Is this 2011 Tacoma a decent buy?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to buy a 2011 Tacoma and since I don’t know these trucks that well yet I’d like to get some opinions. I have read the countless “what are things to look for when buying” threads and they’re very helpful. I found a private seller selling a truck with the things I want with under 70k miles for $17,500. There might be some wiggle room. The couple pictures he has shows the truck is clean with some seat ripping on the interior. Doesn’t have any shots of under the truck. Seller says the following about it:

“2011 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab. Only 61,075 miles! 4x4. V6 SR5. 6 speed manual. Tow package. Cruise control. Backup Camera. Destination AT tires. Rear slider window. 6 foot bed with liner and C slider tie-offs as well as 5 anchored D-rings. Looking for more details, send me a message.”

He says the condition is excellent and is selling because of a second child on the way. He also says there is “Some rust noted with no major defects. Fully covered by Toyota if replacement of the frame is wanted or needed. Have the documents.” What does this mean exactly? I know there was a recall for either frame replacement or maybe a buy back of the truck for 1.5x the KBB? I also read that there is 15 years that this is covered for, is that right? Like the frame could be replaced up until the year 2026? I’d hope not to ever need this as I plan to take great care of the frame, but since he brought it up I’d like to know more.

Is this a decent deal? A little expensive for me right now, I’d have to get a bank loan but really would like to be closer to $15k.

Thanks for the help and hope to be in this forum more often! (Not for repairs though... )

 

If it has rust issues I’d immediately walk away unless the price was very low or you absolutely loved the truck and were ready to deal with that recall BS.. it seems Toyota won’t replace the frame unless you are within a certain window and meet certain criteria.

If you don’t meet that, they spray it and move on.. but I’ve also heard the spray isn’t always effective.

Just not worth bothering with IMO..

 

17,5 nope I’d walk right away from that one bud

 

Wow, thanks guys. Here I was thinking it was a good deal based on the mileage. So even if I get him down to $15,5 and the frame is in great shape then it’s still a bit high because it’s an access cab and stick shift? That seems to work in my favor because that’s part of the criteria to what I’m looking for.

I haven’t see much in my area for less, maybe it’s just Fairfield County prices. I’ll start looking in southern states like NM and it’s neighboring states. Maybe I’ll do a road trip. I’ll post more links.

You guys rock!

 

I'd see how low you can get the price. Manuals are harder to find, and if that's what you are looking for you might be looking for a while. Plus 4x4 v6 with low miles. All depends on the frame and how much hassle you are willing to go through for the truck you want. A bit of surface rust is no big deal (coming from a state with little to no salt on the roads...so take that with a grain of salt )

 

Don't even bother talking price until you examine the truck. If you're not mechanical, and the truck seems to look/run good, have a pre purchase inspection done by a neutral party who knows what to look for, especially for the rust issues.

Then make a list of flaws, and negotiate a price. Or walk away. Based on the results.

While an access cab manual doesn't fit the higher dollar criteria that all the 4 door auto folks want, it's definately a niche. And if it's what YOU want, its worth a few bucks more to YOU.

 

I don’t necessarily need a V6, I just heard that the 4.0 is a great motor. How are the 4 cylinder ones? Equally as reliable? My current truck is the 2.4 22re, so a 2.7 would be a power upgrade, haha.

 

Get the VIN number, GO to local Toyota dealer and get clarification on frame recall for the truck. If happy, Pay K15.5 (tad high)

 

Don't listen to Double cab dildos. Access cabs are the source! 6ft beds look better and work best!! The later second generations are considered the best. Even better than 3rd gens by many (debatable). If it needs a new frame it could be a blessing in disguise. During a frame replacement many owners freshen up there decade old trucks as I did as well as get some mods done at a labor savings. Work on the price some. Good luck!!

 

The 2.7 is a rock solid engine. Much better with the MT, the autos are pretty gutless. They won't get you anywhere fast, but they will get you just about anywhere. 215k miles and counting on my 09
*edit to add*
And yeah, love the access cab. Not a family car, but the 6 ft bed without the long wheel base of the DCLB makes a huge difference

 

The only owners that like the 4cyl are the ones that own one. You will never hear of V6 owners having buyer's remorse and wished for the 4cyl. If you are planning on adding armor, larger tires, and loading up the bed often, stick with a V6. The reliability is still there with either motor with proper maintenance .

 

The 150% buy back was with early 1GENs back in early 2005-06. Then T switched to frame treatment and/or replacement now up to 2017. The 2011 if registered in a cold climate state is good for an extended 12 year frame replacement if you get it inspected within 2 years as of approx now. Once in system, you get 12 years from the time truck was placed in service. Mine is 12 years from 1/10/13. It's a 2013 so 1/10/25.
Also, what's book value on truck? We always say buying Toyota is all about book value unless we are buying said truck then no way lmao
Buy backs in 2006 Vermont

 

Such a shame. That should be opened up as a pick and pull if it isn’t already. Thanks for the info.

 

Good to know about the 4 cyl being good too. I used to fill my 22re with bricks/fire wood/lathes/pool tables, took it like a champ. I’m not a fast driver (that’s what the motorcycle is for) but I do understand the power is nice to have when you want it. So 4 cyl isn’t out of the question but I will still steer towards the V6. Great info everyone, thanks.

I can’t make it to a dealer in person because I work long hours and commute almost 6 hours a day on the train. But I’ll call them up and see what they say. I’ve heard that the wording you use when talking to the dealer about frames is important. Whether it’s a recall or a service bulletin or something, is that true? I mean, if I were to say frame recall they might just look up recalls for my vin and find nothing?

 

they should be able (if competent enough) to give you enough info to influence ur buy. If not, post vin on here and I'm sure many will pitch in. Good luck.

 

So adding to what everyone is saying... I love my 2011 Access Cab 6 speed. I'm in CA so frame issues are minimal for the recall. But other things that might have been on recall or TSB:

There was an issue with the pilot bearing that was under TSB. They will replace that but NOT the clutch. They (dealer) can work with you on parts and labor for that if you want a new clutch and everything is taken out already.

Had a TSB for something in one of the catalytic converters. They replaced that as well.

Rear leaf springs replaced under recall.

See if the front DRL headlight covers were replaced. If they weren't they might have burned out / warping on the DRL plastic. Also a TSB.

Major downside is traveling in traffic. But if you're good with that... For some reason the way I drive I end up getting somewhere between 12-14 mpg, but the transmission is solid and there's plenty of power through all gears.

I think that's about all I had to worry about.

Oh, wait, if you do get it, get a short throw shifter from TRD or URD. Well worth the price and effort!

J.R.

 

I’m going to call my local dealer this afternoon. Hope to get someone willing to help. If I don’t get much help I’ll get the VIN and see what y’all can do. )

I forgot to post the KBB value, Simon’s Mom asked that.
In excellent condition it’s 17,8
In very good it’s 17,2
In good it’s 16,4

Also I’ve been reading horror stories of people getting the frames replaced. Taking months to complete, still having to shell out thousands for “extra parts”. Seems to be the dealers which cause these problems and not Toyota directly.

 

Wow thanks for the info! But as for driving in traffic, I’m totally good with that, haha. Not a problem. Also I actually like the long throw shifter when it comes to trucks. Maybe I’m weird...

 

FYI if you are looking at a 6 speed, I got burned on one just a couple months ago. Bought a 2013 from an individual and on the long drive home realized I couldn't shift it into 5th gear without grinding. The synchro is out with only 90k on the truck. It didn't show up in the test drive and I later found out that it doesn't exhibit the problem until the transmission is hot after 20-30 minutes of highway driving. If you aren't absolutely sold on the 6 speed, I'd look at an auto. The auto is reliable. The 6 speed is is like driving a semi truck. It's slow, clunky and unreliable. No way I'd buy another MT Tacoma and this is after owning (3) 5 speeds over the last 15 years or so. Going auto will open up a TON of options. I could have ended up with a much nicer newer truck for the same money with all the packages I wanted.

-Dan

 

Thanks Dan, I’ll keep this in mind. I am actually sold on manual though. All my cars/trucks hav been stick shift and I can’t bring myself to go auto yet. I even enjoy driving in traffic with it. And I work on a Christmas tree farm during the holidays and like the feeling of manual while going through the narrow muddy/snowy trails there.