Advice on buying a 2nd Gen

Hello mortals, I'm currently looking at a 2013 double cab, TRD, 4x4 with 180k on it. It's an Arizona rig and apparently has mostly highway miles. I've pulled the service history on it and it's just had the normal fluid changes, tire rotation, and basic upkeep. I drove it yesterday and really liked it; it's super clean inside and out. I'm coming from an '04 double and would like to get some input.

Is there anything, in particular, I should look for mechanical-wise aside from the normal stuff?

He's used synthetic for the last 30k, are there any concerns with that in the 4.0?

The transmission has never been serviced that I could find either.

Is 18k a decent deal for a clean two-owner Arizona double cab?

Are there any issues with this year I should be aware of?

thanks guys, hoping to join the 2nd gen crew soon.

 

Look at the frame, but that’s a great deal!!!!
I just paid 20K for a 2011 sport. 4.0 Dblc with 130K
Yes synthetic everything according to factory specs
I would service the trans Toyota states now every 60k. Rather than the old lifetime sealed

 

@eherlihy

thank you for the input. I will poke around the 2nd gen forum a bit. The frame and undercarriage are spotless, it still has the stickers on the gas tank skid and rear diffy. This is beyond refreshing to see here in the Midwest.

 

take the VIN to the internet to ensure that you are actually looking at a TRD. Don't get fooled by some sticker.

I paid $25K for a 2015 double cab short bed TRD Off Road with 25K miles on it in May 2020. Just for a reference.

 

Have a Certified mechanic inspect the vehicle, Toyota certified would have the most knowledge specific to Toyota. The inspection won't be free, but it can save you from buying a headache.

Always, always have the vehicle (regardless of brand) inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchase, especially from a private seller.

Trust but VERIFY.

If the seller balks at the inspection, then walk away from the vehicle.

One last point, don't use a mechanic the seller recommends. Use a mechanic of your choice.

 

thanks. I did run the VIN through Toyota and it did show a factory-installed "TRD Off-Road Extra Value Package"

How in the world did you get such a smoking deal on yours??!! That's incredible.

 

Its got 180k miles, I wouldn't say that's a smoking deal.

 

$18,000. For 180,000 miles is borderline acceptable given the current market, but it is not a good deal. Is the price firm? I believe $16,500 is a more appropriate number for this truck relative to the market.

Replace the secondary air pump filter immediately with a unifilter
https://m.youtube.com/watch?
v=uG87HzkNzCI
Flush the trans yourself with a complete fluid replacement, easy to do, plenty of step by steps on the forum. May as well clean the pan, magnets and replace trans filter and gasket while you’re at. Easy to do.

I Second the pre purchase inspection by a mechanic of your choice.

 

I got lucky on the mileage. And, from what I am seeing here on TW, I bought mine before the prices on pre-owned Tacomas (and other models) went through the roof due to supply/demand/pandemic. Good luck.

 

Other than frame rust on these later second gens there's not much to look out for other than changing the secondary air pump filter.

With 180k miles I would not pay 18k for it. $16k sounds fair.

 

Used vehicle prices arent coming down any time soon. If you like it....go get it.

 

If it has less than 75k miles on it you could probably sell it for 35K now

 

As far as for the secondary air pump. I have a 2012 model that are know for this problem but Toyota sent me a letter last year and they replaced it.

 

Wow... What is my 2014 DCSB Sport with 59k worth? I paid $32k new back when...

Good luck OP. I like the suggestion to have it looked at. Changing the fluids is the fun part - new blood!

 

Well I ended up having it inspected and went for it. I got it for $17,500. I changed the oil and greased everything tonight. I can’t believe how nice Arizona vehicles are, they are so damn clean!

I ended up selling my ‘04 for 10k; that’s almost what I paid for it 8 years ago, crazy. I used cash for the remaining balance. Anyway, I love my ‘13 so far.

I checked the emissions air pump filter thingy and it looked to be in good shape. I still plan to order the “modded” filter just to be safe. I’ve got husky liners on the way and really need to get some front mud flaps.

 

Is there an easy way to check if the recalls have been done? I’d like to buy my son a pre 09 Tacoma reg cab 4 cylinder 4x4 when he gets his license in a couple years.

I miss this forum, I drive a Tundra now and to be honest most of the posts here did me a ton of help when I had my 2010 Tacoma V6 4x4 4 door long box. Traded it for a terrible other import SUV to tow a camper, and traded that POS for a 14 Tundra crew max 4x4 V8.

 

Looks clean dude, send it

 

Now fluid film that baby and enjoy

 

One thing to be mindful of, keep that white paint washed and waxed. It will help slow down the peeling if it was one of the problematic trucks. I have a 2015 dclb sport I purchased in 2019 with 58k miles and once it hit about 75k miles it started to chip on the window sill. It has since spread to 3 doors and the engine bay and the entire truck is dull where it is not peeling. Toyota denies Tacomas received the same defective super white paint that the other 7 models they issued a TSB for did. If you don't see any peeling already, you may have gotten a good one. It seems to be hit or miss. Just something to be cautious about. Other than that, it is a really great truck!

 

Loved my ‘13. Great year for Tacomas. Nice truck OP.

cover that beautiful frame with fluid film.