2006 Tacoma Auto things to look out for

New here, patiently hunting for a 4wd taco to replace my 2wd.

Currently have my eyes on a 2006 automatic V6 TRD and was wondering what the common issues or things to look out for. Not really fluent with 2nd gen.

Besides frame, obvious mechanical issues, leaks, ball joints and U joints and struts etc what else?

Any 2nd gen or 2006 specific issues?

Any insight would be great.

Thanks in advance

 

Check the fluids and air filter to see if they're clean, (did they maintain it properly). Take a scan tool to make sure no codes and state shows "ready". Check Car fax for history of flood or other damage. Check for recall repairs, (spiral cable)? Make sure lights, fan and other accessories work. Take it out for a road test, alignment, brakes, 4x4, rear locker if you get the offroad edition. Look at tire wear and bushings. Check for spare tire and Jack tools. Rust underneath. Condition of all these can be used in bargaining if you really want to buy it.

 

Good call. I thought carfax was a given--already checked and spiral cable was replaced.

Sounds like theres no glaring issues with 2nd gen that were common.

 

Some of the trannies stay in neutral when you stop at a light and will jam into gear when hitting the gas. Make sure it doesn’t do this. If it is doing it and the owner hasn’t taken care of the issue(dealer has an overfill procedure to correct issue) then the tranny could be beat. Make sure there’s no high pitched noises on the freeway. Make sure no oil/coolant is leaking from the head gaskets. Make sure it doesn’t pull to one way and is out of alignment. Check the tires. Check the oil.

 

Make sure the abs doesn’t have any issues when coming to a stop on bumpy or loose stops.

 

Make sure the build date puts you outside the worrisome head gasket issue.

 

What is the date and how do you check that?