Purchase advice - 2012 Tacoma TRD Off Road

Afternoon,

I’m brand new to this forum, post number one, but I’ve been reading on here for a bit. I’ve been in the market for a Tacoma since early this year and finally found one that I believe fits the bill. It’s a 2012 TRD Off Road w/130000 miles for 16500 (double cab). Although I really like this one and have read enough reviews to feel comfortable, i would just like to get a last sanity check from experienced taco owners before I pull the trigger. My main concern is longevity. I know tacos last forever, but what are your thoughts on the mileage for this? It’s been a daily driver, one owner , no off roading at all. I intend to use it to build an overlanding rig for use on moderate trails across the Southwest.

Thanks for your advice/input!

 

Pay for your local mechanic to perform a pre-purchase inspection. If everything's good or there are only minor problems i would go for it and not worry about the mileage, 130k in 8 years is only 16k a year.

Also never believe someone selling you a vehicle when they say "never been off road"

 

Welcome to TW.

Tacomas may last, but not their frames. Check the frame very carefully for rust.

 

2012 V6s were the first year of the v6 that saw the introduction of the SAIS smog pump (injects clean air into exhaust on startup to help cats do their job better on startup). the 2012's did not have the shutdown purge like the 2013-2015 trucks and often the 2012's experience valve failure quicker due to this.

Just a consideration.

 

I bought my '08 OR at 124K 3 years ago for more (I'm the 2nd owner), and I purchased it with a really impressive exclusive warranty. From my own cursory inspection at the time (and subsequent experience since), it was off-road quite a bit in its previous life. That being said, all the repairs I had done were covered under the warranty, and were pretty much age related. Not unexpected.

At that age, especially check the driveshaft U-Joints, wheel bearings, timing chain cover (4.0s tend to weep), CV boots. All these, save the TC cover, are items that wear with age.

If you're from a snowy, road-salted area, check for frame rust. And like others have and will say, have it inspected by a mechanic if you can.

I had a 2010 2.7 single cab that I bought brand new and took all the way to 200K before it was taken out in an accident. The above wear items needed to be addressed for both of my trucks. My current truck just rolled over 200K and since the initial repairs, I haven't really had any issues, except age related stuff.

Enjoy the truck. It's barely broken in!!!

 

True but this is an easy fix with the secondary air filter uni mod

 

100% depends on location.

 

Good inputs from all, thank you! This vehicle is from Texas, so no initial rust concerns. If I feel good after an inspection it will be tempting to pull the trigger. The other option is a 2016 with 60k, similar background, dealer will go 27000 out the door. Not sure if half the mileage is worth 11000 more though..

 

I have a 12 trd offroad 103k bought it brand new tons of mods and literally havent had one issue with the truck besides normal wear n tear items and normal maintenance items love the truck

 

I’ve had mine for 5 years. Dead reliable. The smog pump is covered by a warranty enhancement on the 2012, but not on the 2013-2015. The 2012 frame is also covered by a warranty enhancement so you’ll be good for several more years in that regard.

 

Thanks for the inputs. My mechanic is taking a look tomorrow so we will see what comes of that

 

Seems like a decent deal as long as you've checked things out and test drove it. Good points though brought up from everyone.
I'd recommend a good test drive on a 3rd Gen before considering it. Driving a 2nd Gen and a 3rd Gen are two different things.

 

What have you found to be the biggest differences? I’ve never driven a 3rd gen is there some warrant to paying 11k more for a 2016 with half the miles (65k)?

 

I sold my 2015 for a 3rd Gen and had nothing but problems and hated the transmission in that truck. After a serious of recalls I went back to a 2nd gen and glad I did.

 

And make sure it's not
a Harvey flood truck ....