Shopping for a 2nd gen Tacoma

I guess I should introduce my self. My name is Colin, I'm 21 and looking to buy my first vehicle. I've sort of been floating around a while but never signed up till now. I have found that this forum holds a lot of valuable information for someone new to the Tacoma market.

Anyways, Im looking to buy a 2nd gen Tacoma before winter (Ideally, but not gonna rush it) and I am wondering what I need to look out for. From what I've gathered in my research, the seating position in a Tacoma is either a Love - Hate kinda thing, and that taller drivers won't fit.

Well yesterday I went and got behind the wheel of an 09 Tacoma for the first time (test drive) and wasn't really bothered by the seating position at all (im over 6.1'). Something I did notice tho is on the side of the Tacoma near the bottom of the body panels, there was a consistent paint riple kind of effect. It almost looked like some rust had been cheaply painted over.

The sales person emailed me today saying that it was done intentionally as some sort of rock chip prevention (I was at a ford dealer).

So I'm just wondering if this is normal? Or if the salesperson is full of it? The paint was a perfect match color wise, so maybe it's good??

IDK, I'm not going to be following up on that particular Tacoma anyways, still got some research I wanna do.

I'm assuming that if it were normal, the 2nd gen owners on this forum would know exactly what I'm talking about. If you don't, then the salesperson is full of crap

Unfortunately I don't personally have any pictures, but here's a quick link to the add (It doesnt show the paint im talking about, the link will more than likely break in a few weeks when the truck is sold):https://www.waterlooford.com/used/Toyota/2009-Toyota-Tacoma-6f700abc0a0e0a1777909de87178dded.htm

 

Welcome to TW Colin

 

Rock guard is on the bottom. Salesman is correct

 

Yup we call it orange peel on the Tacoma’s. Totally normal.

 

For once.

 

Orange Peel is supposed to be there.....there is another thread on here about the same thing....there's ALWAYS threads about the paint at the bottom of the truck. Protects from rock chips.

 

Welcome Colin. That seems like a nice looing truck, but 23 large for a 10 year old Tacoma is extra absurd, although I am not familiar with Canada's market.

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

 

Well I'll be darned, I thought for sure that was a flaw. I was so proud of myself for finding it.

Anyways, sorry for bringing up a common question. I did look it up beforehand, but guess I used the wrong wording. Found it as soon as "Orange Peel" was mentioned.

You are right about it being expensive here, but there's not much I can do. Looks like it would cost you around $17,500. Gotta love the Canadian economy. Both Canada and the US earn $20/hour for the same job. But currently $20 here is only worth about $15 down below.

And then we also have to consider, that like housing, vehicles are just cheaper down in the states to begin with. Getting the short end of the stick on both sides up here

 

I’d be comfortable buying a used Taco from someone on this site and welcome to TW!

 

hmmm, Ya there are some nice trucks over there. Unfortunately there all a little far from my current location. Plus I still need a little more test driving experience to see if i really wanna bite the bullet and buy one of these trucks. Then the challenge is finding a specific spec list (6MT, DBLC, TRDOffroad, Towing pkg optional). Guess ill just wait it out, worst case senario, i have more funds built up when a truck becomes available

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Thank you, looking forward to learning a lot here.

 

Welcome and it's a good thing to do a close detailed inspection prior to buying, obviously you are doing that.

 

Welcome

 

So I finally found a tacoma that meets the trim levels im looking for (2nd gen, double cab, TRD Offroad, Manual transmission)

(Acute eyes may notice i edited the orange trucks in the backround. Didn't need to show the company and phone number )

Upon closer inspection tho, I noticed that the speedometer is in MPH, and not KPH like we use in Canada

This begs the question, was there ever a Double cab, TRD Offroad, Manual transmission truck sold in Canada? Or was it only for the american market.

Getting tired of looking for a truck that may not even exist.

Also, this truck has too high mileage for me to consider it anyways (285,000 km / 177,090 miles)

Just wanting to make sure I'm not wasting my time searching for a truck that was never produced...

I've tried looking it up, but have been unable to find anything concrete about the trim levels in different countries.

As it stands, I find a ton of Access Cab, OR, M6), But rarely if ever the DBLC, OR, M6)
So if anyone knows, that would be greatly appreciated.

 

Welcome!