New Taco Buyer's Checklist

Thought this checklist might be useful to new Tacoma buyers, especially my man @everymanalion.

Just a list of things to check out before you take physical possession of your new Taco.

Certainly not comprehensive & some of our more knowledgeable TW members may have points to add to it.


Equipped with all standard & optional equipment

Window sticker accurate

Check payload sticker on door

All fuses seated correctly

All relays seated correctly

Battery terminal tightness

Tire pressure

Oil level

Coolant level

Transmission fluid level

Brake fluid level

Washer fluid level

Exterior lights / Fogs / Hazards

License plate lamps / Turn signals

Headlights / Taillights

Headlight aim

Backup lights

Ensure 2 key fobs w/vehicle

Ensure key code tag w/vehicle

Both keyfobs work

Metal key works (door and tailgate)

Intelligent access / smart key works

Remote locking works

Wheel lock key

GPS tracker behind panel under steering wheel?


Exterior

Vehicle sits level

Alignment of body panels

Alignment - roof, doors, fenders, hood, bed, & tailgate

Distance between cab & bed

Distance from ground to top of wheel wells on L/S & R/S

Corrosion / rust

Exterior damage

Grille / Bumpers / Fenders

Dents / scratches

Paint chips

Paint runs / swirls

Body panels / door jambs / under doors

Doors / stamping flaws / check door handles

Doors / hood / tailgate close properly

Gaps in door jamb

Water running down from mirrors / door handles

Whale / shark fin roof antenna - height

Fuel door - locking cap / capless

Fuel filler

Running boards

Tires

Wheels & wheel caps

Check all glass for distortion / peeling

Check all glass for adhesive / residue

Chrome DLO / window trim

Badges secured

Spare tire secured

Bottle jack secured under seat

Seat belts not banging off trim/doors


Interior

Fuel level

Column / floor shifter loose

Door locks

Rear sliding window operation

Power windows

Power mirrors & folding

Check mirrors for blind spots

Headrests

Seat fitment

Heated / cooled seats

Rear seat - lift up and recline

Rust on seat frames

Floor mat installation

12V & 120V outlets

Steering wheel buttons - front & back

Speedometer / Odometer

Gauges - fuel / temp

Rear view camera stays on

Rear view camera timeout

Telematics / Techstream

Screen / Display / NAV

TPIS / TPMS

Satellite radio / FM / CD

Intermittent windshield wipers

Washer fluid sprays

Interior trim / Ceiling / Doors

Grab handles / Visors

Headlights / Taillights

Dash lights - can be dimmed in PM

Center console - Light / In floor / under seat storage

Glove compartment


Test Drive

Leaks / issues while warming up

Check for fluid leaks after test drive

Mirrors - visibility

Alignment

Steering wheel centered at 12 o’clock position

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

A/C / Heat

Shift +/-

Rattles / Squeaks / Wind noise

4 Auto / 4 High / 4 Lo operation

Backup camera operation

 

Fuel door - locking cap / capless

Reading is fun-damental. Try it sometime.

 

Good list. I never check every single fuse

 

I’ve owned my Taco for 1.5 years, do my own maintenance and probably haven’t checked half the things on your list, although I remember the washer fluid was low.

Reminds me of an old guy who watched me take delivery of a new Honda MC a few years ago; as I was strapping it into the back of my truck he suggested I check every single fastener on the bike before I rode it.

 

Sure Kev. Different strokes for different folks.

I went to the dealer to check out 2 Tacos listed on their website. The truck that I purchased wasn't on the website & had just arrived at the lot. Took some quick measurements & discovered that the 2 listed on the website both had significant bed / cab misalignments. My Barcelona baby was true through & through. When I'm spending serious cash I prefer to know exactly what I'm getting. Folks here on TW have bought vehicles sight unseen & had no issues. Wouldn't do it myself.

I didn't bring a torque wrench though.

 

Check torque on leaf spring u-bolts. 52 lb-ft 19mm
Check fluid level on both differentials, trans & transfer case

 

Very true. I learned a long time ago not sweat the small stuff. Also that new cars have warranties. 10K miles in I’ve yet to find any issue with my Taco which has required a return to the Dealership or a warranty claim. These trucks are generally pretty solid, which is why I bought one