in the long term, and maybe the front diff issues (bad bearings, vibes, howls). I plan to have my next truck for a LONG time, and enjoy maintaining my vehicles. But, I don't want to worry when drving my truck on salted roads, for fear of underbody rot. Nor do I want to have to endure pricey repairs before they would be due.

What common areas should be checked for rust? What systems (elockers, etc.) should be checked and how? Anything in particular to inspect, or watch out for, on the second gens? How does the Toyota warranty work, is it transferrable, how long is it, and are they good about warranty repairs generally?

Sorry so many questions, but I am trading a pretty nice truck in for this next one, and I want to make sure I get one the will be dependable and last a long time. Thats one of the reasons I am looking into a Tacoma, from what I have read!

 

how much you wanna spend?

 

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Check for steering wheel shake, airbag light, rust on the rockers, mudflaps eating the paint under them, all the normal TSB's, see if the heat stinks.

 

$20K-$25K