Help a College Student Buy a Taco

Hi,

I am a college student, and I am looking to buy a used Tacoma. My main priority is reliability, which led me to Tacos. I had three major questions about what to look for when buying. For context, I am trying to spend under $12,500 for the truck.

1. I know frame rot is a problem, but I was wondering to what degree. I will be looking under the truck at the frame for all trucks, but I was unsure how much rust is too much. Is a little bit of surface rust here and there okay, or is that a sign that inside the frame is much worse? Should I only look for trucks with replaced frames or frames that look new (I say this because I will probably be buying a 2004-2008 given my budget)? Any guidance on how much rust is too much would be super helpful.
   
   
2. Is there any threshold on mileage I should be looking at? I know Tacomas are in a different league when it comes to how many miles they can go (our family F150 died after 150k), but is there a certain point I should stay away? Maybe 150k or 200k? Or is it better to just look at service records in relation to miles, and not care so much about a specific number.
   
   
3. Are there any major red flags that are specific to Tacomas that I should be aware of? I know general rules about buying used cars, but I was wondering if there was something to look for other than frame rot.
   

This is my first time buying a car on my own, so any help would be appreciated! Thanks so much and stay safe

 

Sadly with how our trucks hold value, you’d be hard pressed to find a Tacoma with no previous/hidden problems for that price range

 

The second Gen trucks gave less issues with frame rot.

If you look for 2010 or newer, it should be no issue.

150k miles is not lots of miles.

A newer truck with higher miles would be a better way to go, as that truck would have spent most of the time on the highway.

 

It's all a mind game

 

Good questions and you already have a good base of what to look for.

I’d follow the above statements about miles vs year, and your budget.

I’ll also add that depending on where you are looking, France rust may not be too much of an issue.
Ie. I’m in SoCal, so it’s almost not a problem in my area if I was looking for a truck.

But if you live anywhere where they salt the roads, I’d make that aspect your first priority.

 

I would take someone with you that’s knowledgeable around vehicles if you can or at least someone that has a little street smarts. You can also search out a shop beforehand and talk to them about your search and if you can bring a vehicle to them for an inspection.

 

Go install your wheels

 

Didn't think of it that way, but that makes a lot of sense. Thanks for that info. because I was definitely looking at less miles and older.

 

I'd look 2007 and newer to your price limit. 150K and under. Stock. Keep some of the money for after purchase expenses.

 

Unfortunately, I live in the northeast so I gotta watch for it, although I could probably drive south to pick one up. Thanks for the help!

 

And go easy on the lug studs.....

 

Definatly look for a stock truck! People who have installed lifts on their trucks did not gain reliability by doing the lift.

 

Yea the 12,500 is with another 2,500 ish for after purchase costs. I plan on building out my own camper once I have it slowly overtime. Thanks for the help

 

My suggestions:
1. Find a reputable mechanic/shop and get an thorough inspection before you buy.
2. Previous maintenance and use determines condition. Try to buy one that has a maintenance history that you can verify.
3. Don't be afraid to buy a truck that has been in a minor accident and been properly repaired. You get a discount (or you should be able to negotiate one).
4. Stay away from salvage or flood vehicles regardless of price.

 

That's tomorrow

 

You would know. You're the one playing mi d games with Priscilla.

 

You saw her, you'd play mind games with her too

 

So how does one purchase a vehicle in times of social distancing from a private owner?

 

Hey, just throw me your keys for a test drive and I’ll be right back. Wait a second, let me get my gloves on first dammit.