Need Advice on Buying Used Modified Gen 3

This truck is at a non-Toyota dealership and the dealer doesn't know much about it other than:
**LIFTED 2016 TOYOTA TACOMA 4WD TRD OFF ROAD** ONE OWNER** NAVIGATION** LIFTED APROX 4-6 INCH LIFT** AFTERMARKET 20 INCH BLACK ROCKSTAR WHEELS WITH 295/55R20 TOYO OPEN COUNTRY M/T TIRES** CRAWL CONTROL AND MULTI TERRAIN SELECTION** BLUETOOTH** REVERSE CAMERA** REAR AXLE LOCKER** STEERING WHEEL MOUNTED AUDIO, TELEPHONE, AND CRUISE CONTROLS**AUTO TRANSMISSION WITH SELECTIVE SHIFT** PUSH BUTTON**

What red flags should I look for in regards to whether or not the lift was installed correctly?
Is there a way to tell if the ECU was updated to account for the larger tires?
If I do decide to buy it would you suggest I invest in a tuning module and if so which one?

 

I would recommend buying a non lifted truck, and doing it yourself. It'll be cheaper, and of much better quality. Majority of dealer installed lifts are spacer or drop bracket lifts, which make for a rough ride. They will warranty it, but keep in mind it is only warrantied at that specific dealer. Now, if you're ok with never doing any moderate off roading, willing to shell out extra money, but just want to truck as is and want the complete package, then by all means buy it. It's a lot more fun doing it yourself though, even if paying someone else to do the actual install. Much more satisfying and personal.

 

You want a red flag? How about those wheels?

 

I would prefer to buy stock and do the lift myself but this truck is cheap with only 1,700 miles and close to the configuration I would do myself. The dealer that is selling it did not do the lift, they bought it as is. The truck would be primarily for towing a boat and I really don't plan on doing much off roading other than some light south Florida trails, flat sand.

 

If you think it's a reasonable price, then that's not too bad. My only concern is the quality of ride with the lift. It's gonna ride pretty rough more than likely. If you're seriously considering buying it, take it on a long test drive and try and hit all the terrains you can, i.e. city driving, highway, rough roads, etc.

 

Trd offroad set up for the mall... Shame.

Anyway I'm no expert , but something about 295 tire width sounds like rubbing once the truck is flexed out.

What's the price savings that this truck offers over a brand new one at the dealership?

Please have a look at the front and rear suspension and I'm sure you're just going to find blocks between the original equipment. Which in reality if that's what you want that's your choice but there is no value in that lift. Kit is cheap and labour is also cheap for that kind of lift.

Or what you could find is a BDS lift which means the orginal front cross members were cut out....

Is this an impulse buy or have you been researching tacomas for a while?

The 2016s engines are designed for fuel economy, and there is no tuning for these trucks nor would I ever expect there to be. Please read up on the engine . It's direct injection with additional fuel coming over intake valves for cleaning and higher rpm demand.

Damn the more I think about all this , the more I believe this truck is not for you, atleast at this point. This forum is a great place to learn the quirks of the Tacomas be it 2016's or even the older ones. Don't throw money at this truck. Sorry. No trying to be rude. If you buy it today there is a high chance of buyers remorse tomorrow.

 

Take some pics of the suspension. If its a spacer lift, walk away.

 

lol 20's on a TRDOR #ruined

 

I wouldn't buy it based on the bro wheels that are currently on it. See if you can get more photos of the suspension, front & rear, and let's see what it's all about.

 

The red flag should be that someone bought it, spent money lifting it and then decided they didn't want it all within 1700 miles.....

I'd test drive extensively and inspect that thing extensively before buying it. Making sure to look for any type of vibration issue, tire rubbing, etc. And take it on an extended highway drive to get a feel for the mpg's. Something doesn't seem right.

 

That's the only red flag you need. RUN OP RUN!

 

The dealer has it listed as a Base model with 1,700 miles for $33,9 I think they have it priced incorrectly as a base model.

I won't be doing much off roading with it, maybe the occasional deep sand on a south Florida trail or beach.

I have been researching the gen 3 for about a month and I don't think I need the off road package. An SR would probably be sufficient for me but this seems to be priced like an SR.

 

Its a red flag to me that someone got rid of it so quickly after installing the lift. It probably rides rough. Even if it doesn't ride poorly due to the lift, its worrisome to me seeing a truck traded in/sold with less than 2k on it. It could be purely financial, but it could be due to the characteristics of the truck.

 

Ask the dealer where they got the truck from. Did they get it from Mannheim Auto Auction or did someone trade it for another vehicle they had on their lot?

Even though it has low miles, inspect the CarFax.

Ask them if you are able to have it for an extended test drive (over-night). Have a PPI completed by a trusted mechanic (not one of their own).

 

I didn't think to ask if it was a trade in or an auction buy but I did get the carfax. It was bought in Texas, one owner and no flags and sold 5 months later (edit: currently in AR).

I will update with some detailed pics of the suspension and maybe some flex test drive pics if I can get away with it on Friday.

The dealership is 3 hours away so I plan on making a 2 day event out of looking it over.

Thanks to all of you for the input.

 

For the amount of miles that it has, it will still have a factory warranty including the drivetrain warranty, if you don't mind taking the risk and dealing with issues through a dealer later, then you should be ok (new car warranties including toyotacare follow the vehicle not the buyer). Having said that, I would first inspect the carfax, it could be a dealer buy-back or likely repossessed, although people buy vehicles and then change their mind all the time. That should give you a better idea of the history. Aside from that carefully inspect it; I suspect like much of the others said, it's going to be a very low quality lift, and that lift/wheel/tire combo will make for an overall crappy ride. If you are ok with that and like the looks, then it's up to you.

Also, if it is listed at $33,9xx before TTL I wouldn't consider that 'cheap' in comparison to what others have paid for brand new ones. Check out the 3rd gen section 'What did you pay' and 'cost master list' threads for tons of info on this.

Good luck!

 

oh and to actually answer your questions:

What red flags should I look for in regards to whether or not the lift was installed correctly? Obviously look for broken things etc.. for this look for signs of a low quality lift (lift blocks/drop bracket lift etc..) these are known for strictly looks not functionality off road.
Is there a way to tell if the ECU was updated to account for the larger tires? currently there is not a way to update ECU for tire size, although when you get a 16 make sure to have the Tranny TSB done- makes a big difference, but with this combo I expect it to feel very sluggish.
If I do decide to buy it would you suggest I invest in a tuning module and if so which one? Currently not available and with the history of Toyota ECUs, I would not expect one to be available anytime soon

 

I would bet money that it sucks at towing. 90% of people know nothing about lifting a truck and the need to re-gear.

 

A lot of people, yes. People on this forum are generally very knowledgeable though. A lot of people regear here.