New toyota buyer. Some questions

Hey guys. Just joined. Ive owned a 2011 tundra for a few years and I'm downsizing. So I need a smaller truck. And I really wanted a manual trans.

So apparently, the new (16-up) tacomas have a manual trans option, but ONLY in the double cab short bed. But through some research it looks like 2015 and earlier, you can get a manual trans in an access cab long bed. Which is what id prefer. So ive been looking for 2010-2015's basically.

My question is .... are there any inherent or known problems on any of this year range? I know they had frame recalls on earlier ones. I have my eye on a 2012 v6 manual trans, 4x4 at the moment. Has like 80k miles and very clean. He wants about $20k for it though. Just wondering if there are any issues out there that people have found to be common on these.

thanks

 

Welcome to TW! I'm a previous 1st Gen owner who's been in a 2nd Gen for less than a year, so I'm still learning. Lots of reading here, however, indicates potential issues with these include
- Frame rot
- Weak leaf springs
- Air injection system failures (search for trouble codes P2440 and P2442)
- Unusually high clutch grab point
- Squeaky clutch pedals

You'll learn a LOT by perusing and searching this forum...

 

the 10-11 have the older front ends. 12-15 have the newer front ends but both run the same drive train. 09-15 have the secondary air injection problems but not all. the 4x4 have a front needle bearing vibration problem but is easily fixed. and some have loose bed problems but also easily fixed. the one your looking at is a nice find and worth it. FYI my 06 I have had zero problems with and I'm just about to hit 100k this month. I'd say go for it. you won't be disappointed

 

If memory serves I know there is some issue specifically with the 2012 models, something about the the truck going into limp mode due to pump or sensor malfunction, something like that. Sorry I'm lacking details on this, maybe someone else can chime in. Not sure how widespread the problem is though

 

That's the previously mentioned air injection problem.

 

Welcome to the site. Good luck with your decision.

 

It's '05-'11 with the original front ends and interiors. The '12-'15 have the revised front ends and interiors.

Having owned both....I prefer the '12+ interior with its nicer steering wheel and white/blue gauges. But that's subjective.

Some of the original front ends had an issue with the lenses of the front turn signal/DRLs melting.

 

I traded my 2011 Tundra DC for a 2013 DCSB TRD sport with auto last year, loving the better gas mileage and easier maneuverability of the smaller truck. The 4.0 is a big difference from the 5.7. But doesn't lack anything that I need in power
The Taco is definitely more fun to drive
My only issue is the 5' bed when hauling lumber and such

 

Yeah that one you're looking at sounds like a good deal but really inspect for rust. Dealers sometimes hide it with paint and whatnot. Check for any TSBs or recalls that may need done or have already been done.

I would also add that axle seals and hubs seem to be something to watch out for as well, though I haven't had those problems yet, knock on wood. Check for leaky seals after a nice long test drive.

Nortons not kidding about the clutch on the manuals. My parents have a '13 manual and while I've always preferred driving stick I found that not to be the case with the Tacoma. I'm not a fan of the clutch at all so I went with an auto for the first time ever on my 2nd gen. That is subjective however and something I'd have probably gotten used to.

The updated front end is nice, kinda wish I had it but no worries.

Basically if it's got little or no rust, has records of all the maintenance done so far, on time (search for a detailed maintenance schedule or get yourself a Haines manual) and you enjoy driving it id say you found yourself a good deal. Welcome to TW!