Tips on buying a Tacoma?

I've been shopping around for a Tacoma and I'm torn wether to get a 2005 with around 50,000 miles or a 2010 with 114,000. Also when shopping around anything I should look at like rust underneath or stuff like that?

 

Yes look for rust on the frames. If the 2005 is in good condition, and is fairly priced, then that would be a great truck with those low miles. with the 2010, even if it has 114k miles, if the truck is in great shape, and has been cared for, then dont let the miles scare you. Miles are nothing for a Tacoma. Its all about how the truck has been cared for.

 

Depending on were the trucks are will depend on how would be on the 2005 and the 2010. If in the rust belt or near a cost it could be quite a bit. Areas where they are less likely to be driven through salt they will be less rust.

Check if they have 3 or 4 leaf springs as the warranty to replace the weaker 3 leafs is over for both vehicles. Check vehicle maintenance records if they were done a a Toyota dealer they are should be available from any Toyota dealer if you provide the VIN.

Which engines and options do the trucks have?

 

Hi Liam. I am new to the site but not new to Tacoma's. I have been shopping for my latest one for two years now... finally hit the balance between how much I had to spend and what showed up locally. I have found that used cars in general and Tacoma's in particular are WAY over priced. That said, you pay what they are asking in the area. to give you an idea.. I ended up getting a 2011 with 81K miles (4x4 double cab long bed JBL sat) and 1 owner clean for $21K. That actually was a good deal around here (WNY) but I feel like I got ripped just based on the cost of used. As for rust, it is huge to look for and factor in rust espically on 2005 through 2007 which have frame rust issues in some cases. I really liked a 2007 blue Tacoma but ended up passing on it because the frame was just brown from front to back with rust. The dealer attempted to apply the undercoating TSB but did a crap job and it was rusting again under the undercoating... the crossmembers were rust, the skid plate was rust, the leaf springs, tow bar... just too much. by the time they decided that they would do the leaf spring replace for me and redo the undercoating I lost faith in the dealer and went with the cleaner 2011. If you are in the north east where they use salt or somewhere where salt gets on the truck pay attention to the condition of frame.

as for the mileage, a Tacoma will last forever (kindof)... Two things will wear it down, time and mileage.... your choices above are time or mileage... I would personally take the high mileage truck unless you are putting 25K a year on it.

lastly, I would pay attention to the carfax or whatever car stats you like... at the least you can use a previous accident report as leverage for a price drop... and I would ask a ton about the car if it had a ton of owners or an accident.

hope I helped a little.....

Carl

 

Do a complete inspection on both vehicles for rust and such.Maintenance records on the vehicles would be helpful towards your purchase as well.Accidents,how many owners are a few other examples to look into also.Good luck!

 

Have the truck inspected by Toyota before you buy it and do some research about the 'frame rust warranty'.
Toyota will inspect the frame for internal rust ....and/or soft spots. If they fail it.....they will install a new frame. If it passes, you'll get a rust prevention compound/spray.

You're better off knowing this information NOW before buying...then to find out later. I think this current frame rust warranty is only good until March of 2016. You'll need/want to take advantage of it NOW.

Bargain for a better price....depending on the results.