Picking up tacoma, rust in engine bay, skip?

26,300 that's correct.

 

Looks like the battery leaked. Baking soda and water will help but the battery tray could have damage

 

Not necessarily. It had to be in a cold weather state for one thing.

I forget the timeframe but you had so many years (which is less than 12, I just don't recall exactly) to get an inspection. If it passed, they applied a coating and then you got a 2nd inspection up to 12 years from date it was first put into service.

I have a 2010 and live in MA, I had the first inspection about 2 years ago and have until September this year for the 2nd one..bought in October 2012.

This is true, your combo isn't common so it's up to you if you want the long bed but the price isn't awful.

The pictures of the crash bar etc (other than the battery area) don't look bad at all, mine is much worse though I'm in a cold state (Massachusetts)

 

This sheds a lot of light on things. Yes, it's a little overpriced - although hard to tell cause we know nothing of condition - which IMO is much more important than mileage or year.

You're right that the DCLB is not only hard to find but fetches a premium. IMO it's worth it. I have no intersted in short beds but they make sense for lots of people. It took me a year to find mine. I bought it a year ago near San Jose for $16k. 2010, 190k miles, TRD Sport w/ JBL and tow package. I bought it the first week it was for sale, if I hadn't bought it, it would have sold the next day. It's higher miles and not as good as condition as I'd like but the market is really rough here in CA.

You can just stop looking for a DCLB 5spd - they never made that configuration. DCSB + 5spd, yes. AC + 5spd, yes. But never DCLB. Same that you can't get the Off Road trim package in DCLB.

Personally, I'd keep looking. I don't like that engine bay rust and you'll always A) pay too much from a dealer and B) get ripped off on your trade in. All that combined and that price is just too high. From a private party you should be able to pay less and then sell your current car for more than that trade in.

Not sure where in CA you are but I'd seriously look into this: https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/d/woodland-hills-2013-tacoma-4x4-longbed/7285562632.html

Essentially the same price but likely much better condition, half the miles and it's newer so has the nicer looking front end. Plus, I feel the mods do actually add value, or worst case don't reduce value. If you don't like the bumper then that's an issue but the shell if you didn't like it you could sell and get some $ back. It's not in my budget but I keep coming back to this thing. The want is strong.

 

Dealers are definitely no place to get a good price. They give you half of what your vehicle is worth for trade in. And you pay close to double to buy compared to a private party sale. And most are about as dishonest as it gets. I had one hold my drivers license hostage because I was just looking and not willing to buy what they were offering. So anytime I go to a dealership I have a copy of my license in my pocket to hand them if they want to take my license “to make a copy”.

 

Since you asked if this is a good deal in the original post: being the truck is a rare combo, that makes it very subjective. I just bought almost the same truck from a dealer, in excellent condition, 12k less miles for 19.2 otd. Personally, I don't see the value of the rarity justifying that price. (I'd rather spend 7k in upgrades than rarity) If you're not in a rush, I would keep looking. You'll know when the right truck comes along. It took me 5 months. My loan kept me buying from a dealer. I saw plenty of better priced trucks being sold privately. So if you're not limited to dealers like I was, I think you'd find a better deal.

That being said, in the end, *go with your gut*. If this truck gives you the warm and fuzzy feels (no doubts) and you are okay with the price, who cares what I or anyone else thinks.

As for that little bit of rust, if you are a diy'er, get some Ospho from Sherwin Williams (may not be avail. in cali??? - lol) follow directions, then por-15 it or etch primer and paint it. That rust is easily treatable.

Good luck either way you choose