New guy from MI needs advise

Hello TW,

I am not yet a Tacoma owner but looking to purchase one and would maybe need some insides.
Basically I am looking to buy a tacoma as a project car which I want to purpose build for offroading and in the future for overlanding trips over the us and canada.
For my budget I was looking into a gen 2 (2005-2009) for around 15k with additional 6k in aftermarket parts.
I choosed the taco for its big aftermarket parts market and the so highly praised Toyota reliability. Unfortunately it seems for me Toyota reliability is not as good as expected after inspecting 2 trucks. Both of them had terrible underbody rust issues (yeah I know the bad Michigan winters) and both had a massive oil leak on the lower part of the engine.

Now my questions would be:
1. Is it common for them to have oil leaks or did I only had bad luck?
2. When common, how much effort is it to repair them?
3. Is the rust normal for this age? (Try to upload some pictures later)
4. Should I maybe consider buying one in the south (not so harsh winters)?
5. What else should I look for when buying a used taco?

Thanks everyone

 

2005-2009 are well known to have defective frames that are highly likely to rust. Toyota lost a lawsuit in a class action suit over this. Depending on where the truck lived it's life a frame inspection is critical.

Oil leaks are usually a bad sign in any vehicle. And I've never heard of Tacomas having a "tendency" to have this issue.

Find one with as few miles as you can, as clean a frame as you can, and something with records of maintenance. Ideally find a state that doesn't have salt present (on roads or sea).

If the trucks you're looking at have oil leaks... walk away.

If the trucks you're looking at have rusted frames... walk away. Even folks who get Toyota to replace a frame for free (due to lawsuit/recall) will be without their truck at least a month while the frame gets replaced.

 

the one thing i wish i did was go out west or down south to buy my taco. i spent three days under that thing grinding and rustproofing the frame. If thats not an option i would make sure to find one that has already had the frame replaced under the recall. i dont think oil leaks are very common on these although the rustier it is the more likely the seals and gaskets would have been exposed to harsh conditions as well. as far as what to look for? rust free (or as close to it as you can find), service records, well maintained and taken care of. another option is to check out some of the builds for sale on this page. you might be able to find yourself a good deal on something that aleady has some of the basic upgrades already taken care of for you. good luck with your search!

 

Thanks for the reply. I already heard about the frame and both truck had a newish looking frame (frame was what I was less concerned about).
I was more looking into the rust on the under body and drive train parts. One truck had a deep hole into the cabin behind the front wheel, exactly there where no protection was applied to by Toyota (don't know why they left this piece out tho)

Here are some pictures

The oil leak in the back

 

It may be worth looking in other parts of the country. I realize that may be easier said then done, but less chance of having rust issues.

 

Welcome to TW...Try Car Gurus or car finder.

 

Welcome to TW! Happy hunting.

 

Welcome and good luck!