Need tips for purchasing 2005 Taco

This is my first post on TW, but I've been lurking for a while. After a couple months of begging, the wifey has finally granted me permission to pick up a new (to me) used Tacoma.

I am going to check out a 2005 PreRunner TRD Sport this evening, and was hoping I could get some suggestions as to issues or problems to look for. The truck has 58K on the clock, and from the grainy craigslist pics, appears to be in pretty good shape.

I'm a bit of a gearhead, and I'm confident that I can spot most glaring issues/problems. However, I just want to tap into the great TW knowledge base to see if there are any discreet problems that should be a deal breaker or cause for alarm.

Thanks in advance!

 

I just got my 06 and from what I've found they are hard to come by. Grab it!!!

 

welcome to tw.thats low milage on a 05.i assume its a private party?if so ask to see service records if they have any.any warrenty work done ect.look good underneath for signs of offroading.my 05 has had "0" problems so far,so good luck to ya.

 

first, welcome to TW....second, if you want a 4x4 dont settle for a prerunner, get what you want the first time.

 

Thanks, guys.

First off, yes... its a private party.

Apparently the owner paid cash up front, so he owns it outright and he bought it for his mother to run around town. It seems she hardly ever drove it. I'm assuming its never been off-road. I drove a lifted Jeep Wrangler for several years, and put it through the wringer on the trails... so I know what to look for as far as that goes.

I'm also cool with the 2WD for a few reasons:
1) this will be my daily driver, and from experience, I tend to break expensive stuff when I play off-road. I can't afford the time and/or money involved with anything that will require 4WD.

2) This will primarily be a street queen (but hey, I'm in TX... we love our big trucks as much as anyone, so lift, wheels & tires will go on in short order)

The rear suspension does appear to have a bit of sag going on. I know there was a rear leaf spring TSB. Would that still apply to a second owner for a 5 year old truck with 58K mi.? Or am I stuck correcting the reverse rake myself?

(hint: I'm looking for ammunition to talk the guy down on price)

 

Check the timing cover for any oil leaks. This is common on the 4.0L

Check motor mounts to ensure they aren't cracked where they meet the frame.

The overhead compass/thermometer also has a tendency to die premature.

Neither of the above is likely, but you wanted some common problems.

 

Ok... so the deal on the truck I mentioned fell through. I checked the carfax, and the truck had previously been totaled, and had a salvage title... so I passed.

I've got two other prospects that I'm looking at right now, and wanted to get some feedback:

1. 2006 Prerunner Dbl cab, 104K mi., 3" spacer lift, 16" Moto Metal Wheels, 33" tires. Truck is super clean, and so is the carfax. Asking $15,500 (obo). Private seller that I think I trust.

2. 2006 Prerunner Dbl cab, 111K mi., 3" spacer, 20" wheels, 33" tires. Truck looks clean, but I'm going to check it out today. Asking $13K (firm)... used car lot dealer. Carfax is mostly clean. Says it was stolen in 2007, but the dealer explained that it was a repo and the owner reported it as stolen. Dealer said he is in the process of having the stolen entry removed from the history.

Both of these are on the high end of my budget. I know the miles are high, but I can't find anything in my price range under 100K miles.

Do either of these deals seem sketchy to anyone?