Top Things to Look For When Buying Used 2nd Gen...

Hi all,

new to the forum, and its been a while since ive owned a Toyota truck, but i'm in the market for a used Tacoma. any and all insight and tips you guys have for me is greatly appreciated.

as i mentioned im looking to purchase a used 2nd Gen. i'm not set on any particular trim or model, but the one must have is a M/T. my budget has me looking at relatively high mileage (100k+) early model year (2005-2006) 2nd Gens, usually 2WD single cabs.

given that i've been outta the Tacoma game for some time, and ive never owned a 2nd Gen, any problem areas i should know about or things i should look for when looking at potential buys?

thanks again!

 

check for frame rust and in particular look at the motor mounts, on the 2005 and early 2006 there were rusting and collapsing. look through here" https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/05-motor-mounts-failed-failing.21849/

 

Look for an '07+ so you get the improved head gasket design and stronger motor mounts, it's not like there's a huge price difference. Check the timing cover really good too to make sure it's not leaking, if you search these forums you'll learn where to look.

 

Where you are located might help. Rust belt versus bible belt.

Where is Ventura county?

 

California by LA

 

Thanks, Jester. Yep I'm just north of LA but really all of Southern and Central CA is my market. heck i guess even OR, AZ, NV if the price is right.

just to give you all a sense of what im looking at, i'm trying to keep the purchase price <$7k, so obviously that puts me in the market for 1st Gens too.

and thank you all for the tips so far!