What should I look out for?

Noob here, I just retired and am looking at a 2008 4Dr Tacoma, short bed, 4WD. Nowhere does it say TRD or SR5. The only badge is TACOMA. 101K miles, and it is in very good to excellent condition. The owner says he has only had it for several months and is selling it to buy his college freshman son something he likes (not the Tacoma). I looked at the undercarriage and it appears to have a new frame, and 4 leaf springs. The engine and tranny seem to purr without problems or noises. He said there might be a prob with the Left front tire or bearing. Hub bearing? Anyway, hoping you veterans of Tacoma ownership can suggest things I should be aware of or focus on in terms of future or current problems.
Thank you all in advance.
Dave

 

Sounds like you checked all the right spots. Good luck and Welcome!

 

Maintenance records!

 

It is a TRD if it has a bed outlet. it is a TDR offroad if it has a rear locker. If hood scoop, (and color matched side mirrors, and rear bumper, and grille surround) its a TRD Sport. If no bed outlet, its a SR5 or base

 

Good luck with your purchase. Just completed a wheel bearing / hub replacement myself, there is a TW member that sells the quality completed assemblies.

 

Upon further research, I ran a Carfax on the truck I am considering buying. One owner til 6/17, then sold at auction to the man I'm dealing with. No big negatives in the report, no wrecks, but no service at the dealer either. The strangest thing to me was that the replaced frame did not appear on the report. Seems like a big item to not make mention of. I also found out that the truck went thru the annual state inspection in June '17 which covers stuff like brakes, tires, lights, windows, etc. So at 100K, it sounds as though front bearings are soon to be needed. Is anything else suspect at that mileage for a 2008? I thought I read here that the 4L v6 has a timing chain, not belt, so that should be OK.

 

Noob update. I kept looking and stumbled on this '11 4.0 with 75K miles. Drove perfectly, super clean inside and out. Bought it the next day for more than I have ever spent on a vehicle (I may be cheap). Love it so far.