Model year issues?

Hey guys. I am looking to buy my first Tacoma and have read dozens of threads and my head is kinda spinning.

I am looking for used for around 12 to 15k. I have seen everything from 02's with 155k to 07's 08's with 125k...

The thing that confuses me is that every time i think i found the one I research it and an issue with that model year pops up..... so is the frame rust that huge an issue on the 2nd gens and is the motor mounts that big a deal on the 05's?


So far the ones i'v looked at are

05 prerunner access cab with 122k for 13k
06 prerunner ac with 76k for 15.5k
06 4x4 dc with 146 for 15k
07 4x4 ac with150k for 14k
02 4x4 ac 155k for 12k
and an 05 4x4 with146 for 15k


Can anyone help me out on which model year to avoid completely or if any of these sound like decent deals. Thanks guys. I have always loved tacomas but now that i can buy one my head is spinning lol.

 

I guess my question is what is about the best tacoma I can get for around 15k.... I am looking for either a prerunner or 4x4. Thanks guys!

 

get a 4x4

the rust issues only covered some years on the 2gens, not all of them.

 

I don't know where you live but the frame rust issues were only for the northern states. All problems should be taken care of already due to recall or tsb's. Just look at the frame before you buy. If it looks clean you should be good. If you live somewhere where they salt the roads a lot, just wash your undercarriage off as much as possible during the winter and maybe add some undercoating. Otherwise you should be good.

 

Thanks guys i appreciate it! I live in the south so salt not an issue. Got a line on a 02 with 88k for 12k.

 

Is there any way to tell if a truck i am looking at has the engine mount issue?

 

I'd be real careful - inspect the frame real good. If someone took it south after it was used in the north it will have rust but won't be covered because it is registered the the south. Tacoma frames are no good unless treated from the get go. I live in NJ and have no rust because I took care. I know others with newer Tacomas who have their frames replaced.