What "Taco things" should i look for during a test drive?

Hey guys, long time lurker. Finally in a situation where a Taco is within our budget. Tomorrow I'm driving 3 hours to test drive a 17 OR.

I know tacos are known for it's quirks. Diff howl, Hood adhesive separation, but what else should I keep an eye out for? Anything that might not be easy to fix.?

Thanks in advance

 

Kudos to you if you have been a long time lurker and still are interested in buying a 3rd gen- you passed the first text, lol.

Sounds like you have a good handle on what to look for.

Why a 3 hour drive to test one?

If I were you, I would want to test a few closer to home before that long drive.

Good luck!

 

3 hours because it's decently priced with all the options I want. 2017 TRD OR 4x4 with Tech package for under $29k. Autotrader only shows 10 within 300 miles of me. Guess I'm kinda picky?

My wife runs cold, always freezing and I'm always sweating, so I want the duel climate. Plus the moon Roof and parking sonar isn't a bad thing.

 

Just like any other vehicle. Make sure everything works. Find a gravel lot and test the 4x4 system, including crawl control and the rear locker. Drive it on the highway if possible. Test all the electrical features. Look underneath, see if the truck has been abused offroad. Look for modifications and whether they were done properly. With a Tacoma as with any vehicle of this type you can get a can of worms if not careful. Good luck!

 

I wish I had spent more time on the Infotainment system. It is absolutely dogshit in the 2018 models.

 

100% this. Last car I didn't take on the highway and regret it. I plan on doing highway testing with this one. How does one test 4x4 on gravel? Just make sure all 4 spin? Not being sarcastic, never owned a 4x4.

 

Engage and disengage 4x4. Go into 4 lo. Look under the truck for rust, weeping rear diff. Listen for rear diff howl at 50 to 60mph. Ask for service records. Tsb records.

 

#1 does it have service records?
Look for any leaks in the driveline, or engine (timing cover, valve cover, etc)
Carfax any history of damage.

 

Check to see how many pedals it has. Less than 3 and you should keep looking.

 

Highway! Can’t stress it enough. You’ve gotten some great advice already on what to look for, but whatever you do, don’t drive it home without putting it through it’s paces on the highway. Go uphill and speed up. Pass some cars. Make sure you are happy with the way it shifts. By far the number one - and seemingly most controversial complaints on this site - are about shifting issues on the earlier first gens.

 

You may want to test drive a different but similar Tacoma closer to home just to see how it feels before making the long drive to test the other.

 

Run it through the car wash on your test drive, wait 10 minutes, and start looking for leaks

 

Just check for the normal shit. All electronics, windows etc. Pull the engine dipstick, look for color and capacity. Bring a little magnet if u wanna get real OCD, check for Bondo. It's only a few years old, if it does well on the freeway them it should be good. Check the 3rd brake light for cracks.

 

Car Facts..

 

THIS is the most important. Also, decide if you're going AT or MT. What fits your life and plans the most. I would even recommend Test Drive...Go Home...and then come back a day or two later and Test Drive again.

 

I would also recommend not having the salesperson in the vehicle during your test drive if possible. Turn the radio off and ac for part of it to listen for any odd noises/vibrations. I had a test drive where I couldn’t wait to get back due to the salesman not closing his mouth. Take your time and don’t do one of those quick 4 turn test drives and your back after a mile trip. Best of luck to you.

 

Good choice..... my 17 and i lover her

 

Turn in a tight circle in 2wd, put the truck in 4wd and do the circle again. You will feel a huge difference. Now try 4low. Again you will feel a difference. Then do it with the rear diff locked. With the system in 4lo and diff locked both rear wheels will spin at the same speed cornering. Do this at low speed and on loose gravel. Do not test this on hard packed or concrete. You could damage something.

Now my understanding is that the diff lock only engages in 4lo. If someone else with an OR could verify that for me.

 

Ya after I save I'm hoping for a OVTune if he is still doing them to help with shifting.

 

There's nothing you can do about the diff howl, so basically you're just looking to see whether or not you can tolerate it. Worst speed range is from 53-58 mph, light to moderate gas. It's the only quirk with these trucks I find to be legitimately annoying.

Other than that, check for the usual suspects with regards to pre-owned car buying.... excessive vibrations, pulling, leaks, clunks, general engine and transmission performance, looseness in driveline, steering, or suspension, etc.