Pre-purchase inspection check list

Hi everyone, new member. Been moving towards a truck for a while (as a 30 year car guy). I am going to look at a 2005 Tacoma Extended TRD Off Road that is basically stock, 130K miles, this weekend. Never having been an owner, I am trying to find some info on the issues to look out for. What I have researched here and other places is the frame (not replaced) and the transmission (it is a 6 speed manual) are potential problems. I am a gearhead, and feel confident about basic assessment, it is the stuff that is Tacoma specific I am looking for input on. It is a bit of a sweetheart deal from a friend of a friend. Just want to make sure I am not making a mistake.

I feel pretty good about poking around the frame with my fabrication experience to assess if it is in bad shape.
Transmission - less confident on this - seems the 6spd this gearbox is not going to be tight by normal car standards. I assume it can be considered good if it is easy to shift gears and not having grinding while shifting or excessive noise. Throw out bearing/actuator issue - is there a specific tell that this is going?

I could not find it - but is there a pre-buyer inspection checklist put together by a member or the group? I have used those from enthusiasts of other vehicles I have owned. A list of known issues to look out for? Maybe questions I should be asking that are specific to the Tacoma?

Any pre-buy advice would be appreciated! thank you

 

From what I have gathered from the site and purchasing my Tacoma last summer is as follows:

Frame rust, holes, and cracks. Check every inch with a hammer tapping and a screwdriver to poke.

Carfax it, see if it was in any accidents (not 100% reliable) but you can find out how many people owned it and for how long/when maintenance was done.

Is the truck modded at all? Cheap lifts, aux lights? Any wiring look out of place?

Drive it, make sure everything is sound without vibrations or weird noises. I don't know about the 6 speed on the Tacoma, someone else I'm sure will chime in. I would think with no grinding and the clutch engaging correctly there shouldn't be a issue. I would check under the driver seat carpet and against the firewall for leaks from the master cylinder.

I'm no expert mechanic so take it with a grain of salt. They are very easy to work on especially changing the oil and general maintenance though. Let us know if you get it!

 

Some of the 05's had issues with motor mounts completely separating from the frame, and I believe there was also some water pump issues. See if you can take a look at where the motor mounts are welded to frame, and if water pump is leaking at all. Frame integrity would be biggest issue I think, especially in the boxed in section in the front section of the vehicle.

Matt

 

Damn guys! 2 replies in less than 5 mins, that is awesome. Thank you for the input guys. Matt - maintenance - not having to get the jack out to look under the vehicle is going to be a pleasant change!

 

Now that I think about it, there may have been head gasket issues as well with the early 05's but I could be making that up. I'm not much of an expert on the older 2nd Gens

Matt

 

Welcome to TW!!