Question on buying Tacoma - used

I am considering buying a 2009 Tacoma 2wd Regular cab base model. This of course has the 2.7 liter four cylinder and a 5 speed.

Question is, what should I look for when buying one of these used? Anything out of the ordinary compared to buying any used car? The one I am looking at has 55k miles.

Is rust an issue? There are a few small door dings with a small spec of rust visible. Engine is dirty, but this one appears to have been a work truck as it has a few scratches here and there. Also, is it possible to replace the driverside cloth portion of the interior door panel? This one has a small defect there that is kind of noticeable. Yes, I am OCD....

 

Watch out for modifications that might have been done to the truck.
Many Tacoma owners love to make mods to these trucks.
Most of these turn out fine, some can turn into a mess.

Not sure about the cloth panel, someone on here would know.
Might want to get the carfax report and check to see if it has been in any wrecks.

Also check for frame rust.

 

^^ Yeah. Research the snot out of it first. See what background you can get on it before purchasing.
Don't get attached to it as it may not be the one for you. Be picky.

 

Check the leaf springs. I bought an 09 recently and didn't see that driver side center leaf was broken. It's a very common problem.

 

The truck is all stock except for a roll up bed cover thingy....

I haven't heard about the leaf springs. What is the best way to tell if they are broken? Is it something obvious?

 

Try not to call it a roll up bed cover thingy. The dealership will take you for a ride ; p

 

If you are serious about buying this truck, take it to a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. Money well spent.

 

^^ yes.