What to look for in a used Tacoma

It was most likely hit from the rear.

 

Thoughts on this one?

https://www.realdealautova.com/details/used-2002-toyota-tacoma/86170662

 

its hard to tell without underside pictures, the fact that its in VA makes me think it will probably have rust

 

CarFax reveals it is a NH and MA rig it’s whole life. Just sold at auction to VA dealer.

 

Try and get a truck out of Arizona California or Nevada would be ideal lol

 

Frame coated would not be a deal killer to me.....just have to tap on it and super close inspect....
would look real close at the lower shock mounts.....front and back......rust hot spots.....
Pics can only tell so much....need to lay hands on.....

I've seen the ones with the replacement frames......and some think they will never rust again....
WRONG.....bunch of them are even rusting away....some very fast......

So if you get a replacement....and then dont paint it......

Mine had basic flash rust here and there......
......but since prep'ed and coated several times over last few years.....
looks kinda rough from zapping many times with a rattle can.......but no chance of rust....not on my watch.....
even the O2 studs are coated in high temp anti seize......


My guess is that is a replaced frame.....that they kept up.....
obviously the leafs didnt get swapped......

Oem suspension parts hold up well to rust over time.....
some non oem stuff rust in double time......inspect....
mevotech comes to mind......

 

This is easy Bro

Solid Body
Doesn’t act up
Tight Rack
Tan
Slightly Crazy
Drinks too much
Calls you Papi Chulo

And don’t not beat up on it cause you want to save it for the next guy.

 

This is a tell and very suspect. There isn't a reason on the planet this truck should've sold at a dealer auction except that there are issues. When is the last time a solid no issue Tacoma no matter the miles needed to go to auction.

 

After driving in snow/ice.......cant wait to get all that white chaulk on under carriage off......rotting teeth comes to mind.....

 

yes this looks super sus

 

Pick hammer the frame.

 

The auction by and of itself isn't a killer, if someone traded it in at a Toyota dealer odds are they wouldn't sell something that old on the lot. That said, I agree with the prior posts that there are red flags here.

 

Working at the dealer, I can assure you we jump on these and sell them. They’re easy to sell if they’re clean. Only ones sent to auction are rotted out

1st gens on our lot last a week tops

 

I've never owned a vehicle that so many walk up and ask me if I want to sell it.

Its happen so often I've become kinda rude in my replies.....

 

Ya when you’re not looking to sell it, it definitely gets old especially when the same people ask you multiple times, “want to sell it yet?”

do you see a for sale sign? Is my reserved response for the multiple offender type.

usually I just say nope with a big smile

 

I was just offered 10 grand for my 95 4x4 with 271000 miles on it. I thought about it for minute...And then I thought .. what could I buy with that money that I would like more??? Not much!

 

It happens all of the time.

With the Lemmon laws here in Mass, most new car dealers won't put their reputation on the line trying to make a few bucks on a 22 year old truck that they took In on a trade.

 

One odd thing I look for on these trucks is the condition of the under-hood brackets/clips/clamps. If they are rusty, that will give a good indication to how the frame probably looks.

 

That is the iconic Tacoma right there and super clean.