What to look for when buying a used 3rd gen

Since I'm ready to start looking seriously for a truck and I'd love to save a bit of $$$ on a 2017 or 2018, I'm compiling a list of all the things that should be looked for when buying a used 3rd gen.

Deal-breakers:
• Rear differential howl (that would be super annoying to me)
• Transmission hunting/stalling (this would move to the non deal-breaker category if it could be fixed with the ECU flash)
• Oil leak at front engine cover gasket
• Vibration while driving if dealer is unwilling to source and fix it
• More rust underneath than would be expected for a ~3yo truck

Non deal-breakers:
• Leaky 3rd brake light (seems like an easy fix)
• Rear diff leak (seems easy to fix with new gasket properly torqued down)

Anything else specific to the 3rd gen to add to the list? I want to do a LONG test drive, overnight if possible. Any tips for getting a dealer to agree to that?

 

Isn't there a TSB for this?

 

Apparently the "fix" is to better insulate the cabin.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-tsb-whine-noise-from-rear-of-vehicle.532809/

 

The info in that thread is fairly appalling and is why I will be leaving "rear diff howl" in the Deal Breaker category.

 

Consider a "certified" pre-owned Tacoma with extended warranty.

Seems that many people trade after 2 or 3 years, when the truck needs new tires and / or brakes (which the dealer often takes care of before offering the vehicle for sale again).

 

Yeah I trade my in after I get done beating on it which is usually 3 years

 

If you don't like the way the auto is programmed, test drive a MT, or look elsewhere.
I like my auto, but some don't, and I don't see much changing, of course this is with any vehicle.

 

You'll be hard pressed to find one that doesn't howl. How much it howls really depends from person and person and truck to truck. Mine was pretty slight between 50-60 starting around 8k, i took it in last year for the TSB and they "insulated/dampened" the noise and it faded and i can barely hear it around 52mph, I have to try REALLY hard to hear it, and music has to be off with windows up.

I also found that under certain conditions it was more noticeable (ie, going downhill coasting at 55mph, highway cruising 55mph, etc.)

 

I'd see if you can get service reports on the truck, also if the dealer is serious about selling, ask them to check the transmission fluid level.

 

Things to look for:
three pedals under the driver's dash
sunglasses holder in front of the sunroof controls

 

I bought mine certified pre-owned with 12K miles. I would just make sure everything is stock and suspension hasn't been touched. And of course no major dings or paint imperfections.

 

I test drove a 2019 TRDOR yesterday. Used with 19k miles. It shudders on the highway and has a bit of a whine from the rear end. I also peeked underneath to find wet seepage spots on the rear diff.

I told the dealership about those issues; they just said that’s totally fine if I dont want it. Seems like they’re just gonna wait for someone to come drive it who won’t look for or notice those issues.

 

They have quite a bit of discounts on the new 2019s, would not be much more than used.

 

A clean CPO 2nd gen.

 

You could buy my TRDOR AC 2016 I just traded in. It's listed for $30k with 33k on the odo. No leaks, howls, seepage, vibrations, rust or funky shifting. It sounds like they slipped on QC after 2016.

 

Most 3rd Gen's are still commanding a high price. Buy new.

G.

 

This

 

Aren’t most the issues for the 2016 model year?? I’d say the later models are better from what it sounds like on here. My 2019 has zero issues that can be addressed.

 

I can only relate my own experience. I read lots of posts from 2017+ owner's complaining about all the things OP was concerned about.