Buyer's checklist: 2nd gen Toyota Tacoma (2005–2015)

What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.

Free while the site is being tested. Every line comes from the dossier and keeps its source, and the dossier itself stays free.

Walk away if 1

Any one of these is reason enough to leave the car where it is.

Frame rust2005–2010Look over the whole frame for rust and holes, and ask whether it was replaced or treated under Toyota's frame campaign.^1,2

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Frame rust on later trucks2011–2015Look over the frame, and ask whether it was inspected, coated or replaced under Toyota's 2020 campaign.³
Secondary air injection failure2012Ask about limp mode and air-injection fault codes.²
Worn front wheel bearingAll yearsOn a test drive, listen for a growl from the front wheels and feel for vibration through the floor at 30 to 45 mph.⁴
Valve cover gasket leakAll yearsLook for oil seeping from the valve covers.⁵

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

2006 to 20092006–2009FLEX Automotive calls frame rust the defining flaw of these years, along with clutch wear, cracked leaf springs and driveline vibration.²
2011 and 20122011–2012The same dealer lists a leaf spring recall on 2011 trucks and air-injection failures on 2012 trucks.²