Your opinion on a potential purchase

Hey everyone! I’ve been lurking for some time and finally have a truck I’m seriously considering buying. It will be my first Tacoma (hopefully)!

It is a 2012 Base 4x4: https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0S5ejO17rcdHh

I have one question, from the pictures I snapped, does anyone see any issues?

I’m not sure if what I’m seeing is worth being concerned about or “typical” of a truck from New England of it’s vintage. It drives great and seems to be a solid buy. Your eagle eyes and opinions are greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

Check the frame for rust. Doesn’t look too bad from the pictures but you have to get up close and personal.

 

Looks decent from pictures..
I never buy a vehicle without bringing it over to a trusted mechanic (independent of the sale) for a full look over the truck..
Like safety inspection.
Usually a dealer (Toyota) will want you to buy a truck from them.. so you get a nice list of issues and prices to have fixed.. then I go back to seller....start price at kbb or selling price and deduct inspection issues from that.
Once purchased I fix what I think needs fixing from that list.

 

Looks pretty good from the pictures but definitely pile around the rusty areas...looks like it would benefit from a Fluid Film application.

 

Welcome!

My 09 came from Vermont and the rust is bad, but not the worst out there. I would second the opinion above and take it to mechanic to look it over

 

Interesting you say that. A friend recommended an "oil undercoating". Is that similar?

 

I would do a private inspection for sure, but the frame looks fine, usually when the barcode is still attached its not that rusted.

Be aware its very niche and may be difficult to re-sale down the road.

Rear shocks are take off's from a TRD model, they are newish, but are known to ride rough. Not a big deal.

Front struts/shocks are hammered, not quite worn out but near replacement.

The rust would definitely benefit from a fluid film shop to slow it down.

Those are good tires, by far the best all around tacoma tire that exists.

 

Fluid film is lanolin based and acts a lot like how the old timers sprayed undercarriage with used motor oil to protect Frame from rusting.
Fluid film is nicer to environment.
I use it before and after winter.
Power wash truck and frame. Fluid film frame once dry. Works great!
If you want pretty use rustoleum pro spray paint after wire brushing rust off..
Some use rust anhibitor spray paint on rusted areas 1st.

 

Thanks for the replies so far.

I will definitely take the advice and get it looked over by a mechanic I trust.

As for the fluid film, it sounds like something I can do myself, right?

 

Update: I just got back from my trusted mechanic and it checks out. He said that the truck had been oil undercoated a couple times and is in great shape. He too recommended doing an undercoat to prevent the rusting.

No history of codes, steering and suspension is good, no emissions issues, no leaks or any other mechanical problems he could find.

I’m pretty psyched. The only two problems:

1. The driver’s seat cover was removed (cut out) because “it was damaged”. There is a full bench seat cover that covers it up. Not sure if that is repairable or even needs to be.

2. The right tail light is cracked and partially filled with water. Doesn’t effect the bulb yet but noted by my mechanic.

Next question: is $11K a reasonable offer?

 

Seems like a nice little gem you found. Not sure what blue book is maybe try to haggle some but seems like a fair price.

 

Yeah, KBB puts it at $8,800-$10,600 in “good” condition. So the asking price is a little high.

It has a clean CarFax report too so that is more piece of mind.

Thanks for the validation and advice!

 

Well, I did it! Thanks to everyone for the advice. I was able to get the price down to just over $10K.

 

Nice . Good luck. Truck looks great. Frame is in great shape, good purchase.

 

Good job Jeremy,now get that frame cleaned up and coated!

 

Enjoy your taco and good luck!