Going to look at 2009 Tacoma SR5 4X4 doublecab with 230k miles on it…what to look for?

I’ve really been looking for an F150 but this Tacoma checks a lot of boxes and caught my eye. Just love the way it looks. It doesn’t hurt that the seller is only looking for $7000 for it opposed to the $25k trucks I’ve been looking at. I’m in the northeast and this truck seems to be rust free (owner moved here from the south) which is rare.

I did run a carfax. One owner (This is a private sale), came from the south, no accidents and clean title. I just don’t know much about Tacoma’s other than I hear Toyotas run forever if they’re maintained. This one has the V6 engine, 6ft bed, SR5 package, tow package and is lifted about 3”.

would love any input or if the mileage should scare me off a bit.

 

Please post photos if you have any. If you’re from the northeast and say this one is rust free, that should check out. The Tacoma frames tend to rust through and fail when run in the rust belt and northeast and other corrosive environments.

Otherwise, the V6 is probably overdue for a valve adjustment and maybe while it’s open, check/replace the timing chain guides. If it’s been maintained, other than those (and maybe just ignore those) just put gas and keep the oil level in check and run it for another 100k before you sell it for what you got it for!

 

Wheel bearings, worn suspension components, and driveshaft joints are going to be issues if they aren’t already. Put truck on a lift and start moving/shaking stuff to check for play.

 

Appreciate the response! I’ll try to get some pictures of the frame and truck to upload….dumb question but If the frame was to be rusty couldn’t I technically try and get Toyota to replace it under the recall or has that shipped sailed?

 

$7k? Somethings not adding up here.

 

That ship has sailed.

 

I have an 07 closing in on 240,000 miles. Mine is a TRD Off-Road and somewhere around $7-$8K is what mine is worth. $7K for a SR-5 seems right to me.

I have no doubts mine will go at least another 100,000 miles without needing anything but normal maintenance. Tires, brakes, fluids etc.

But if you've been eyeing F150's you may not be happy with a Tacoma. Tacoma is a great truck, but they are quite limited in towing, payload, and interior space and comfort. I bought my Tacoma in 2007 when my youngest moved out of the house and my wife and I no longer needed a big truck.

At least for a few years. By 2016 the Tacoma was just too small for our needs, and I bought a used 2014 F150. The Tacoma was worth more for me to keep so it stayed as a 3rd vehicle. It serves a role, but when I need a real truck to do truck stuff I use the Ford.

 

The 1GR requires valve adjustments? I’ve never heard of them going out of spec on that engine; I thought that was mainly a thing on the old 3RZ.

 

All of this^ for sure.

here are a few things i've come across recently with my 2009 thats got 205k miles:
valve cover leak
steering rack leak (not a huge deal since its a super slow leak, but will be pricy to fix)

 

People complain about the engine “ticking” and with age the cables get tighter in this engine, so with that many miles it may be due for one.

 

the ticking is the VVTi and shouldn't be any concern

 

Hey all thanks so much for the information. I’m not seeing it until tomorrow (got pushed back one day) so I have lots of good things to look for….

when it comes to the frame are there specific spots I should look for that were known trouble spots? Probably just going to look it all over really good anyways

 

Look near the frame joints, next to the exhaust and catalytic converter, and areas near the wheel wells. It should jump out at you. Good luck!