Looking for a Tacoma

Looking for a 2nd Gen 4x4 dclb tacoma. Man it's a tough search in my area. There are plenty but they either have been wrecked or they want way too much for them.

I found a 2010 dclb, no wrecks, 4x4, black, 93k miles, asking 18500. 2 previous owners, local vehicle. The only thing I can see that causes me to be hesitant is theres a cigarette burn in one seat (although he said it doesn't smell of smoke), the frame looks stupid clean, almost too clean, and the badging is missing on the doors which could be from someone just taking it off or a wreck that wasn't reported.

Good deal? Bad deal? Any hidden engine issues I should look for? I'll post a few pics. I'm coming from a tundra so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

That truck looks really clean. Run the vin and see if it's had a frame replacement, or if it's the original frame that looks that nice. I noticed that it still has the full length front mud flaps. That's a good sign that it hasn't been off roaded much.

 

That truck looks really clean. I would do as much research as you can on it and if it all looks good I would jump all over it.

 

I don't know about the rest of the truck but I've got Hankook Dynapro AT-M tires too and I like them a lot.

 

Welcome to the site. 2010 is a solid year. Don't know where you are but long beds in 4x4 can be hard to come by. My only suggestion is to check the frame in person. $18.5K as a starting price is not bad. Offer $17K and see where it lands. Good look with your search.

 

I agree with his thoughts on the price, I was thinking about that after I made my post.

 

please correct me if I am wrong but if the truck was not bought or used in the cold/rust belt states, Toyota wouldn't replace the frame or even notify the owner. Correct? My buddy has an 05 and the truck has been in the SW area the whole life and he said he never received anything from Toyota regarding the frame issues.

 

Call me crazy but something doesn't seem right with this one. I checked and sure enough no accidents. However it was at a local Toyota dealership, had a bunch of 90k mile service done to it, then they sold it 3 weeks later to the current dealership.

I get online and read the reviews of the current dealer (small used car lot) selling it and he has horrible reviews. Several people claiming he cleared /deleted check engine lights and they'd show up on the way home, some saying motor issues almost immediately after they left.... I don't know what to think.

 

HMM that does seem suspicious. I think it would still be worth checking out in person. You might get lucky and find a fellow TW member that lives close that would go with you for a second pair of eyes. Good luck!

 

I just asked the seller if I could keep it overnight and have a mechanic look at it. We shall see what he says

 

I gave up a long time ago on those small independent used car lots. Too many bad experiences with crappy cars and non-existent service if there's a problem. They tend to get the rejects that reputable sellers don't want. If you decide to go this route, take it to a trusted mechanic for a thorough inspection.

 

I wish I could find a private seller. That would be awesome

 

I'll sell you mine!

 

Think I've settled on a 2012+. I'm going to pass on the 2010 I think.

 

2010 is the best year......very few problems that year

 

I have to agree 2010 here . I bought mine from a small used lot. It had alot of neglected stuff that wasn’t fixed.like dash lights were out cracked head lights. Needed some tlc . But i have a new frame from Toyota and a little time and a DA polisher the truck is great one bad 02 sensor and a cracked belt that’s it

 

What about 2011?

 

The frame is the only thing that concerns me. Not sure if it's actual frame replacement or rattlecaned to hide rust because the shock bolts, leaf pack along with other non frame related items seem to be painted over.

 

I'm glad you said that... You can see the black over spray on the blue on the top of the shock.

 

That could explain why the toyota dealership likely auctioned it off. That type of truck in good condition does not need to leave the used car lot of a toyota dealership to resell.