Help Me Buy!

I'm looking for some help from Tacoma truck owners. I'd like some advice on what to look for when purchasing these trucks from a private party.

Are there some general or model specific things I should be looking for?

What type of questions do you ask sellers see if there lying about something or withholding information?

It's been awhile since I've purchased a truck. Any advice would help.

I'm looking for a '05 - '14 Toyota Tacoma SR5 TRD Sport 4x4, but will consider a 2x4 as well. I don't want to spend more than 20k and I want a truck with less than 100k miles, 50k or less would be preferred.

 

Ok,

20K for my 2007 Toyota Tacoma V6 4x4 Double Cab TRD Sport. 59885 miles

Indigo Ink.

 

Where are you located? Got a sale link? Or pics?

 

Anyone?

I mean people trade vehicle everyday and I'm sure there are clever question to ask the seller in order to probe for information.

Questions like:

Do you take your vehicle off road?

Then you could check something specific to see if it looks like it has been off road before.

Know what I'm saying?

Thanks.

 

where are you located?

 

I would start the screening process by running a carfax on all potential vehicles. It won't catch all issues but it helps to know the history. Check the undercarriage for rust and oil leaks. Take it for a test drive and listen for unusual noises when turning/braking/etc..Go highway speeds and check for vibes. Test all components while driving(lights, a/c, heat, 4WD) and test all gears. Good thing is you are buying a pretty reliable vehicle if you are seeking one under the 100K miles range.

 

These questions are useless. Is curb-hopping in a parking lot less damaging than a mild off-road trail?

Get a Carfax to check for liens and salvage titles.

Get maintenance records from the previous owner. No records - stay away.

Take the truck to a collision shop to inspect for collision repair (repainted panels, filler under the paint, etc.).

 

St. Paul, Minnesota

 

i would do as others say and check carfax and maintanance reports and salvage titles but also check for frame rust. seems to be the weak point on our trucks

 

I am making a list of thing I can do in order to make a good purchase:

CarFax--Look for liens / salvaged titles
Maintanence Records -- Looks for upkeep
Test Drive -- City/Hwy test everything
Collision Shop -- Look for previous accident
Undercarrage -- Look for rust


Thanks for your input guys. Keep the ideas coming. What else would you do to ensure you purchase a sound vehicle from a third party?

 

Like the guys said start with carfax, run the vin through the dealer, ask for maintenance records.
Pay attention if you meet the previous owner at their house, see how they take care of other things.....
if they are saying they are meticulous & the truck is mint but their space looks like a bomb went off
they may be blowing smoke....
Also....even with all above at a min.

Crawl under it with a flashlight look for leaks, cracks (motor mount) & rust
Check the rear diff breather
Open & close every door, tailgate, glovebox etc
Open & close every window
Check under the floor mats for water damage, mold etc.
Check all accessories, air, heat, blinkers, lights
If a 4WD take it to a dirt trail, check out how it shifts in & out
Check emergency brake
Check to make sure the spare tire tools are there you can also lower the tire to make sure that works
Look for any windshield cracks..
Make sure the manual is in the glove box, how many keys etc.

I always bring a friend with me who is mechanically inclined or ask to take it the shop I trust.
Usually I gauge their response to taking it to a shop or how they respond to introducing my mechanic friend.

The list above may sound overkill but little things add up ...
price out those spare tire tools.....

 

Oh yeah a tire gauge tool too helps measure the tire tread.
Inspect the tires

 

Lot's of great information thanks!

 

My mechanic does this thing where you can bring him the car and they will go thru everything and I mean everything. For 140 bucks. Pretty cheap insurance and might save you a couple 1000 in repairs later on.

 

toyota dealership does it for free lol or atleast the one by me does but they only check fluids brakes tires etc. basic stuff and then they wash your car

 

they do the basic one for free. The one i was talking about, they basically take apart the whole car and go through everything with a fine tooth comb.