Reliability and what to look for after 100k+ miles on a 2nd Gen

I've got 15k to drop on a truck, and currently I'm looking at 2nd gens but I cannot find many under 15 and below 100k. From what I've heard/read, I understand that toyotas, especially tacos, literally last forever. I'm currently looking for a truck i can mod and have a little fun with on the weekends (Florida Off-road stuff) but still maintain reliability and I think an 07-09 would be my best bet for the price range. Only problem, as stated above, is that I cant seem to find a truck in my range with less than 100k, should I take any precaution for buying a truck with barely over 100k?

 

If frame and body are good and electrical hasn't been monkeyed up too much everything else can be replaced pretty easily but it does sum up if it's too many little things.
If it's well maintained with one or 2 prior owners you got zero to worry about.
Just get the V6 or you'll regret it big time

 

Biggest thing is if it has detailed maintenance records.

And not knowing where you are located, definitely want to check the undercarriage for rust. Even if you are in a non salt and dry state, make sure the vehicle didn’t come from somewhere up north.

 

Fify

 

Floridian here, yup ive constantly been on the lookout for rust

 

Yeah I guess the big thing for you is saltwater exposure. Or you can find some shady dealers or private sellers that buy cheap rusty crap with low miles from up north and bring it down to the south and pawn it off as mint.

 

Haha, trust me ik im not gonna make that mistake

 

Being that I want to go do some offroading, should I just go for a 4x4?

 

Of course you should go 4x4 unless you get a Prerunner and just plan on desert bombing. I like trying to see how far I can go without 4wd. Better always to have it. I would check the CVs for damage. I would also find out if the plugs are changed. I have seen some people buying the older Tacomas where they never been changed and they have seized in. Talk about a pain in the butt.

 

Totally up to you. Me personally I have a 4x4 just cause I wanted one. If you want to hit trails or whatnot then it would be nice to have. If you opt to go for a 4x4 just make sure it works on whatever vehicle you go test drive. And I’d even put it in 4lo and if it has a locker make sure it works in 4lo also. The 4x4 actuator has a habit of crapping out when it isn’t regularly used. Plenty of people have bought 4x4s without fully testing only to find out it needs some maintenance to work.