Test Driving 2007 4x4

Going to test drive a 2007 6cyl 4x4 double cab short bed AT with 100K on it.
Passed dealer inspection and they are replacing 4 tires and air filter and wheel caps. Full of dog or cat hair. Looks like it's been driven like a truck, has a construction use feel to it's appearance.
Dealer asking 22K for it. Will use it for trips to/from san diego/mojave desert. Not planning off roading just expect it to leave pavement now and then, should be dirt roads as opposed to off road.

Not a car guy. Just drive it and if I don't hear or feel any strangeness, get an extended warranty and we're good to go? Anything I should watch out for? I don't want to talk myself out of buying it, but don't want to make a big mistake.

 

check the frame for rust

the extended warranty does not cover a good deal of things that the dealer could of missed when they inspected it.

personally I would have someone familiar with the trucks give it a good look over before you buy it. thats also a ton of money for a old truck IMO.

 

OK, will ask dealer if they will let me take it to my mechanic for a soft once over.
Price? Yeah, well it seems to be a sellers market here. 20K is kind of my upper limit. New would put us in a prerunner 4cyl.

 

I haven't checked the market in over 5 years so I'm kinda out of the loop. I looked for almost 2 years for what I wanted used but the prices were so high and I could never find anything so I ended up buying new.

check out the TSB list here (Technical service bulletin) http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/7174-2nd-gen-tips-mods-more.html#post72062

the TSB items are not recalls but they are bad enough that if you go into the dealer and complain while still under 3yr/36 they will fix for free. Not sure if that applies to used with 10yr/100 extended warranty so check into that and be sure to check that the 2007 specific items have been fixed.

while Toyota does make a ok truck they do have issues like any other brand. I would be willing to bet the lower control arm bushings as well as the rear leaf springs are shot and will need replaced. also the wheel bearings go on these about every 40-80k and can be expensive to replace if you don't DIY.

heck in your area we have some good members who really know their stuff. maybe if you go into your regional thread and ask for help one of them will look the truck over for you as a favor or for a sixer or some cash. a machanic who doesn't work on these every day will not know specifically what items are problematic so I'm weary of that unless you know the guy and he really knows his stuff.

 

07 for 22k ive seen a 2012 for 22k, sure you can beat them on the price.

 

check out this thread as well. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...at-dont-you-like-about-tacoma.html#post154574

 

my opinion? keep looking. If it looks like it's been beat up, it probably has. I bet you can find one with similar stats that has been kept well.

 

That's a ridiculous price for the condition and mileage.

 

Keep looking...... without even looking at www.kbb.com - that seems really HIGH.

I bought my truck NEW (2007 TRD Sport) for $29,000

If you're budget allows you to spend that much money - You should consider putting forth a little more $$ and buying a NEW one.