Questions to ask for a 2.7L 3RZ-FE purchase

Hey there,

I’m looking at purchasing a 2000 Tacoma xtracab 2.7L 3RZ-FE 4x4. The engine is original with 265000 mi and the transmission was just replaced with a “new” used transmission with 145k on it. Newer clutch, new ebrake wiring, fluids are all up to date. I looked at the bed underside and there is some moderate rusting above the rear right wheel on the bed. How much is too much rust here? This is the only obvious point of concern. No other obvious leaks, owner has done all the maintenance himself and has a decade of records. Asking 8k.

it’s a manual and it shifts very smoothly when driving.

what other questions should I be asking the owner, and what else should I look at on the car before buying? Thanks in advance! It seems to be a great car but I want to avoid buying a lemon.

 

Post some pix of frame/rusted areas

lots of ‘rust belt’ members will chime in

frame no good = might not want

unless you have shop connections

 

Where are you?
Where did truck spend its life?

 

Truck has spent its life in Washington state, mountainous snow zones, and I am also in Washington state. Guessing the rust culprit might be salt roads with the winters here. Will post pics tomorrow or the next day!

 

When were the valves adjusted/checked? The 3rz tends to burn exhaust valves if they are not adjusted every 75k or so.