Possible Tacoma Newbie here

I have been looking for a good reliable Tacoma for a my 17yr old. Something that is not perfect but I don't have to worry about him breaking down. I am lucky enough to be able to afford something decent but the auto selling world is crazy right now.

This looks like a good deal, but I can hear my Dad say "If it looks to good to be true, it probably is not what it seems"

Clean carfax, consistent regular maintenance, good dealer reviews

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...tedEntity=d311#listing=360886798/NONE/DEFAULT

Am I missing anything?

The problem is I am in New Orleans and truck is outside Atlanta.

If anyone knows a reputable mechanic in the Lilburn GA area, I might also go that route.
Thanks!

 

It looks pretty good to me so long as you don't care about him not having 4x4. It says it was a fleet vehicle at one point and is 14 years old with 3 owners. That probably plays a factor. The 2009 era was also known for frame rust issues so that may be worth looking into. Although, with it being a southern truck (body looks to be in good shape, minus whatever appears to be on the rocker panel on the driver's side), that may not be an issue. But also, just because it is in Atlanta, doesn't mean it spent its life there.

It also includes a backup camera. Given that those weren't mandatory until 2018, that's a good plus to have for a newer driver.

 

It was only ever registered in GA and SC (I think), so frame rust SHOULD not be an issue.

 

Mandatory? They became mandatory?
That’s news to me.

 

I don’t say this very often but I like it. Go for it and good luck!

 

Yeah, mandatory. I always got a kick out of that when it happened because the biggest new car shitboxes on the market were advertising their features and they were highlighting they had a back up camera. They had the feature because they had to. Like they needed seat belts and a windshield and some airbags. I thought it was funny at the time.

 

Yes, they became federally mandated on all NEW cars in 2018

 

Gotta love it. If you read half the "included" selling points you'll see most of them are BS that pretty much every car has now such as TPMS (mandated in 2008), power windows, power locks, etc.

 

Definitely worth looking into though. Since Atlanta is a bit out of the way, you could always message asking for more pictures. Many trucks during this time (according to my dealership, and again I live in the north) were having to be purchased back by the dealership after only a couple of years because of the rust issues.

 

That is my biggest concern, either the frame is rusted out and/or someone has attempted to cover up the rusted out frame.

 

I'd definitely request additional photos and share them here if you need any additional input. I'd guess they wouldn't sell something they seem is unsafe, but you never know.

 

I know you said the trucks in Atlanta but it does snow in North Georgia and in the upstate in South Carolina. While it’s unlikely there are frame issues, definitely check it. Im sure you will, and I hope it works out.

 

Well I missed that one but found another....of course it is in North Carolina, over 700 miles away.


https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/vdp.action?listingId=338299834#listing=338299834

2013 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Double Cab V6 SB - $15,500 - CarGurus

Anybody know any reputable mechanics in the Greensboro area?

 

Not sure if it's reputable but I've used Lemon Squad before on a site unseen purchase and it gave me the warm and fuzzies to buy it. Not terribly expensive either.

 

Wish my parents would have bought me a Tacoma at 17. My 1st car was 6 years older than me at 17. Lol

 

I think it’s an amazing experience to go pick up a truck far off and then road trip back with your kid. Definitely create some memories and love the truck that much more.