Should I buy

Thinking about buying a 2012 Taco, going to test it today. Carfax report indicates it failed the state emissions. I’ll be trying to get it looked over by a nearby Toyota dealer but not sure if the timing will work out today. Any advice, concerns about buying a 12 year old, 60,529 miles? Here’s the dealer blurb, asking price $21,445:
V6 4WD 5-Speed Automatic with Overdrive 4.0L V6 EFI DOHC 24V
4WD, 115V/400W Deck Powerpoint, 130 Amp Alternator, 17 x 7.5J+30 Aluminum Wheels, 7-Pin Connector w/Converter, Class IV Hitch, Color-Keyed Bumpers, Cruise Control, Dual Sunvisors w/Mirrors & Extenders, Fabric Seat Trim (FL), Firm Ride Suspension, Front Fog & Driving Lamps, a Heavy-Duty Battery for those cold mornings, Overhead Console, Remote Keyless Entry System, Sliding Rear Window, Sport Seats, Sport Suspension, Supplemental Oil Cooler, Tailgate-Handle Integrated Backup Camera, Towing Package, TRD Sport Extra Value Package, TRD Sport Graphics, Variable Speed Wipers.

 

My advice would be don't buy it based on the high price with documented problems.

 

Thanks, it’s unfortunate that all used vehicles these days are overpriced. The selling price for the 2012 Taco is right in the middle of the KBB range.

 

How handy are you? If you need to pay someone to do the work it can be thousands. Pull codes it may give a hint what the problem(s) are.

 

Yeah, myself and the family are not good at DIY car stuff. The truck is being purchased by my son, I’m doing the wise thing by asking questions before hand and advising (at his request). The 2 comments so far reinforce to me the need for an independent check by a dealer with an estimate of pending repairs.

Here’s the listing https://www.blasiuskia.com/used-Watertown-2012-Toyota-Tacoma-Base+V6-3TMLU4EN9CM095057

 

Depending on the state you’re in it might be illegal to sell with failed emissions.

Also looks like it has a lift. If you can get pictures of the front and rear suspension people here can help identify what was done and the quality of the parts used.

 

Ok thank you, we’ll try to get some.

 

I didn’t see any pics of the frame.
It being a New England truck it’s whole life that would be my main concern.
Pop in and chat up some local peeps. Might of been somebody here on the forum.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-england-b-s-thread.204874/unread

 

Or go look at this one from a well known member @Simon's Mom
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2013-trd-or-dc-sb-1-owner-125k-vermont.829257/

 

it's black. No.

On top of that, it's probably rusted, looks molested, and is associated with a Kia dealer. You can if you want. A Tacoma's a Tacoma.

There's things you can change there's things you can't.
Black scratches. Black is hotter in the sun. If you gave me a black vehicle today, I would sell it tomorrow.

those wheels raise questions as to the condition, history, and mods to the truck.
There are many to pick from that are not that.
You'd be starting out on day one with shit that needs to be fixed not because it broke but because the PO chose to fuck it up. Very different from an oil leak.
Who knows. Doesn't look like spacer front lift. Can't tell from misleading dealer pics without looking at it.

 

yes black is a bitch.
Lucky we don’t get the heat and sun like you do.
My first taco was a 08 bsp sexy as hell clean!
Dirty 20 mins later sitting in garage!
I’d be worried about the frame and lift!

 

Interior looks like shit. That and the already documented mechanical definitely tell a story that the PO did not care for their vehicle at all.



At least you know the dealer didn't bother trying to hide problems when all they could be bothered to do is give it a $20 wash before putting it on the lot.

That's a hard no at that price. It's would be a maybe at half that price.

 

Go look at it
Take some pictures of the frame and post them. Don’t buy it, just look!
Doesnt look bad from what little can be seen in pictures

 

are we looking at the same vehicle?
Shit pictures but the interior looks fine

 

Thanks for the props!
Yes buy my truck! My interior is 100% as new as wet okole seat covers since buying it. Meticulously cared. Only modification was an AAL in 2017 for the shell and the color matched surround. Every record in Toyota owner.com and clean title. I have a brand new set of factory headlights and HTH bed stiffeners never installed I'd throw in. Frame is flaking, but it's been treated by me Toyota with warranty until 2025. Just needs a young buck or doe to get under there with a brush. I'm too old now lol

 

There are stains on the driver's and rear passenger that should have been cleaned in the detailing.

That's one of those vehicles that I'm surprised they are keeping on the lot. If it were me I would have fixed it or kicked it to auction.

 

My biggest concern is the frame. Gotta take hammer to the frame by the front cross member and where they mate the frame. Look for rust and holes, has the frame been replaced? This is a must frame inspection.

 

I bought my 2012 with the CEL lit up and an O2 sensor code.

It was a gamble. Plain and simple, a $14K roll of the dice.

I got SO LUCKY (as I've posted here before) when I was able to get the local dealer to cover my cat replacement (all 4) under an outstanding recall that the previous owner hadn't followed up on. I'm not normally that lucky and I don't think I'd do this again....and this was on a truck that the seller was pricing low to move BECAUSE it had a CEL.

I ran my 2012 through KBB yesterday and it was showing it was now about a $12,000 truck.

Suggest you look for a regular cab 4 cylinder for your kid with less than 150,000 miles. Might be much more attractive pricing.

 

Thanks everyone for the comments. We test drove and gave it a pass. Won’t be buying it.

 

Hard pass.