Should I buy a 2008 with 266k miles?

Howdy from a new member! I am looking at a 2008 Tacoma double cab with 266,000 miles on it. It drives wonderfully, has had only one owner, and has a clean Carfax. My only hesitation is the mileage. For $10k, is it worth it? Thanks for your advice!

 

Check the frame for rust like with a fine tooth comb.

 

With higher mileage tacomas concerns are timing chain and head gasket. The 2008 is less common but as the mileage gets up more things can fail.

Have it inspected by a shop that you trust. Frame rust and engine condition are priority.

 

Wow, thank you so much for your speedy reply! I definitely will follow your advice. Thanks!

 

Region that the truck has been mostly operated?

 

It was in the state of Washington for most of its life, but it is now in Utah.

 

It helps that it's out west where we don't use salt on the roads. But you don't specify anything else about the truck. Is it 4x? Is it a Sport or Off Road package. Any upgrades? Toyota factory upgrade packages are famously expensive, which will affect the resale value in turn. A used TRD Off Road or TRD Pro will cost much more than a 2x Prerunner.

Assuming it's a 4x because it's in Utah, besides frame and leaf spring rust, I'd ask a question or two about how often they towed with the truck and make sure diff and tranny fluids were maintained.

And get a good look at the drive line, look for play around u joints and center bearing, as that's been a recurring issue with Gen2s. Ask if they took advantage of Toyota's extended warranty program for the u joints.

260k+ miles is a long way to go without having experienced and addressed some of those core Gen2 Tacoma issues. But without looking at the kbb, $10k does seem a bit much for something that old.

 

People are going to nit pick way too much on this one. Just look for any glaring problems like frame rust or major concerns....like, do the wheels feel like they're going to fall off when you drive it? It has high mileage. Every vehicle will have wear on items. If it's clean, drives solid and if the owner feels trustworthy to you, then offer him 8700-9k. Service history (receipts?) can help dictate sale price here. I'd agree that 10 sounds a little high for 266k, but I'm sure it's just their starting price.

 

Dang these trucks hold their value!!

How much would an otherwise identical Ranger sell for?

 

Unless you want a project truck (meaning you can do the work yourself). Its a no deal.

 

How much longer do you think that motor will last at $10000?
I know they last well into the 300000 mile range if taken care of but you dont know that.
$5000 to $6000 is more realistic if its clean and running decent. Everyone is going to have an opinion on this. Decide what is best for you.

 

Not a chance I would consider one with that many miles, unless you put aside an emergency fund for needed repairs on wear and tear items on engine and suspension. I hope it's at the very least a 4WD for that asking price and high mileage.

 

Our 99 4Runner has 290k miles and runs like a top.

Check for signs that it was a highway driven vehicle vs around town and for rust.

The owner was driving 24k a year, so that’s actually a good sign it was a highway vehicle.

Try to get them under $10k, but by all means 8-9k on an ‘08 is MUCH more wise than 38k on brand new.. with the 30k you save you could replace the engine and tranny multiple times ha.

I’d have a mechanic I trust look it over thoroughly and then get it immediately.

In fact, if it’s a DCLB 4x4 send me a link

 

Got to do it.

 

If maintained these trucks can go a long way. See what the owner has had done and that will tell you alot about care it received. If s/he cant even tell what oil it takes, when changed, or when the serp belt was changed, be cautious. There should be a list of whats been done.

Of course, rust is a big issue. Get a flashlight and spend at least 5 mins under the rig. Some is acceptable, alot is not. Know what youre getting.

When I got mine there were no V6 Tacos on the market that had less than 200000 miles for less than $10k. Above 200000 miles prices start to fall below $10k.

 

I concur that $10,000 for a 12 year old vehicle with 266,000 miles is a little steep. Toyota Tacoma or not. Pass and keep searching.

 

If its any help:
Two years ago I sold my ‘07 Access Cab Off Road with 351,000 miles for $5,200. I was asking 5,900, agreed on 5,500 but dropped it down further when I found out the buyer was a Viet Nam combat vet (I tried going lower but he insisted).
I was the original buyer and had piles of maintenance records. It was an East Coast truck, kinda crusty but passed the frame inspection. No problems related to the mileage.
In the course of owning it, in addition to routine maintenance, I had to:
Replace wheel bearings- both sides two times;
Replace steering rack twice;
Replace alternator around 320K miles;
Miscellaneous ball joints and tierod ends.

This truck convinced me of the 2nd Gen Tacoma’s durability.

Kinda long winded but I would have it checked out, check maintenance routine, if you can, make a cash offer a bit less.

BTW, it’s still going strong in the next town over.

Edit:
Add the following to the fix list:

• heater motor and resistor (prolly didn’t need the motor)
• water pump x 2

 

i got a 2014 5 lug regular cab 2wd for 9k. all the service records, with oil changes every 5k on the dot. 120,000 miles. probably could have gotten even lower than that. That is way to high for a daily driver. find the most undesirable trim and model if you want to save money and can put up with the downsides.

 

Wow, you all are wonderful! Thanks for the speedy advise!

Sorry I didn’t specify, it is a 2008 Tacoma Dbl Cab Long Bed with 4x4. It’s not a TRD or sport package, and seems to have no after market add ons. It’s at a used car dealership, so I can’t ask the owner specific questions, but I will have a mechanic check it out.

I’ve attached the Carfax, if that’s helpful.

Thank you for all of your thoughtful replies!!!

 

Go to ToyotaOwners.com (it's an official Toyota website) and create an account. Then input the trucks VIN (or any truck that you're looking at) and it'll give you way more details on any dealership repairs/maintenance.