Another "what to look out for when buying thread"

Hi everyone, I'm an occasional lurker over the years when I want to live vicariously through the Tacoma World pages. Up until now i've been a VW GTI kinda guy but with two young kids, and a lot of national forest outside of Asheville to explore and camp in i've been thinking about a truck more and more.

The market stinks for buying right now but i've managed to find what looks like a good deal. A local seller has a 2011 TRD OR DCSB with 143K on it for $17.5 OBO. Now i've already read through most of the posts on what to look out for...rust mainly, but i noticed on my test drive the shaky steering and the squeaking leafs. I looked those up on here and feel a little better about it. The brakes absolutely suck so those need sorting. And I imagine at that mileage the stock suspension is toast.

Aside from the truck needing a deep clean and the paint having it's fair share of scratches, mechanically is seems to be in good shape. Solid maintenance history and it runs like a top. I plan on a pre-purchase inspection as well. My question is what am I missing?

 

Be sure to test the 4WD System. The locker too.
If you don’t get a flashing 4WD, that’s good. And you can be fairly certain the system works.
If you’re doing PPI, and the shop has a lift, you can be 100% certain.

The place that needs to be looked at closely is the frame next to the catalytic converter on the drives side. That’s were the trust seems to eat through the frame first in a lot of cases.

 

Good call on the 4WD and locker test, I forgot all about that. Noted on the frame/cat rust location. Appreciate the help.

 

Rear leafs are a recall item and should be replaced free of charge. Rear leaf hanger brackets (welded to the frame) are the other rust prone areas

 

Thanks, I ran the Vin and fond no open recalls or TSB's for this truck. Leafs looked good, just a little squeaky which from what i've read is normal, albeit annoying.

 

You can also create an account to Toyota’s website, then enter the vin#.
It will show you any recall and service work done at the dealership.

 

Welp, TNShooter called it. Negotiated the cost down to $16.5 dependent on a second test drive and a PPI next week but don't think i'll make it that far. When checking out the 4WD system, 4Hi engaged no problem but 4Lo just beeped and flashed at me, even in neutral. Locker flashed and didn't engage either. Closer look also tells me it's going to need lots of suspension work. Evidently I missed the Toyotech risers in the front and they are squeaking like mad. Also had air bags in the back for towing and an AP bumper/Warn Winch combo. Not bad, but not needed and it looked worked. Thanks for all the advise, the search will continue!

 

A note:

4L won't engage unless you are STOPPED and in NEUTRAL need to have 4H engaged before 4L.