What issues to look for in 2006 Prerunner with 250k?

I’m looking at a standard shift, Prerunner Thursday that they’re asking $13K for. I think I can get it for quite a bit less. The maintenance history does not mention a clutch replacement. Is it possible it lasted this long? What other issues should I be on the lookout for?
Additionally when I test drive it, they know I’m taking it to a mechanic to have a pre-purchase inspection done. This is a first for me, so what should I expect them to do, and what extras whould I ask for if not included in the standard inspection?

 

Yikes. Is it immaculate?
250,000 2WD standard? $5-$7k max and some risk there.

 

Some issues with early 2nd gens 05-06 had head gasket issues. Another common issue is rusted frames.

 

Pre Inspection...Smart move...!!! On mine they picked up seized parking brake cable (had them replace drums and shoes while it was apart) Steering universal shaft yoke and a cracked tail light that was blowing bulbs from the moisture ingress. Frame was replaced 1 month prior under recall.

 

Motor mounts sink into the frame, rust, blown head gasket
250k mile 2006 peerunner for 13k seems like a horrible deal

 

Thanks everyone.
I’ve only seen pictures so I do not know how good is really looks. It’s 2WD. It may have never seen salt, so hopefully the frame is only surface rusted. We’ll find out when it’s up on the rack. We’ll also look for excessive silicone to hide leaks.
If the head gasket was recently rigged for sale, is it possible to discover without tearing it apart?

 

seems like a high price 2 wd n the mileage.

 

If the truck has 250K mi, it does not have a defective head gasket. The 05-06 head gasket failures happen long before that. Depending on use and maintenance, anything could be a problem with that mileage. Frame rust is a major issue.
Definitely way overpriced. You need to be careful how much money you sink into a vehicle this old and high mileage.

 

My 2010 with 160k is still on the original clutch and just had the front brake pads replaced for the first time. LF wheel bearing is the only non-schedule repair in 13 years. Driving style has a lot to do with a truck's condition at that age. Run a Carfax to check the history and how many owners. Also, you may be able to check the dealership service history on the Toyota Owners website if you have the VIN: Track Your Service Records with Your Toyota Owners Account

$13k seems very high for that age and miles. Best of luch.

 

FRAME RUST!

HEAD GASKET!

Those are the two big issues.

 

Depending on condition, I’m looking at KBB and it says 5-7K.

 

Check for a leaky timing chain cover. That is the biggest problem my 06 has.

 

I have a 2006 with about 225k miles. There price is a little high even if it was for a 4x4 (to that point mine appraised last year for $10.5k). It likely still has the original clutch (mine does, no issues)

Check the following:
Carrier bearing on the rear drive shaft.

Check the coolant pipe that runs underneath the intake manifold for a crack near the front (the 06s have a plastic one, the 05 and most models after had a stainless steel one, not to expensive to replace but could be a big deal if it bursts!)

Check the valve cover gaskets if it's a 2.7L...theu tend to need to be replaced every 70-100k miles or so (including the area around the spark plug holes)

Check that the AC compressor is working.

Check the front wheel bearing hub assemblies.

Any maintenance log available would be helpful and of course check for the dreaded rusted out frame!

 

Thank you and everyone for every comment and hint! This forum is spectacular!

 

Tried to confirm tonight and here’s what happened in order:
1. Sales guy says I can’t take it to mechanic but I can bring my mechanic to his store at 9 AM. (What mechanic isn’t busting his ass making money on a Thursday at 9?)
2. Sales mgr answers phone when I call stating all prior arrangements are back on. States he’ll call me back.
3. Sales guy says car is no longer available. (1/2 hour after sales mgr convo above)
4. I call and speak to sales manager again with choice word including, “so if I didn’t make all these calls and texts, I’d show up at 9 with my dick in my hand?”
He states the car was at another location and sold.
5. It still online as for sale.

 

Fuck that dealership. Sorry you had that experience.

 

The dealer/salesman is a crook. I’d run from that deal. In any event buying an old high mileage vehicle is going to be nothing but a problem. It’s going to be an expensive pain in the ass. Mileage and age are the killers of vehicles, yes even Toyotas. You may get lucky but the odds are against you. If you can afford it look for something newer and lower mileage. A cheap vehicle often ends up being a very expensive and undependable pita.

 

I hear you. But it's really a "long term rental" to teach a beginner (15 year old) to drive a stick shift. Let's just say I'm expecting whatever I end up buying to need a new clutch (and probably more), by the time he's done with it.
Can you think of a better option for us?

 

Crook’s

 

Going in with the idea of a long term rental is a great idea. Plus I wouldn't want my son learning to drive manual on a $100k Porsche, however, a $10k truck is an awesome way to learn. I learned to drive manual on a 1st gen toy when I was 15. Hell not sure it was even called a Gen back in those days, just a Toyota SR5 I think.