What is high-mileage for these trucks? Concerns buying used?

I've never been a truck guy, but have always admired their functionality. In addition to that, if there is one truck that I could see myself in, it is a 2nd Gen DCSB Tacoma. I dig them.

I'm at a point where I'm considering giving one a shot. It'd need to serve as a safe (I have two little ones!), reliable DD for a couple of years until it can be relegated to a life exclusively as a BBQ tow vehicle.

The thing is, I don't want to tie up much money in my next vehicle (considering non-trucks, too, as I don't need one). I'm trying to spend less than $17k, which brings me to my question.

That price point puts me pretty well in to the 100k+ range on the odometer. I've always heard great things about the Tacoma and its stout power-train. If I pick up a, say, 2008 with 150,xxx miles on it, what sort of concerns should I keep in mind with regards to daily reliability? Are there other weak points (mechanical, electrical, cosmetic, or otherwise) that are going to cause more headaches than it is worth? With basic maintenance, is there a reasonable expectation of being able to put on ~10,000 trouble free miles per year for the next couple?

Thank you all for your feedback.

 

150k on my 2012.

Mine had a bad transmission, but pretty sure it was a fluke. Got replaced for free.

Regular maintenance and its all good.

Expect the suspension to be pretty worn out around the 100k-120k mark.

 

For the most part, I think a Tacoma even with a 100K+ miles should still be pretty reliable if the maintenance has been kept up. My boss has a 2006 V6 Access Cab and the only thing he has a problem with is the paint is starting to chip off the roof. Frame rot seems to be one of the major concerns on these trucks, but it should be easy to inspect. If you decide to go with a manual, there were clutch and clutch pedal issues with the 2.7 4-cyl and throwout bearing issues with the 4.0 V6. Another common issue that pops up on this forum is excessive driveline vibrations. Mine was a stock 5-lug regular cab and while cruising on the highway I got a weird hum at around 2,000 RPM. It didn't bother me too much though.

Other than that, I don't think there are any major issues that would leave you stranded or put you in danger.

I was working for a rail contractor once and they have a fleet of F150s. We were on our way to the job site and we were just cruising along and the engine just quits on us. We pulled over and checked under the hood, everything seemed fine, but wouldnt start. 10 minutes pass by and we were able to restart the engine again. A couple of more miles down the road and it quits on us again... Not sharing this to bash on Ford, but just to show that every truck will have its problems.

 

A high mileage vehicle can be a great deal of it was properly maintained. I sold a vehicle with 225k miles for a good price because I maintained it well and could prove it. Buyer bought it site unseen and shipped it to his home state.

IMO, If you can not get proof of maintenance or can not qualify if the seller is responsible then stay away from high mileage. Or take the risk... Some folks get a used vehicle inspection which is the least anyone should do if they are not qualified to inspect themselves.

Generally most folks consider anything over 90k is high but Tacomas can go 200k easily. If you compare used prices by year vs mileage you'll see that year takes precedence. I was in the same boat as you and saved up $12k more to get my 2014 with 18k

Another thing I found is most every truck for sale with miles over 150k had an unreported issue from lack of maintenance. Sellers were just hoping no one would notice the issues. I think a responsible Tacoma owners with high mileage keep their trucks. Just an opinion. Good luck.

 

Lots of good input, personally I would get a vehicle inspected on your own dime to get a through check that isn't manipulated for an honest evaluation. Frame rot as already mentioned too should be a concern. Also any vehicle with significant miles, should let you be aware that it was possibly traded in because of an issue. This is where an independent inspection is important, not that they are perfect.

 

Good info. Some vehicles wear their miles better than others. My 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 feels high-mileage already with 42k on the clock.

I have a couple in the area that I might go take a look at. If they pass the eyeball test and nothing sticks out during the test drive, I'll look in to a vehicle inspection prior to committing the money. For whatever it is worth, most of what I have looked at is being sold through a dealership. Now, don't get me wrong, dealers can be plenty scummy, but at least there is a little recourse since the business is putting their reputation on the line compared to a private sale.

 

My 2012 with 150k vs my friends 2015 with 30k is virtually identical.

I would put money down, that you would think mine has less miles if we went over each of them.

EVERYTHING under neath looks immaculate. No rust, No leaks. Nothing!

I could not believe this truck had 120k when I bought it.

Its all in how well they're taken care of.

 

Dealers are sales driven. When I shopped I looked at about 20 dealers including Toyota in TX and half of them tried to sell me trucks that I found issues with. They would act perplexed or play dumb and offer to fix them. I walked out of every one to see how far they'd chase me and all of them did. Ended up going back and making a cash offer for mine $4k under their asking price for And they took it. Shopping took months. But the purchase took about 30 mins and honestly I'll bet I could have gotten another $500 off but I was ready and I knew I was already getting a screaming deal.

 

Hell, if I didn't want a Spruce Mica DCLB so bad, I'd have driven my 2006 DCSB into the ground. It's got 152K on it and runs like a top. Mobil 1 is tits for keeping the motor running smoothly. Trans flush, new brakes, new shocks, dump the pumpkins and a couple of other things and you're GTG.

 

Thanks for the input. I'll get a line on some places that can do an inspection, then keep my eyes open for the right example.

 

If it gives you any solace I bought my 2010 three weeks ago with 114k on it. I've put 3,500 miles on it since then and it has not hiccuped once. It just rolls.

If properly maintained Toyotas will run and run. My wife had a '07 Prius that we traded in '13 that had over 250k on it and it was never at the deal for anything but scheduled maintenance except once and the was a false alarm.

My expectation for this "high mileage" Taco is to run it 30k a year or so for the next 6 years till I retire.

 

I traded my 2006 with 175,000 and it honestly ran as good as the day that I bought it. A dealer once told me that you will start having to put some money in it some time after 175k. The current owner has 204k on it. The issues have been.... A leaky steering rack, broken rear springs, rusted E brake cable, rear diff locker motor quit working, and a rotted frame that is currently being replaced. Super white painted trucks will look flat and faded.

I personally would have no problem buying at 100k and expecting it to be reliable thru 200k.

 

That's been my experience with the half dozen or so Asian vehicles I've owned. Nothing I couldn't replace/repair myself, but around 180K/185K I've always had to dig up some cash to get the buggy back up to snuff. Have gotten right at or over 300K on my Asian vehicles. Got 415K on my first - 1983 Toyota truck 4 banger.

 

If it makes you feel any better, I bought my '14 around Turkey Day in '13, so I've had it about 2.5 years. I now am at almost 80k miles. No issues. Well, I had to replace my tires, keep needing to change my oil and add fuel, but other than those incredibly abnormal issues I've driven it across the country a few times with no issues.

That said, I do put some money aside for maintenance/repairs should I need it. Bear in mind I've only taken two other vehicles personally over 100k miles. A Subaru Outback, which had a multitude of issues, including worn suspension and rust from living up in the NE it's whole life. I never bothered fixing it up, rather gave it to a friend after I totalled my VFR. Which was a '99 Honda VFR bike that I took from 90k miles to 130k miles. And all I did with that was a clutch and water pump. Easily done with a few bucks in parts, and an evening after work. The VFR has a good reputation even among Honda motorcycles of going high miles, kinda like Tacomas.

Bottom line, I think I've put my money where my mouth is, and wouldn't have problems with a Tacoma with less than 200k. I fully expect mine to last over 200k, and hope to take it to 300k.

 

Engine and transmission was built for Land Cruiser, so its a 1 million mile power train. With maintenance you should have no problem getting near that number.
Buy truck, replace all the fluid and enjoy it for many years.

 

New member here........ I'm in the same boat as the OP, although I'm a long time truck and toyota truck guy. Haven't had a toyota truck since the mid 90's (last one was the terribly weak V6 that they started with). With that said, all my toyota trucks have been awesome and reliable and I can't wait to get back into another one, but I've been out of the "game" with these trucks for a while.

I'm trying to not hi-jack the OP, but rather trying to add to it and kill two birds with one stone/ thread. I too am looking for a used truck, most likely 2nd gen due to prices and have the same basic concerns about the "used/ high mileage" issues. It hasn't been asked or stated yet, but what about Gens? Is there any so called preference or what's the pros and cons with 1 gen vs 2 gen trucks? Again, not trying to hi-jack the post, just trying to make less work for everyone since we are both in the same situation. Thanks

 

I agree and disagree...I bought my 2004 Tacoma last month from a dealership, which I was pretty intent on not doing especially because I wanted a 12-15 year old truck specifically and most of the ones I would come across on dealer's lots were sold through some sleazy looking small lot, or the trucks had big issues they covered up with band-aids. Sometimes when buying used, going privately is the best route because it's easier to determine how the truck was maintained. Seeing and talking with the truck's current owner can tell you a lot about the truck.

That said, I ended up finding my Tacoma for sale through an actual Toyota dealership so I went ahead and jumped on it. I figured since Toyota had their name behind it (and their reputation does really mean something) I was taking less of a risk than buying it through an independent small car lot. Only real issue I had was they were WAY overcharging for it (no surprise there), but I got them to come down a couple grand. Still paid more than I should've, but I really, really wanted a clean first gen and I definitely found one.

Patience and knowledge are your friends when looking for a new (used) Tacoma, good luck!

 

I sold one of my good friends a 3.4L auto 4runner with 180,000 on it and we are still friends. As a matter of fact, I'm trying to buy it back, i miss it. I have had 4 Toyotas ,3 of which were 100,000+ mile vehicles, and never had any issues.

 

Well there are numerous posts on here touching 400,000 even with a guy, large man, with a Tundra that went over a MILLION

 

OP: I would have no qualms whatsoever about buying a Tacoma in that price range for use as a DD, and in fact I did just that last year. I bought a 2008 Access Cab SR5 4 banger 4x4 with 130K on it for $14.2k. Approaching 150k now. My plan was to simultaneously DD and wheel it on weekends and I've done just that. I would move forward without hesitation. Of course it's not a guarantee, but there is no car that's a safer bet for the mileage.

This is my first truck and my first Toyota, I've owned a Crown Vic and also THREE third gen Camaros including my current one with a slow but also legendary 350 TBI (which is available in a lot of used trucks still running today) that won't quit. I'm no fanboy but the Toyota pickup reputation is undeniable and well deserved.