Head to Toe Mechanic Visit

Firstly, I've been doing a ton of newbposting on this forum and would like to thank everyone for being so helpful! You guys kick ass!

Secondly, after having a few things break, other things be out of spec, and being unsure about the integrity of my truck in general I've decided I'd like to take it to a local mechanic and have him do a complete look over of the truck. I'd like some advice on what specifically I should ask the mechanic to look over and how to describe to him what I want done. If you had just bought a used Tacoma and were to take it to a mechanic for a full-on look-over, what would you ask him to do?

 

What exactly is it doing that you don't feel is right? Is it still pulling to the right?
The engine makes a ticking noise, that's normal. It gets real shitty mileage for a small truck, that's normal. Other than that the taco normally doesn't break. Do you have an owners manual which specifies the maintenance schedule? Most of the time all you have to do is maintain the Tacoma and you're good to go. Not sure why you want the mechanic to go over it.

 

Frame rust is a very common issue on older Tacos. Have them inspect the frame.

I've just discovered on my brand new Tacoma that the front differential had a bad needle bearing in it. It was literally just repaired today. There's an entire thread that's 151 pages long devoted to this subject.

It's always good to determine how long it's been since all the fluids in the truck have been replaced (differentials, oil, coolant, etc). Especially on 4x4's as I understand.

 

I suppose I'm being over-cautious to a degree. This is the first vehicle I've owned that I didn't buy new and also feel committed to keep running. I'm the third owner and have no way of truly knowing what kind of maintenance the previous owners did and whether or not they kept an eye on things. I'm still learning the ins and outs of my Taco and I make an effort to familiarize myself with it and it's multitude of components as much as I can but until then it would make me comfortable knowing someone who's very familiar with pickups and a keen eye takes a gander at it.

 

Um, I'd probably tell him I'd just bought the truck and wanted a "full-on look-over" as you say, might also be a good time to ensure all maintenance is up to date - diff, transfer case, and transmission fluids, brake fluid, spark plugs... Or, have him look it over and do the maintenance items yourself if you're inclined - half the battle is knowing what needs to be done and when.

 

Check around town and see if there's any particular mechanic or two who have a reputation for being class acts. Aside from changing out all the fluids you really shouldn't have to inspect anything in particular unless there's an issue I would think. Any good mechanic should know what to look for though. Especially if they specialize in "imports" like Toyota.

 

Thanks for the feedback folks! I gotta hit the hay, I'll come check out where the thread's at in the morning, goodnight TW dudes!