When is it time to let go of your 2nd gen Tacoma?

thank you for that. Just tried that on toyota.com but nothing showed up for my truck cause I'm in Canada and this service only works for US vehicles apparently.

 

Oops. I'd have to believe Toyota would have access, be it the dealer or corporate. Only other guess I have.

I suspect it's reframed but I'd want confirmation and something written, if for no other reason than if you eventually part with the truck it will add to the value.

 

Yes, a trusted independent mechanic is worth their weight in gold. Also, good move coming here and learning more about your truck. Get familiar with your truck and look for issues by doing regular visual inspections. Get to know the issues and once you identify a potential issue research it and find the best course of action. As well arm yourself with the knowledge of said issue before you take it to the shop so you have an idea what parts and labour will be required.

I’ve learned so much about my 3rd gen here. I know the common issues and keep an eye on things regularly. I have a preventative maintenance program picked out that works for me and my budget. Hope to keep this truck a long time but I do know when to cut my losses.

My first 1992 Toyota truck I kept for 14 happy years. Then a 2003 Nissan for 14 years. Now my 2020 Tacoma. Both previous vehicles were very well maintained. I have never been left stranded my entire life while owning and maintaining all my vehicles. You take care of them and they will take care of you.

 

Get it back into proper shape and you will have a very reliable truck for not much money. These things run well for a very long time with just normal maintenance... even if used hard, they hold up pretty well. But of course real neglect and abuse will kill any vehicle. Mine's got 190k miles and runs perfectly... I reasonably expect to get 300-400k out of it unless I stop camping and riding dirt bikes lol.

 

I lucked into a real unicorn this year, a 2013 with 100K on it, tons of routine maintenance records, one owner. At the time I didn’t know about the frame problems, but one of the service notations was called “chassis service” and noticed the frame had some paper stickers on it, and zero rust. The original owner was anal enough, although it’s a New Mexico truck, to get it done. I drive about 6K a year now, so I’m set for a long time.

I may have paid a premium, but as a long time gun collector I realized that sometimes the best deal is being able to get a rare item, not saving a few bucks.

 

That last part..totally.

 

it's not. Most other vehicles are worse and less reliable. That's why people bought these and don't depreciate like a rock thrown off a cliff Mercedes $50k now $1000

no

so you didn't maintain the battery, alternator may have gone bad, and didn't carry a jumpstarter
parts that are the same on every vehicle

not sure what that has to do with the truck

whatever you want

dealers are $230/hr+
10hrs = $2300 labor
10 of your hours of labor are free

dealers are parts markup
other sources do not have that same markup

lower oil pan can probably be done in an hour with a spare tube of sealant

 

I have a 2009 tacoma with the same engine and transmission. I just replaced the coolant bypass pipe and it broke as I was removing it. I changed it as a preventative measure. It's important to have it done and not have the worry that it might cause a problem.

It cost me about $150 CDN for OEM parts from Toyota Parts Direct and took me about 4 hours to do the repair myself. I offer this information to give you an idea as to the cost. I would expect around $700 labour (taxes in) to have the repair done at a dealer so probably around $900 total cost (CDN).

I bought my truck this year with 200, 000 km on it and I chose this model and engine for its reliability - cast iron block and forged crank and rods. My opinion would be for you to keep the truck.