Wet floor mat and rattling heat shield? 2007 Model

I'm looking at a used 2007 Toyota 4x4 tomorrow.

Owner said the following in an ad:


"Minor issues:
- Heat shield rattles a little in idle. You can either remove it or secure it. Typical on Tacomas.
- Passenger side floor mat had some dampness. I also read this is typical on these. I cleaned out the drain below the windshield as it was clogged with leaves and replaced the cabin air filter."

Are these a big deal? I don't want to spend $17,500 to buy a truck with a major leak in it.

What's the rattling heat shield problem?

 

Ask if the windshield has been replaced. All 3 times mine was they didn't seal the cowling against the glass correctly. Water runs down windshield into the blower motor, through cabin filter onto the floor. Easy fix. Remove the cowling and apply some silicone.

The root of the problem is that the air inlet for the blower motor is open and not covered. I ended up making a simple sheet metal cover and don't worry about it anymore.

As for the heat shield, pull it off.

What state are you in? Take a Good look at the frame for rust and holes. Do some searching on here about the recall on the 05-08 frames for rust.

 

I'm in B.C., Canada, the province just north of Washington State.

Lots of rain here.

 

Heat shield is no biggee but I would still look under and confirm that.

Wet floor is a bigger issue. See if you can sit in it why someone hoses it.

 

pull the glove box out and remove the cabin air filter.


have someone put a hose on the windshield and look in and feel in where the cabin filter goes for water while they are doing that.

If that is where it is leaking you will see and feel water dripping down.