What to look for on buying a used Tacoma?

Pretty common sense on what to look for but, what do you guys commonly check on used tacomas ( common problems/issues)?

I just got my 21 sr5 2wd yesterday and it looked and sounded okay when I checked it but not sure what to really look out for. Noticed some rust on the outter part of the drum brake but I believe it would be normal since it’s cast iron? I know it’s a 2wd but it’s my daily and I have my 17 TRD offroad tundra 4x4 on standby for some outback adventures.

 

Surface rust is completely normal.

I would check for timing cover leaks and coolant bypass leaks. They are pretty pricey to fix when you are out of warranty.

 

Two big things are:
1. Timing cover (big job)
2. Composite cooling tube on back upper engine

 

Thanks guys much appreciated

 

to check coolant crossover pipe crawl under passenger side behind the front wheel. shine light up behind the engine and look for pink corrosion build up. if it is there you will see it, can't mistake it for anything else.

 

Apparently steering racks seep too. I don’t think it’s a very common issue though. I checked mine the other day and things look good.

 

@Junkhead @Chew @kahanabob A lot of good info. Forgot to put the mileage on my truck it has 23900+ miles. Hoping these issues would not come to surface around this lifetime of the truck

 

Your 2021 should be part of the fuel pump recall. If you smell gas it is covered for 10 years regardless of mileage.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2023/MC-10236191-9999.pdf

 

@TA2016 nice! Thank you!

 

If it’s still under warranty, take a look at both, or get it checked out by an independent shop in the know. The timing cover is definitely worth it. It’s rumored, they now have a way to replace without removing the engine, but full removal has historically been the fix.

 

Review the owner's maintenance record on toyota.com

 

For me, when I go to buy any vehicle....

-In-the-ballpark price (too cheap is usually a red-flag)
-Reasonable amount of Kms/miles for its age (super low kms isn’t always better IMO)
-Body/interior in good shape.
-Unmodified or reasonably modified.
-One owner is usually better.
-A service history or a stack of receipts is always a good sign.
-Good vibes and no sketchy feelings about the seller.
-No ‘Monster Energy’ or similar stickers.

An good/honest seller will take it to a reputable shop for me to do an inspection on a hoist (not expected on a $1000 as-is vehicle but definitely on any 3rd Gen Tacoma)

 

@Big tall dave thank you. I’ve been reading about these timing cover leak issues and it kinda gave me an uneasy feeling about these trucks. Just inspected it today and no leaks so far. Will keep an eye on it tho. It’s a certified pre-owned so hopefully everything is good with the truck.