Major maintenance investments around 250K miles?

I am looking at purchasing my a Tacoma, and came across a 2013 with 210K miles. The dealer put new breaks, new tires on the truck and the previous owner oiled the frame to prevent rust - something old timers do in the North East.

From what I can tell, the truck is in great condition, but not sure if $13,500 is a true value. It runs tight, and clearly was well taken care of.

Has anyone had major maintenance investments that happen around 250K miles that would be worth investigating?

 

What engine, transmission, 4x4, locker, lift, bed length, cab?

 

This would help.
We need more info.

 

2013 Toyota Tacoma / Access Cab / V6 / Silver 4WD
- No lift / Snow tires
- Has a nice cab
- Noticed the chain holding the flat tire is missing, so extra tire is in bed of truck

 

Automatic transmission?

 

Yes - Auto

 

The Automatic is a good transmission.
But like all of them, they need maintenance.

Take it for a test drive. Make sure you drive it long enough for it to warm up fully.
If the transmission is fine, you shouldn’t feel any shuddering. And of course, no slipping.

The 4.0 engine is good engine. They can go 300k-400k if the maintenance is done regularly.
The 2013-2015 are probably the “best” when it comes to the 2nd Gen truck.
Some might argue, the early models are better just in terms of simplicity.
But honestly, these trucks don’t have major issues so “simplicity” isn’t really a big deal.

 

This is great help. Really appreciate you taking the time to providing some input.

 

I agree with TnShooter ...... but, this is a 10 year old truck. Although it should provide many more years of reliable service, be prepared to "spend" money to insure that reliability. New brakes and tires are a plus. What hasn't been replaced or maintained is also important, as diligent attention to maintenance and repairs is the key to extended service life.
Still cheaper than new truck payments.

 

That would be a fair price for that truck here. My 07 has 230,000 miles on it and I'd drive it cross country tomorrow.

 

Welcome to the forum

Sometimes you can contact the previous owner, most are glad to tell you all about their old trucks.
It averaged 21K/year probably more highway miles = good.

Check, check & check the frame and body for rust, get under there with a good flashlight and inspect every inch. I personally have no issue spending time & good money on extensive maintenance to keep a high mileage vehicle solid and reliable - you have to start with a super solid frame & body though, once you start chasing rust it never ends.

Post up some pictures if you have them & keep us updated.

 

I've beat the shit out of my 05
I keep up on maintenance but have abhard 190k on it and don't have any problems.

It only left me stranded once, because i had a shit aftermarket chip key that made me think the fuel pump was toast. Got a factory key. Problem solved.

If you aren't a mechanic, then find one to take it to for an hour and have them check everything.

Most likely, the truck you are looking at is perfectly fine. That year was the perfected 2nd gen. No major bugs.

These trucks are fairly easy to work on.

 

I agree with everything here but the mileage could also indicate the owner lived in a rural area as well. I average around 25000 a year and drive a lot of back roads. Just want to point out major annual mileage isn’t always indicative of highway miles. Im not saying you, but for people who live in urban or suburban areas, they don’t grasp how much we drive to get where we are going.

 

Just keep driving.....

 

$13,500 for ANY vehicle with 210k miles would be a hard no for me. How many more miles would you expect for it, on average, engine health, etc.? Don’t assume this is one of the few that goes well over 350k miles without major issues. You have to add potential repair costs to the $13,500.
Also an alarm for the vehicle being up north- the “oiled” frame could be hiding rust, would need close inspection, tapping with hammer, etc.

 

Same here. My '05 owned since new has 230,000 miles without major, or really even minor issues (mostly in Texas though), and it is currently the only vehicle for my family of 4. I actually also had a '19 4runner TRD ORP with 20k miles and sold in 2021 for cash because I believe the tacoma has many more miles remaining. Now that I've moved up north to salt country, I wonder how the frame will hold up (fine for now). I am becoming a believer that age is worse than miles for these trucks. YMMV.

 

Check the recall.... There are recalls for the Gen 2 leaf springs and U joint. If for no other reason, it is a free replacement. Especially the leaf springs. I changed my O2 sensors and that helped smooth the ride out some.

I have an 07 with 300K miles. Mostly in FL. Some in NC and I drive to TN 5 or 6 times a year. Never had a breakdown or issue. I got it chipped with Chip my Car. Keeps my mileage around 18mpg overall. I recommend the chip. Oil, tires, brakes. a wire brush and spray paint to keep the frame clean. $13K for that truck is a great price. Especially now. Enjoy the ride. I think the Gen 2s in general are the best on the road, hands down.

 

Get them to change U joints and Carrier...should last you another 10 years easy....

 

Things to look at...
Manifold connections to exhaust, spring bolts and gaskets
Lower Steering column intermediate shaft rust..creates a clunk/delay in turning
Wheel bearings on the highway...slight steering right/left and front wheel vibrations
IF the brakes were done recently get some grease on the pins and rotate them every oil change so they don't stick
Check the parking brake cable where it enters the rear drums and look for cracks in the aluminum

 

OP, as mentioned 2013 is a good year for these trucks. The price seems fair also. See if you can get it to a trusted mechanic and have him spend an hour giving it a thorough inspection. May cost you $100 or so but well worth it. Good luck.