First time buyer 1997

I’ve been looking at Tacoma’s for awhile now wanting to buy an older used one for my first one. Went and checked out a few already with a friend who showed me mostly what to look for. Still wanted to get some opinions on the forum, what to look out for and what not or if it’s a bad deal. Probably gonna check this one out next week. Here’s the link to the ad. (I’m Canadian btw price is in cad) Any help is super appreciated! Thanks. https://www.kijijiautos.ca/vip/1572...medium=social&utm_campaign=ios_social_buttons

 

Guess your friend told you, but I'll say it again

FRAME RUST
FRAME RUST
FRAME RUST
FRAME RUST
FRAME RUST

this is the first thing you want to look for. If the frame checks out good, only then you look at the other regular stuff to check out for when buying a used car. Worst areas for rust are where the leaf springs attach to the frame, right behind the cab, inner frame rails by the gas tank and catalytic converter, frame section under the bed around the shock mounts. If you have doubts on a frame, ask if you can use a hammer to it. If you can't, just walk away

oh yeah also, lower ball joint are a known weakness
If you looking at a V6 engine, the timing belt

Mileage is only an indication of how long a vehicle has been driven, not how it was maintained. Better to get a car that has higher mileage but well maintained than one with low mileage but abused or not maintained at all

 

Welcome aboard new member

 

Frame. If the muffler is stock too looking at that can give you an idea of how bad the rust really is.

 

Myself I would much rather buy a truck with a frame broken in 3 pieces which can be seen pretty easy .

Then find out the drive train is ready for a major over haul once it is home.

Frames are easy to repair or make from scratch