2018 TRD sport- odd clicking ticking noise at engine idle

I am considering buying a 2018 Tacoma TRD sport. CarFax history shows 2 previous owners, mostly regular oil changes. No major issues during test drive except I heard a ticking noise from passenger side of engine on top part of engine. Any ideas as to what is causing this noise? A mechanic friend said keep looking. Walk away. It is a sweet ride at a good price but I don't want to get saddles with a money pit truck.

 

Listen to another couple of ones on the lot, they have noisy lil engines, but make sure. I think there is a cleaning cycle that ticks as it cycles.

 

It has the V6 engine with 99K miles. It is a nice Tacoma for sure but I'm hesitant to jump on it. LOL

 

That sport has a vacuum pump on the passenger side bank. The pump is driven by the camshaft. Some pumps had to be replaced due to noise.
Next to it, there is High Pressure pump driven by the camshaft.
Ticking sound is a pump.
Metal on metal could be anything, but vacuum pump will be 1st to check

 

You really want to buy a truck with 99k miles?
There are lots of 3rd gens around with less wear and tear.

Your mechanic is right. keep looking.

 

There 100% is. It happens when engine is hot and only at idle, ECU decides when to run the cycle. Its there to clean the carbon from Direct Injectors.



The idle noise definitely gets louder and sounds like a diesel or a loud sewing machine.[/QUOTE]

 

So, it is normal and shouldn't be a concern? It is a nice truck. It checks all of my boxes. Has a tow hitch, no body dings or paint issues, clean interior but it does have 99K miles.

 

I’d still suggest finding another 3rd gen V6 Tacoma and compare.
Also check the underside for rust, there will be some.
Top expensive, and semi common issues to look for: front timing cover oil leak and the rear composite coolant pipe leak. First requires engine removal, second is a transmission removal. Some have found ways around these, but still labor intensive.

GL