Advice on 2012 Tacoma

Hey All,

New here, was wondering if there is anything I should specifically look out for on a truck I'm going to look at tomorrow.

Its a 2012 TRD Double Cab, Manual, 134k KMs. Have looked around here/elsewhere and nothing has jumped out, but thought I would ask the experts.

Thanks!!

 

2012's specifically have issues with air pumps, inquire if they've completed the recall or had any issues with it.

Otherwise, check for frame rot. Surface rust is ok.

2012 is likely 15,000$++ so get an inspection done on it for sure.

 

Great thanks. Have been reading up on the air pump issue. The truck is at a dealer, I'm not sure what info they will have on it from whoever traded it in. Any advice on whether a PPI would be better done through an indy or at the Toyota dealer next door (the truck is at a separate dealer next door).

 

When in doubt go by google reviews and pick the best of the two. PPI is a bit of a hose job depending on where you get it done

 

If it's a 4wd make sure the 4wd system works like it's supposed to.

 

Bought my 2012 four years ago from a Toyota dealer.

Mine didn’t have rear headrests. Assuming previous owner took them off to fold rear seats down and forgot about them.

20 miles into the trip home, tpms lights came on. Called them and they said it was normal and would go away since it was flashing. Never went away. Came from out of state so didn’t bother going back.

Had the air pump issue last year. Local dealer resolved/replaced it in a couple days.

I’ve enjoyed mine. Less miles.

 

Would also try to give brakes a quick look if able and tires.

assuming you’ll look under at the frame as well. I still have a couple years before the extended frame warranty expires (2012 as well, believe it was 12 years from first registered date). Can check my papers when I’m home.

 

Thanks for the replies.

Im assuming for the air pump there isn't anything you can visually inspect to tell if its been addressed? Is it an ongoing thing, or once it becomes an issue there is a more permanent fix for it now?

Also, for the frame, and specifics spots/issues to keep an eye out for? Or just severe rust?

Thanks again for the responses!

 

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10140599-9999.pdf

 

Where are you from? Rust can be a non issue or a major issue depending on what part of the country the truck lived in.

 

There's also Special Service Campaign 20TC01 that addresses issues with the Secondary Air Injection System on 2012 model trucks.

 

Located in Alberta, Canada. It's dry, but lots of snow.

Thanks again for the other replies, I'll probably ask for a PPI at the Toyota dealer next door, assuming everything else checks out.

 

and…

check the carrier bearing ‘freeplay’.

 

check is 4x4 works, if it is a 4x4.

4x4, 4LO, diff lock. etc.

check oil fill cap to make sure it doenst look like a milkshake (head gasket)

 

Oil fill cap will always have a creamy film from condensation. 2012 don’t have head gasket issues.

 

my 2012 usually has a bit of cream color on oil cap. Has been since I’ve bought it. More so on short trips, longer drives it’s less noticeable. Have been using full synthetic oil and no issues.

Had me worried when I first noticed it

 

Why is that? Is the 2012 more prone to this? Going through that right now, even though the carrier bearing was replaced as part of safety last year before I bought it.

 

They sometimes wear out ‘prematurely’… can lead to other drive train troubles if they’ve been wobbling around, unaddressed.

 

No problem with my air pump at 146k miles yet. Milkshake was eliminated after I got my oil separator installed.