First truck: What do you guys think of this one?

Howdy folks!

I'm purchasing my first truck and I test drove this Taco I found on CL last week.

162k miles, 2005 blue, toytec lifted. Windshield has a crack on it, which is pretty common for trucks in Montana. I'm using it for very light duty (moving) and traveling short distances, hauling things for the house/garden. $11500 is the price the seller is asking.

I drove it and didn't notice anything major. Nothing that stood out to me as "wrong"or bad for the age of the vehicle. it has some marks on the body, but again nothing I don't expect for a truck. NADA reports it roughly at $13. I instantly liked the truck and don't feel like it's bad deal.

I'm taking it on a 2700 mile move from the west to new England in September.

I also found an f150 that is newer with less miles, but only has 2WD rear. nope.

What do you guys think?

 

Ask about the frame - there is a recall due to rust issues. I'd assume higher risk in your location with the snow. Dealer will replace it for free but it's a pain, especially since this one seems to have a lot of after market parts. Maybe the owner has already had it inspected under the recall or even replaced. Didn't see it mentioned on the CL ad.

 

The owner did take it in for a recall inspection (passed with no work needed) and also took it to a master tech to inspect the timing belt and what not. The timing belt hasn't been changed and the tech indicated it didn't need it.

 

Clearly the owner knew what he was doing. I'd lay under it and push up on the driveshaft at the center bearing - there should be very little movement of the bearing and check the u joints for excessive play. IMO go for it.

 

Yup - sounds like you found a good one and that's a great price too. Pull the trigger before someone else on here does

 

Yeah, the owner (he is the 2nd or third), took good care of it and did all the usual maintenance himself. He said he'll gladly show me around the truck and give me some help if needed.

 

Love that color. Good looking truck. With the lift, you need some cooler tires than the Rugged Trails, in my opinion.

 

You guys don't seem to be bating an eye on the mileage. I'm so accustomed to having newer vehicles. I totally like the truck. So much less lame than the outback I was considering.

Do you guys recommend any particular oil? I've always used M1, but have heard godo things about the royal purple stuff. I'm a full synth guy.

 

The truck is just getting broken in. Use the oil the owner is using.

 

Mobil 1 and you're good to go for life. I wouldn't be at all afraid of that truck with those miles, as long as prev owner did his part.

 

What oil would you guys recommend for mostly highway driving as far as weight is concerned? I was thinking 5w-30 or whatever the manual says. I don't go crazy on the throttle. I'm very accustomed to driving a prius, and before that, a 2003 honda insight. Driving this truck is gonna be very different.

 

Noted. thanks for the feedback! I figured I was being a bit overly cautious. I'll take the dive and learn as I go! I'm sure you'll see me around.

 

Maybe get under the truck and make sure the cat heat shields mounted to the cab are firmly attached (not corroded away from the mount) then I'd think the truck is pretty solid.