What to look out for when buying a used second gen?

Don't come in to the section of the forms very much ... But once spring quarter is over I will be selling my first Gen to use as a down payment on a second gen Tacoma! I'm looking to spend around 17 grand which, after looking at what's for sale, seems reasonable. I'm doing quite a bit of research but I have a few questions. I have been sort of avoiding the 2005's and 2006s because new truck models tend to have problems (2016s ).. Any ideas on what I should stay away from? I was really hoping to get a manual but after reading about some of the problems I'm not so sure, especially with the earlier 2nd gens. Any help would be appriceated!
Here's one for sale about five minutes away for me, I'm planning on buying one private party, though. They're asking 15999

It's a 2007 with 156k on it which is a little high for me.. It's also a 6 speed.

 

That's not bad mileage on a 10-year old vehicle.

Ask about the front wheel bearings (I don't know much about that issue but I see it talked about a lot), and look at the frame for rust.

This thread has a list of common issues with 2nd gens.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-tips-mods-more.7174/

 

Rust.

 

Frame rust.

 

Damn, that's still a big problem on the second Gens?? I knew a few of them rotted out but I didn't think it was as bad compared to the first generations.. Thanks.

 

rust, radiator hoses, all fluids and the last time they were changed, serpentine belt for wear, bearings, and rear brakes. Its ten years old and nobody does maintenance besides oil changes these days.

 

So is my fear of an early model (2005) second-generation Tacoma irrational?
Because something like this would be nice..
https://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/5553770334.html
Right now I'm in a 1995 Tacoma, and before that I had an early 90s Toyota pick up and an 80s Chevy Silverado so age doesn't scare me too much as long as it's been taken care of, Miles are the main thing. I really don't care if it has all the bells and whistles, since having power windows or door locks would be an upgrade for me

 

Frame rust recall goes up to the 09.
I have a 2010 and they supposedly had upgraded? I also had my frame sprayed with protection sealer at purchase new.

Manuals had throw out bearing issues and you will hear a slight squeezing until you depress the clutch.
Mine was replaced under warranty but it's a major job as the Tranny needs to come out to fix.
Don't sweat suspension as you can buy someone's trd takeoffs here cheap.
There is a leaf spring recall as well as they rust out fast.
Make sure the rear diff isn't rusted too bad.
That's a good sign if the diff has little rust.
Records of all fluid changes are big.
Nothing else comes to mind as I think these 2nd Gen tacomas are pretty bullet proof.

Good luck with the purchase

 

I feel your pain. I just bought a 2006 and shopping for one was brutal. I waited it out and finally landed my dclb trd sport with just 69,000 miles for $16,700 here in southern California. Good deals are hard to come by. Look for rust on the frame and look at the interior. If it was treated like crap, most likely they didn't maintain it properly.

 

Sounds like you did pretty good though, especially for California

 

2005 and I think some 2006 were susceptible to engine mount problems:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/05-motor-mounts-failed-failing.21849/

 

I wouldn't hesitate to buy an early 2nd gen if the frame was either free of rust or had a minimal amount of rust that could be corrected (phosphoric acid/naval jelly and chassis black) and had good maintenance records. A confidence building bonus would be if you were to find that all the recalls and any necessary TSBs were corrected. A VIN number search in the internet can help you confirm that on the spot. If not, just use the information as a negotiating tool and be sure to have pockets full of $100 bills to close the deal.

 

thanks. I gotta get under there and look. I have no idea where to look but I think I'll manage.

and yes a good tip is to have cash on you to hold the deal

 

They want 16k for that? I just paid 10.5k for a 2006 TRD 4x4 6 speed access cab with only 140k and it's a 8/10 condition wise...

 

HAVE A QUALIFIED TRUSTED MECHANIC LOOK AT IT.

It may cost you $200 but it may save you on buying a piece of flying shit.

 

I bought my 14 Taco new....I didn't see anything on the frame that would convince me Toyota did anything to preserve the frame??? - Does anyone know differently?

 

Nothing to look at tell one from the other. It had to do with the frame prep and coating used and a new "good one" frame looks the same as an "old bad one" frame that isn't rusty.

 

So the frames rusted out due to poor prep prior to being painted? - The recall goes up to 2009, so from that point they correct the issue?...uummm still not convinced. I have only 500 miles on it, as I use a company vehicle thus its never been out in the rain for the reason of not getting the undercarriage dirty... I'm planning to lift the bed & treat the undercarriage/frame...however have not decided on a product to use.....Showing my age here, I bought a brand new F250 4X4 in 1972 & Painted the undercarriage with Rustoleum damp proof red primer & then the frame black but under the cab & bed silver aluminum....Till this day not an ounce of rust....

 

Out of curiosity, is there a thread already out there for this subject? One thread covering the general things you gotta look out for when buying a second gen? I'm sure there probably
Is.. But if not I feel like this thread could be pretty helpfu..

Yeah this one was a little steep.. I'm just trying to get an idea of how much I'm gunna spend. I'm more than willing to bike to work for a while if it
Means I get a better deal.

 

I think 10.5k is on the low end and I only got a good deal because the guy really needed cash right then to pay off some over due bills. I think 11.5-13k is what my original budget for a early 2nd gen was.