2nd Gen Buying Advice

A little past your budget but clean ones are out there
Wait do I need two tacomas..

 

hold out for a lower mileage one (<125k) and be willing to travel. Should be able to nab a '12 to '15 around your budget

 

Op this seems like a deal if you want a nice 2nd gen.

 

24k miles is almost scary low, like 2500 miles/yr. Wonder if it was stored for a few years???

 

Says it was owned by a senior. My grandma has a car like that. 2007 grand marquis with 50k miles. It gets drove to hardees and the doctor office.

 

Check frame and underbelly for rust. Check for rodent damage and look at exhaust.

Son bought a really low mile Altima. Mechanic inspecting asked where we got it. When we told him friends of ours, he said "take it back!" The main engine support beam was completely rusted through and ready to let the engine fall out. Looked great on the outside and ran like a top. But lack of driving and being stored long period, it was crumbling underneath.

Rodents love wire insulation, plastic and all kinds of tasty stuff in a vehicle.

Not saying any of this is true with the one shown above... Just advising to look close inside, outside and underneath to be sure sitting unused or in storage hasn't created any hidden surprises.

Sometimes (not always) things can turn out to be too good to be true.

Doesn't hurt to go give a good look in person. You may have found a real gem. Worth a shot. Leave a deposit and take to trusted mechanic for close inspection if serious.