Buying Advice Needed. Picking up a used Double Cab soon.

Hey all. First time posting, but many hours sent reading up around here. Years back I owned a 2004 Prerunner for about a year, but sold it as it was not what I really wanted. 4x4 and a Manual...

Now with a family, I'm looking to buy a used 2nd gen double cab 4x4 with a 6mt. Hopefully a TRD off road package or at least the trd sport. My budget is around 20k - 21K at the very most. Ideally around 80k miles or under. Looking for advice on which way to go. I have found a decent amount within 6 hours of me and I am willing to travel. I have a real fear of rust on these trucks and most of the Tacomas that fit the bill are in the northern salt belt area

Posted some links if that is kosher, please let me know if that is not okay.

- 2005 DBCB TRD off road 6mt 96K miles for $15K Georgia owned and kept. Seems like a clean truck for the age and they get very little snow so hopefuly little rust. I am a little worried about a 12 year old truck with that mileage as my daily driver. I do like the price as it leaves room for mod goodies. Looks to be up to date on service. I like black trucks as well.
https://dealerinfo.com/evo2/fresh/e...Brochure/eslick.aspx?id=354231&CompanyId=7742

- 2008 DBCB TRD off road 6mt 67K miles $20k in Pittsburgh PA. Talking to dealer later today. Everything I want and mileage is in a good spot. PA is terrible for salt / rust and that is my worry with this one. I am going to be requesting tons of photos on this one. Should I avoid all trucks for this area? I don't mind getting under the truck and doing some rust cleanup and maintenance, but I worry that it will be beyond a weekend cleanup project. It is at a dealer so, that is a plus.
http://www.rohrichtoyota.com/used/Toyota/2008-Toyota-Tacoma-0b438f5f0a0e0adf748d53f45fce16c1.htm

-2012 DBCB SR5 6mt 89K miles $21,900 in Sedalia MO. Dealer does not seem to want to come down on price. The truck is about as clean as I could wish for. Bummer it is not have the TRD package, I would have bought it already if so. A little rust of the undercarriage, but again clean as heck. Pretty high miles for a newer truck. I would offer 21K and see what they do. Love this color as well.
http://www.mccarthytoyotaofsedalia....a-Tacoma-e08433a70a0e0ae7308e83ecc580b28f.htm

-2009 DBCB TRD off road 6mt 76K miles $19K in Haskell NJ Not spoke to dealer, truck looks to have had a hard life. Price and mileage are good, again I worry about rust. Seems a bit beat on, but I could get her back into shape I think. Lot of money for a clean up project.
http://www.autohandlersnj.com/2009_Toyota_Tacoma_Haskell_NJ_265600884.veh

There are a few others, but these seem to be the main contenders. Let me know what you all think. Unfortunately, no trucks locally fit my wants and needs, so I will be traveling either way.

Excited to get back into a Tacoma. I will be doing some tasteful mods when the time comes.

Looking forward to any advice you all can provide. Thanks!

 

the 2012 is a heckuva deal. Unless you desperately need rear locker, or the worthless (absolulety) inverter, I'd say go for that.

 

Pulled the trigger on the 2012. Talked them down another $400. Excited to go pick it up this weekend. Figure if I get to a place in life where I need a locker, I'll add an ARB.

 

awesome.

 

Welcome to the club and congrats!

 

Welcome!