Going to test this 2013 Tacoma, what should I be looking for?

Hey all,

Im going to test drive this Tacoma what should I be looking for?

I also had a 2012 I was looking at too, but noticed it has had 3 owners so I am not sure about that one. Trying to get it transferred to the local CarMax to take a look.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

maintainence records, CARFAX

 

Check that frame for rust!!!!!!

 

I knew the 2008 and before ones had issues with rust but I was told (by the dealer) that they fixed the major rust issues with the 2008's. I guess not. Definitely will do that. Passed on a 2007 because they had covered up some rusting in the wheel well under the hood.

 

Don't take anything for granted, bring a flashlight and have a good look underneath

 

usually with Toyotas if regular maintainence has been done then mechanically chances are it is sound, you can always use the rust issue to bargain down the price a little

 

As long as its not rusted out... Like my Grand Cherokee. Ha I put a cheap spacer life on it and pulled the springs out without a compressor because it is rusted so bad. but good point!

 

right! as long as its surface body rust , weigh the options, anything close to 10 years old will have rust, unless its been in a desert climate

 

The other one I was going to go look at was this one

 

3 owners? Hmmm.

Stick with the 2013.

 

Yeah that was my thought too.

 

OP I'm getting a faulty link

 

2013: https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...pperListingsSearch=38148693#listing=163572836
2012: https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...pperListingsSearch=38148693#listing=172708305

 

Spruce Mica is my 2nd favorite color behind black. But being the 4th owner in 5 years despite only 40K miles is a cause for concern. I echo all who have already cautioned against frame rust.

 

Yeah that green is a nice looking truck but three owners makes me wonder.

 

Heres everything i looked at prior to picking up my 6MT DCSB last week

Take UG and check for OBDII Codes
Check for hail damage
Check roof for dents/rust/peeling clearcoat
Check tail pipe for oil burning
Check engine block for leaks & cleanliness

Does it have Tow package?-(this consists of oil cooler, 7pin connector, 27F battery, larger alternator 130amp)

Engage 4wd lo and hi and 2wd hi

Lug down clutch- check for slippage (manual trans only)

Crawl under and check entire frame with light
Check cross members
Check under spare tire for rust
Check Cab Mounts on front (have they been chopped)
Inspect rocker panels
Check all lighting connections in hood area (stock/has anyone cut or wired into anything)
Check frame for rust/pin holes
Check motor mounts for rust or cracks
Check rear leaf packs for tsb springs (these are the 3+1 leaf packs)
Check ac& heater work
Check condition of tires

Goodluck! Hope this is somewhat helpful

 

Fantastic Thank you! Printing this and taking it with me

 

No problem! Good luck! Im as OCD as they come, so I had to make a list and check everything out prior to buying. Let us know how everything turns out!

 

check all fluids under the hood... OIL TRANS PWR STEERING & COOLANT
use a towel so you can identify dirt in fluids...
Maintenance is everything in Toyota Motors

 

I didn't go look at it. I didn't want to have to put it through Maryland inspection myself. I did that before and got burned. So I went with this 2015 instead.