Hello, I had my last Taco Gen 1 02 3.4, 5spd,4x4,TRD rolled 3 times, I am going to look at a 2007

Hello,
I need your help, I am going to look at a 2007 Tacoma Crew-Cab 4x4, V-6 VV-T4.0L, 6spd, TRD and more. Can anyone help me here with the 07 Tacoma's? Like what to look for and what is the weak spot with these? I know enough to get me in trouble, I'm going to bring my scan-tool some tools so I can check the diffs, etc....Just looking for anymore help from some of you that own one already (is there a common problem) something important. I had a 02 ext-cab, 3.4, 5spd, TRD, That I loved and I think it was nice. I babied it and owned it for 8 months, leaving my Uncle's hunting lodge in Dozier, Al. had 2" lift with aftermarket wheels & tires and my front passenger tire kinda ran off the side-lip of the road and I tried letting off the gas and keeping the steering wheel straight but the front wheel caught and she went side-ways slid right into a concrete culvert for a driveway that was about 3ft high, she hit went airborne once landed and rolled 2 times stopping on the passenger side. I was awake for everything. A guy in his wife where heading to my Uncle's camp and I got out of the truck at this time, they slowed down and asked if I was ok, etc. I said are you going to my Uncle's lodge (name) they said yes and I asked the guy if he had a strap could we put her back on the wheels, he had it hooked up and on it wheels in no time, He works for a tow-truck company so he knew what to do, he called the camp and one of them hooked up a 5th wheel and came down to where I was, I cant believe they didn't hear it at the camp I was only .5 miles from the camp, it was only on its side for 5 mins, we let it sit for 15-20 I reached in pushed the clutch start button and turned the key she started right up, 2 tires came off the bead and this fireman kept telling me he would pull it on the trailer with his wench, 20 mins later trooper pulls up do the accident report,(Probably) one of the nicest Leo's I've ever meet, I walked over started it up, it had push button 4wd I hit the button and drove it right on the trailer with no problems. Everyone there was talking sh*t saying it wouldn't make it and first time.
Thanks for any and all the help about an 2007 Taco,
Joe

 

Check the frame for rust
Check the diffs and t-case for leaks at the gaskets
Check the oil pan for leaks
Check the carrier bearing for play, easy fix though
Drive it and check for vibes
Rear leafs will squeak, get over it is about all you can do
Pop the hood while it's running, see if there are any leaks
When starting it listen for a squeal, that's a sign of a bad tensioner
If it's a 6 speed the TOB might need to be replaced
Open radiator to see if there is rust or the contents are thick

That's all I can think of

 

Just wanted to say Thanks, I have already test drove it for a good hour and it seems to be fine no lights drove good, ingauged 4wd, high, low, and the locking diff and it did good. I am going back today with cash don't know how much he's willing to take but I want to go drive it one more time and I figured I would bring some tools and small sheet to lay on and stop when test driving it and take the back, front diff plugs lose to see what the fluid looks like and I can bring some clear fish tank hose that's small and check the transfer case and transmission fluid.

 

I love the hell out of my 07. No problems at all. By far the sweetest truck I have ever owned.

 

This could also be a sign of the belt, or pulley misalignment. All of which are extremely cheap fixes and I don't think should deter you from getting an amazing truck you'll love and drive until the end of time.

 

sounds like everything checks out pretty good. I wouldnt be too worried about it if i were you.

 

Good luck, Joe. Hope everything goes well for you today.

 

Might want to check the CV boots, not a huge cost,but might be used in price negotiations,if bad.

 

He didn't take my offer, but one of the cv-axles have been replaced with one from napa also there is a light ticking like sound coming from the drivers side when it's sitting idle. My buddy said his brand new 14 that's the same as this truck did the same thing. I might go back with a little bit more cash and see what he says but after laying 12k in cash on his desk and him saying no I don't know if I want it or not. In front of the rear wheels they put that sticky crap from the factory is all cracked and chipped up and looks dirty, I figured I can remove it and buy new from Toyota and replace it.