Country girl wanting a Tacoma

Im looking to buy the 2nd Gen Tacoma 4x4, double cab, automatic for sale. I can only afford about 13,000.
Im currently looking at one thats brown, has a small lift and mud terrains on it. I dont really need the mud terrains since ill be driving it back and forth to work but its a sharp looking truck. He is asking 13,500 for it and it has 204,000 miles on it and it has a tick sound coming from the engine. the owner said that was normal for this truck. The steering wheel also shakes when you get around 40mph, or when you come to a stop. Im wanting to keep this truck for a long time. Is 200,000 miles okay for that price and is that tick normal? Also would be willing to fly to buy a truck and drive it home if anyone knows where theirs ones for sale.

 

The tick sound is normal. We call it the "Taco tick". As far as the mileage goes, as long as it was maintained and not abused it should last a long time. The steering shake might be the tires or lift. You may want to have that checked out first.

 

Okay thanks!

 

Welcome to TW

The tick may be normal but it may not be. Look up "taco tick". The steering wheel shake may be due to the wheels not being hub centric, the tires need to be balanced/aligned, or it may be the lift causing issues. The vibration when coming to a stop is probably warped brake rotors. If you're seriously considering buying this truck, remember that it has mud tires which ware down a lot faster than normal street truck tires. The mileage might not scare some people, but I'd want to see maintenance records. You may want to wait for a better deal and save up in the meantime.

 

The steering vibration indicates to me that you will have to put some money into steering components, id ask to come down on price or look at some first gens

 

204 K miles on it.......my 2008 currently has 206 K miles.

What year is it?

Also as the previous post indicated, all depends on how it was taken care of, maintenance, up keep, etc. and what is the actual condition of the interior like?
What about the body...any dent's, scratches, etc.?

 

Also price varies a lot state to state so it never hurts to look in other areas

 

Personally that's more than I'd want to spend on a truck that has that many miles. That's just my .02

 

You also want to get under the truck and check the frame out. If it's rusty, bail.

 

About the suspension, I was going to say "possible tire balance issues", but as you're coming to a , "stop" as well??? I agree, I would have the suspension looked at! My 2cents.

Happy Wheel'n when you do finally end up getting a truck

 

Got a link to the sellers ad? What model year? Which engine? Is it 4X4 or 2WD? Regular cab, Access or Double? Auto or 6 speed? The tick is probably the normal Taco Tick, assuming we're talking about the 4.0L V6. These trucks are somewhat famous for some driveline vibes. My happens at around 65-70MPH though, not 40, and not while decelerating. My advice would be to take someone who knows Tacomas well with you to have a look, or if you're able, take it to a shop that's familiar with these trucks, to give it a once over. Good luck in your search!

 

Btw, yeah, it is a bit pricey!? Tacoma's tend to have a HIGH resale value, but yeah, that is alot of miles for that price!

THIS FOR SURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

You don't mention the area where you are located, but you might want to look at TW's 2nd Gen Tacomas For Sale (2005-2015)

Here's one with new frame and less miles in your price range:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2005-toyota-tacoma-dclb-trd-sport-with-new-frame-in-nh.427658

 

Lift with the shakes especially when decelerating, I would walk. Might be a can of warms you are buying.

 

Welcome! Have you considered a first gen? You could likely find one with much less mileage in your price range. Tacomas do last a long time but 200k is starting to get up there. Id definitely have a mechanic verify its condition before purchase, most shops will send a mechanic out to meet you look at a truck for their hourly rate.

 

If your not in a hurry try to save some more to buy something with better mileage. If you have start dumping a lot of money into the truck then you are going to wish you waited. Good luck

 

I live around Springfield, Missouri. I've actaully seen alot in New Hampshire and up north. Ive considered flying there and flying home. That's a long drive but I'm not finding alot around here. I really want the 2nd Gen body style. The one I'm looking at is a 2009, I'll find the craigslist link and post it.

 

Yup