2014 Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab SB

Looking at buying a 2014 Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab SB and have come across multiple ones from northern parts of the country (Chicago for example). How concerned should I be for rust spots from these areas that salt their roads often?

Will probably have to buy before physically seeing the truck, which I have not done before. My thought process is checking that it is a reputable dealer and that it has a clean carfax report. I know it is not specifically Tacoma Related, but any insight on buying a vehicle "unseen" would be greatly appreciated.

 

Find a southern truck. Once corrosion sets in, it never stops. I bought a “clean” northern truck once. It rusted out in a no road salt area. Look before you buy, don’t get stuck with something you don’t want, because the seller lied about it’s condition. Road salt is a vehicle killer.

 

To me that would be comparable to marrying a woman you never met, but the truck would be easier to get rid of.

 

Very. Not so much 'rust spots' on the body, but frame failure.

Pretty much worthless. Especially regarding frame condition.

Looks nice in the picture, right?

 

Like others, I recommend against buying any vehicle sight-unseen. You CAN, however, find good vehicles in the northern tier. (My 2013 came from upstate NY and, aside from some superficial oxidation on aluminum parts under the hood, it was/is CLEAN.) When I shopped, I asked dealers for pictures of the undercarriages, which helped narrow the list of possibilities. When I was as comfortable as I could be without putting eyes on the truck, my son and I flew out to inspect it and ended up driving it home. Over three years later, I have no regrets.

Spend the time/effort/money to know what you're getting - your investment will be rewarded with many years of happy ownership instead of possible buyer's remorse.