Used Tacoma buyers guide?

Hello all, first post here.
I'm in the market for a pickup truck, and I'm rather partial to the Tacoma. I've got a budget of around 20k, and that's putting me in the range of vehicles with 90-120k on the clock. I'm looking for a 6cyl, manual preferred, but not an absolute must. Double cab is looking tempting, due to family trips and whatnot (wife has a van, so it's not absolute)

Question is; What do I need to look for. Could anyone direct me to some very informative threads that they treat as "gospel" or darn close to it?

Located in Maine, if that matters at all

 

I should add; this vehicle would be used mostly for work. I am a self-employed machinist, working out of my garage. Truck would be used for pickup/delivery, dump runs etc. Expected yearly mileage would be around 8-12k

 

Frame rust.

Poorly executed mods that impact critical stuff, like suspension. Cheap lifts and such.

With those miles, a prepurchase inspection by a trusted independant mechanic, including a compression and leakdown test. Just to preclude an abused vehicle that is being dumped.

Personally I'd be looking for plain jane, private sale, full maintenance records.

 

Are you looking at 4x4, do you need a long bed? I know you mentioned a double cab, if you want a manual in that configuration then you will have to take a short bed.

 

Bed length isn't that important to me. I do have a 250 dirtbike, but I've used a trailer for that up until now, anyways. What is the difference in lengths?

What I'm looking for mostly; I've been a Subaru guy for the last.....15 years or so. I know roughly what is needed for periodic maintenance at specific intervals, as well as what years exhibited troublesome behavior (headgaskets, transmission faults, exhaust issues etc). I'm clueless about the Tacoma (are they called Tacos?) At 100k, is there a list of items that need addressing and then would otherwise effect the price, if not completed? Basically a buyers guide, of sorts.

Not stuck on the manual. After doing some reading, some are saying that the auto is actually stronger and less troublesome? Is that opinion or "real-world" results?

Frame rust, I'm aware of that. Two former coworkers went through that trial, so, yeah...

4x4 is a must. I'm out in the sticks and I've been spoiled by AWD for too long

 

Just bought an 14 acess cab 4x4 for $22,500 With 32000 MILES remainder of toyo warrenty.
Took me 4 months to find it, I checked everyday ever once in a while they pop up at a good price but go fast.
Be careful of the years where the frame could rust.
This is my 4th taco, first 3 frames rusted