Looking at a 2012, any insight here?

Hey guys,

Excited to be potentially joining the family of second gen owners!

I'm looking at a 2012 with 136k miles on it, for sale by the owner. It has the following mods that are listed in the image attached. I'm wondering if any of these mods were not a good idea, good quality, or if there is anything I should be aware of or ask the mechanic to check out when doing the pre purchase inspection!

https://imgur.com/a/K2c810Y


Thanks in advance everyone, can't wait to get this thing! (Hopefully)

 

Spc upper control arms, icon rear leafs, and 5100 rear shocks are good quality parts.

Personally I do not like the somewhat vague front lift description, sounds to be like they may have combined two lifts up front.
• Toytec spacer lift (dislike due to spacers being safe/cheap, but not the mechanically best way to lift a vehicle, and may have a harsh ride.
• 6” RC drop bracket lift (which I don’t like either, but as long as you aren’t going to be hardcore off-roading, you should be fine)

I have pro comp wheels and BFG ko2 tires as well and like them.
I have a bed mat as well, and like how it keeps stuff from sliding in the bed, cool that it already has it.

The other things listed are nice mods as well, although I disapprove of LED bulbs in oem halogen housings, for this reason:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/why-leds-should-not-be-run-in-halogen-reflectors.454371/

Overall, I’d say it could definitely be a nicely set up truck if it looks clean and has no other problems that your mechanic can find.

Only things I would want to change sooner than later if I was buying it are the led headlights, and sort out the front coil/shock setup. I’d try to maybe get a custom length coil over built, or see what bilstein 5100’s would work with the RC drop bracket lift and get actual 2” lift coils (not spacers) to keep the same lift height it has now.

 

Welcome to the site. Also to note that 2012's has issues with the air injection systems mostly on the 2012's. Check the frame for rust!

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/secondary-air-injection-system-p2440-and-p2442.370792/

 

You have stacked lifts with the drop bracket and spacer...generally not a good idea. Given the mileage of the truck and lift arrangement, I would look elsewhere. Also, the LED headlights are probably blinding the shit out of oncoming traffic.

 

Thank you for the advice guys.

Here's a link to the full ad. If I do end up purchasing the truck, changing the headlights will be priority for sure. Very excited reading all the guides here!

Regarding the lift issues, would it be possible to have the spacer lift removed? How much lower would it sit without it, and is it completely necessary to have it removed if I don't plan on off-roading?

Very stoked on the quick replies. This community is active ! Love it.

I have negotiated a lower price than is posted

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks...ampaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_android

 

The spacer lift can be removed and will drop it a couple of inches. Not sure how that will factor into 35s. General consensus is Rough Country is not one of the better brands for lifts. Keep in mind that the stock cross member was removed for this lift, so going back to stock will be a pain in the ass....i.e. will need cross member from doner truck and have it welded back in.

 

^^ this.

It can be done, but it might be a hassle.

I’d probably just leave the RC Drop bracket on if you buy the truck.

Simply removing the spacer would drop it 2”, and as said above you might rub the 35” tires a bit.

That’s where some bilstein 5100’s set at the lowest clip, and a pair of 1-2” lift coils from Toytec, wheelers, headstrong offroad, etc... would make me satisfied with the front in terms of ride quality, safeness, and quality parts while keeping the height it has now.

 

noooope.

shitty Drop bracket lift you have to cut the frame.

35s are way to big for a daily driver tacoma.

and 2012 air injection failures due to no shutdown purge.

OP pass on it get a 2013+ or 09-11

 

Thanks a ton guys.

Will pass on this one!

 

If looking at a 9-11, that hasnt had the frame replaced, what kind of questions should I ask or be aware of?

Also, why not consider 2006-2008?

Thanks in advance!

 

Simple $10 k&n filter can greatly reduce the chance of the pumps on the 2012’s going out.
8 years later, and mine is fine.

If you want to take extra precautions, you can get an electronic module to wire in to the pump so (if/when) it fails, the ecu won’t care or know the difference. Truck continues to run as normal, just without the air purge pump on cold startup.


To OP @Will.Climbs : I wouldn’t avoid 2012 trucks like the plague due to the air injection issue, it’s Just something to be aware of

 

Edit: can ask owner if it was eligible, and if it was, why wasn’t it done?
Ie: they were too lazy to take in, or maybe a dealer inspected it and didn’t see enough frame deterioration to actually replace it.

If the frame hasn’t been replaced, I’d take a thorough look at as much of the frame as you can, with a good flashlight and a screwdriver poking at any spots that looks suspect.

Common spots are passenger side top frame rail where the A/C vent drips condensate, and also just rear of the cab where the frame is slightly “boxed” instead of C channel. Also just spots where water / salt would be likely to get caught and sit on the frame.

2005 has issues with motor mounts breaking, 2009+ has a brake actuated limited slip differential, where as the previous years had a mechanical one. 2009-11 also had some nice small updates that kinda tidied up the trucks appearance wise and inside the cab.

 

Thanks for all the great replies.

Will keep on looking!

Sad that the front lift on the one I posted is such a deal breaker. I couldn't just keep it the way it is considering I won't be off-roading?

Will keep on looking. Nothing out there in Nova Scotia on Kijiji, currently!

Would taking a Tacoma to a regular mechanic shop for pre purchase inspection be adequate for assessing the frame for rust, and to let me know the status of the vehicles warrenty for a new frame ?

 

06-08 are just old.... 05 and part of 06 i believe had old style head gaskets. 09+ got a lil more fancy with standard traction control / VSC and side curtain airbags.

I wouldnt avoid 2012's but if you are looking around there are many 2013+'s and thats one thing better than the 2012 as they have the shutdown purge on the SAI which is just one less thing to worry about.

 

Guys, I really like this 2012. There's nothing comparable or even close for sale locally. (Nova Scotia, Canada). I really like everything else about the truck!

If I get a mechanic to replace the 2" spacer with a 2" coil , how much would that cost around, and is that a legitamite fix ?

 

Look VERY closely at the frame inspect for rust up front where its been cut.