Found an '07 Taco...Need Advice

Today I saw a a good looking '07 at the stealership and have a few questions for people on here with more experience than me.
The truck has TRD package, seat covers, Snugtop topper, steel front bumper (not replacement) scoop hood, looks like a upgraded head unit but I can't be sure (haven't driven it yet). Looks like everything else is OEM.
72K MILES AND THEY WANT 21K.

What should I be looking for in terms of condition of the truck? Anything in particular to Taco's at that mileage?

I am thinking about trading in my 2007 Highlander Limited Hybrid with similar mileage for it. My wife and I like the idea of another truck but is this a smart trade?

Lastly, the Highlander is worth more than the Taco at the same mileage so I'm going to ask for some extra's to be thrown in. likely from the TRD package. What should I ask for? I was thinking some upgraded wheels, exhaust, air filter unit, bed mat. Is there something else I should consider?

Thanks for the advice, I want to be prepared when I walk in.

 

I hear you on not enough info. I don't have much myself since I only loked in the window. I did forget to mention it's a V6 extra cab long bed. Is there anything else besides a TRD package that could be on there?

 

without seeing it, that seems high for an 07 with that mileage. I know prices vary greatly depending on your area of the country, but I paid 18,500 almost 2 years ago for an 07 with 41,000 miles on it. Mine did not have as many options but I don't think that should make that big of difference.

 

Thanks for the heads up there!

 

It depend on the TRD Package. Is it the Sport or Off-Road.

I have a 2007 Access-Cab TRD Off-Road.
I'll name the tings I've had problems with.....

1. My Blower motor (AC fan) clicks and ticks on low. Some times it quits for a few days. But most of the time it ticks.

2. The transmission shift hard, but Toyota says it Normal and FINE.

3. The TPMS light comes on all the time. I no longer try to "fix it".

4. Some of the bolts on the bed of the truck are rusted. (I've noticed the newer truck are stainless colored)

5. Mine eat leaves and pine needles and collects them on top of the CABIN air filter.
So keeping the BLOWER MOTER air filter box clean is a must IMO.

Other than that all has been good so far.

Some other things to check are:

Spare Tire (is it there)
Axle / C.V. Boots (are they TORN)
Floor Mats (OEM are EXPENSIVE)
If it is the Off-Road package make sure the Locker Engages.
They can become stuck is not used regularly. It's good practice to engage it once a month (at least every 2 months).

Are the tires good (not that it matters, O.E.M. are not worth much IMO)

That's a start....

 

is it a 4x4? even if it is thats pretty pricy for an 07. I just bought my 07 double cab long bed TRD Sport with a 6in lift, 35in tires in April of 11 for 18,500. Mine was a 2wd, but it was a double cab. So in my opinion 21k seems quite high.

 

^^^^^^^^This is good^^^^^^^^^^

Also, if u do get it, even if its used, and the check engine light comes on, return it, if it cannot be fixed easly

 

I know you're not the OP, but I gave you a few ideas of things you can try to solve some of the issues you're having with yours. Even if you're out of warranty for the transmission TSB, if you have a record of complaining about it while it was still in warranty, you might get lucky (might take a call to Toyota Customer Service but I'm sure you could get it done).

OP, as you can see, there is a small list of TSB's out for the Tacoma, so check for stray noises, etc. You might want to check out the rear leaf pack and see if it has 3 or 4 leafs (including the overload). If it's got 3 and you plan on towing or hauling, you might want to try to negotiate the suspension TSB into your deal.

 

1. Mine ticks also...annoying, but hasn't quite working yet. I wonder if this is common
2. Have not noticed transmission shifting hard
3. Same issue with TPMS light...on right now, only possibility I have not checked is the spare...other four tires on fine on pressure. Sounds like another possible common issue.
4. Same here on rusting bolts. I keep a can of flat black spray paint at house that I used on my driveway gate, patio furniture, etc. I occassionally spray over part of my bed to "touch it up" I know have a tounneu cover so not as big a deal.
5. Same...always pulling out leaves when I pop the hood. It's like a giant vacuum cleaner.

 

Just for comparison there's an 09 access cab 4x4 off-road with 47k miles at the dealership local to me for 21k

 

Mine was reflashed under the TSB when they did the gas pedal recall.
I did have them make a note of it last year, soon after I bought it. (for just in case)

It hasn't gotten worse as far as shifting and only does it when it's cold.
Once the temp. gauge gets to normal (half way on mine) it doesn't seem to be near as bad. Winter it is a lot worse.

Again, it's been checked twice by different Toyota dealerships. Both said it was fine. I came from driving a manual (5 speed) Tacoma. So, I had control over the shifting.

Thanks for the help anyways....

 

I bought an 07 sport 6 speed and I paid 19k with 104k miles

Problems:
The suspension was not great and replaced with bilstien 5100 from down south motor sports for under $300 and the wheel bearing went out and was a huge pain to replace because no ones seems to be able to press out the hub from the bearing. So I had to buy a new one from the dealership for 220. Wheel bearing going at 80k miles seems to be common for tacomas for some reason, and they are not cheap to have done just FYI.
Doing it yourself will be at least $400 per front wheel.


Otherwise I love the Truck, but these were some of my issues with an 07.

 

You've probably already rid the "sticky's" but just in case note that lot's of these trucks have steering wheel shake at highway speeds. I had it until I got rid of the stock tires. If you go the next step make sure you get it up to speed to check for this. I think 21K is high with that many miles. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the great responses.

Not sure if it is the sport or off-road. It is 4x4.

Seems like the consensus is it is priced high. I think it is too, but in Montana at least, Taco's are pretty valuable and people seem to price them accordingly. One reason might be it is "used certified" (not sure of this) but that would give it a warranty to 100K.

So it looks like I need to make sure:
the A/C blower works properly
The the 4wd hi and low engage properly
Check out what kind of shaking it makes at higher speeds
See if it has 3 or 4 leaf springs
Check the wheel bearings. Ask when those were last replaced. Anything in the driving that would indicate they are on their way out?
It's an auto transmission so I should ask about transmission service and of course see how it's shifting
See if here have been any past issues or current issues with the TPMS sensors
Look for rust!
Check the axle and CV boots


Anything else?

Thanks everybody!

 

If it has the Hood scoop and painted grill and rear bumper it's a sport, the off-road rear bumper and grill are chrome it'll also have an e locker button on the left side of the dash

 

Go to cars.com, autotrader.com, and craigslist and see what similar Tacomas are going for in your area. You spend 15 min searching and you will see if the dealer is giving you a good price or not for your area.

 

Workman thinks the following: If its a 4x4, is super clean and has most if not all of the service records, frames not rusty, and nothing is leaking from motor, trans, T case or diffs, then 21K is a decent deal. If you really like the truck, just buy it and dont worry about a better deal that may come along saving you 3K. In the end, its just not worth worrying about a few thousand.

Workman bought his 2006 Offroad 4x4 with 65K for 20K. It was super clean, one owner, had a leer cap, and ALL of the service records, followed by the book. He couldn't be happier with his purchase.

 

To check the wheel bearing jack up the truck and try shaking the wheel to the left and right. There shouldnt be movement on the axle. There will also be a noticible humming that might go away with turns to the left or right. Hope that helps.

 

OP I paid about a year and a half ago 19,500 for my 07 Access cab with less than 40k miles TRD OR Prerunner. The couple goodies i guess could add a little value but not much at a dealership. Defnitely get it for under 20 its not work 21K IMO.

 

Thanks for that price alert there. I decided not to move on this one. It's not exactly what I'm looking for right now.

Thanks averyone.