Buying a Tacoma.. Years, mileage, etc

I'm in the market for a Tacoma. Specifically a grey metallic double cab long bed 4x4. The double cab would just be for extra room, but its just me so Maybe an access cab because of the manual tranny, I currently drive a manual and would like to stay with one. What I'm wondering is if there are certain years better than others, what kind of mileage should I try to stay under, in other words, what kind of mileage are these considered high and in need of work. Looking at 2010-2015. Also I would really like to supercharge it, which I believe is only available for certain years.. Likely do a 3 inch lift.. the typical stuff.. haha. Thanks a lot for your input.

 

Things to watch for:
1) Frame Rust (recall in effect for 2005-2008 in northern states).
2) Front Needle Bearing (Differential) pulsating vibrations between 30-40mph. Known Toyota problem with a TSB - lifting the truck seems to make it worse. Doesn't impact every single truck though.
3) TRD Supercharger was discontinued last year. Extremely difficult to find now and last prices were $5k-$6k from dealers. Though many reported scalpers selling them for much more.
4) Like anything else buy the newest vehicle with the lowest miles you can find that's been well cared for and has some maintenance records.

 

Magnusun is making the supercharger for em now. But they are 6k My dd right now is whipple charged. I'm a little power hungry. Its one thing that has kept me from buying a smaller truck in the past.

 

Got a link to where folks can buy from Magnuson? Yet to see that. Only heard rumors.

 

http://www.magnacharger.com/p-146-toyota-tacoma-40l-v6-supercharger-system.aspx

And urd is taking orders for em. http://urdusa.com/store/Forced-Indu...harger,-2005-2015-Tacoma-V6/product_info.html

 

Are there any major differences between say 2010 and 2015?

 

Glad to see Magnuson is finally claiming it. Though as I understand they were the ones making the TRD unit anyhow.

 

The 2012-2015 are basically the same. The 2005-2011 are basically the same. Front grilles, headlamps, tail lamps changed a little bit. Some variations in tech inside (backup camera in dash vs on rearview mirror for example).

 

12' up has the worthless air system on the 4.0. 2012 was the first year for the 4.0 second gen, other members have had issues with this on 2012 trucks including me. I would look for 13' up if your going to get a newer truck.

 

are you referring to AC system when you say air system?

 

No, it's an emission systemy and pumps fresh air into the exhaust at startup. Mine failed at 53k and dealer wanted 1300 for repair. I did the repair myself but parts still costhe me $500. The 2012's seem to be programmed different then the 13'up trucks for this system. Google Toyota A.I.R and you will see the many issues.

 

So, you're saying you want to buy my truck OP...? Lol...

 

pretty much haha

 

Well, I'll tell you this...I was offered $27,000 as an independent trade in amount about three weeks ago when I went to look at another Tacoma. They probably would have sold it for $29-30k...just to give you an idea...

On that note, I would go with a 13. 14 and 15 don't have the auto dimming mirror. 12 has emissions problems as others have noted, and you DEFFINATLY want the 12-15 body style for resale and mileage. You should find one, IMO, under 36k. That will give you some leverage with making sure the little things are fixed. DEFFINATLY go certified pre-owned if you buy from a Toyota dealer

 

I found a 15 with 7k miles for 31k certified pre owned. but its 300 miles away. Don't know if I'm ready to jump in just yet or not

 

Why are you looking used? Are you set on a second Gen?

 

so I don't have to spend 45 grand to get what I want

 

tryin to stay under 30k. Vehicles are just too expensive these days.. I bought the chevy I drive now for 21k brand new in 05. But its a 2 wheel drive single cab and ive put too much money in it.

 

What features do you need?

I got a NEW 15 DCLB SR5 4x4 V6 for $30k and that wasn't a dual back then.

 

I can see that...best of luck in your search...hope it works out for you.