Looking for a second gen Tacoma

Greetings all.

I've been lurking and reading for several weeks. I know how to 'search' and am sure this questions has been asked before, but here I go anyways...

I'm going to be buying a Tacoma based on the recommendation of a good friend and TW member. I'm looking for a yardening, camping, getting back to remote lake fishing, some off-roading, and bug-out truck. I've narrowed things down to a 2007-2010, 100k-ish miles, double cab, TRD off road.

In this criteria, are there specific years that are more reliable than others?

What are the things that I should scrutinize the most when shopping for a new (to me) truck?

I'll be building this up from here.

Thanks for the initial help and all the great information on the forum!

-Eric-

 

I'm not sure why you aren't getting more responses. I saw in a sticky thread people recommending 2005+ and if you want (what they called) nanny gizmos, which I assume is tongue and cheek for the upgrade electronics i.e. Bluetooth, go for 2009+. They also said to look for rust underbody, especially if buying from the northeast.

We've had a 2005 (Motor Trend's truck of the year if memory serves). Knock on wood, only regular maintenance other than standard recalls and one minor a/c fix. We've loved it, except the cheap feeling/looking seats, and that's even with the upgrade to SR5 package fabric.

Good luck!

 

If your planning on getting into some pretty crazy areas when camping hunting and such I'd go for a stock 4x4 and building it yourself you get a used one all done up its been through abuse and lots of hidden things could be wrong with it

 

Whats your budget?

 

3 hiphops for nanny free mofo's!

 

From what I'm seeing, I think $15-20k for the vehicle with another $5k for the build up.

 

This is great information. My plan is to install my own electronics (decent stereo with iPhone integration, Uniden scanner, and UHV/VHF ham radio). I think the 2008 sounds like target year.

I appreciate all of the suggestions.

 

The biggest problem with 05 and 06 are weak engine mounts and head gaskets that blow after 100k miles. 07 & 08 are probably the best.

With that being said my 06 engine mounts and head gaskets are still fine.

 

I would not restrict myself to the OR package but consider any DC model in four wheel drive with the six cylinder...if that is what you prefer. This is for three reasons.

First, any Toyota four by four is great off road and unless you are hard core, you don't need things like locking rear diffs.

Secondly, you could miss out on a great deal by restricting yourself. There could be a great SR5 around the next corner.

Lastly, the off road has extra equipment that I personally would discount as a vehicle reaches 100k for reliability reasons, again, not worth the chance if you aren't hard core off road. That part is just me.....KISS principle applies for reliability when buying older and used.

While there might be some subjective thoughts about one year being better then another, forget it. All Toyota trucks are strong enough in any year to make a great buy given it has been taken well care of...that is the biggest factor. An abused Toyota can fail you....get one in good shape and don't restrict your search.

 

I got my 07 in the summer with 84K miles and I absolutely love it. Definitely upgrade the stereo because the stock sound is weak, mine had the upgraded JBL and aftermarket stuff sounds much better. I would say one of the biggest thing to be cautious about is frame rust. Definitely have it inspected or inspect it thoroughly yourself before buying..sounds like a real pain in the ass to get the frame replaced. Seems like Toyota is pretty good about it, but often times people go months without their trucks waiting for a new frame. That would just be so upsetting for me...

 

Pardon the ignorance but could someone explain what a 'DC' model is?

Thanks.

 

i would think you could find a nice '08-'09 around that price but it would probably have high miles

$20K would probably be needed for anything newer OR lower miles

 

If you get a chance send me a pm. I have a 2009 that just turned 20,000 that I am selling soon.

 

Double Cab model.... as opposed to the access cab or the regular cab.

 

Tell you the truth, I just got a brand new Double Cab 4x4 down to 24,000 (base model) and then when done with negotiations got them to give me the SR5 package for half price, so if your going to spend some money i would say go get a new one so (like the others said) you don't find yourself one with many issues. Also the 2016 is coming out here in a few months, so their gonna wanna get rid of the 2015 ASAP so they can open room for 2016 on the lot.. just food for thought, if your in no rush that's what i would do.