What do you all think about a 2007 Tacoma? It has only 36k original miles, and my son is thinking of buying it. Does it seem like a bad idea? Are these older models reliable? I’m a bit lost here 
as a mom of a broke college student who’s set on getting a Tacoma.
How much are they asking for it? If the engine and frame are in good shape, it could actually be a solid deal.
Are the older ones reliable? Definitely yes. You’ll want to check for basic things like leaks and, most importantly, look for rust on the frame. If you notice any spray paint under the car, I’d avoid it because some people try to cover up rust with black paint.
Thanks for the heads-up! It’s at a pretty reputable dealership, so I’m hoping there aren’t any major issues. I’m also confused about how it has such low mileage. Maybe a senior owned it and didn’t drive much 
. We’ll check it out tomorrow.
Yeah, big dealers can overlook things, even if they seem legit. When I was car shopping, I saw a vehicle with obvious paint issues, and the dealer tried to say it was “normal.” Make sure you do your own inspection. Check for leaks, take a good look at the suspension, and inspect the engine bay from top to bottom. Don’t trust everything the dealer says, especially if they’re selling a different brand’s vehicle.
The older Tacoma models are definitely reliable and can be found for a good price, usually between 15k and 20k. But don’t just go for low miles. A truck really starts its life at around 150k miles. Make sure to check for rust, leaks, the timing chain, radiator stains, and the condition of the oil. Running a diagnostic for codes can also be helpful. I’d recommend flushing the coolant too since Toyota uses different colors, and mixing them can cause problems. It’s good to know what’s actually in there. If your son buys it, tell him to always change the oil around 3k to 4k miles, especially if he’s using synthetic.
I’ve got 205k on my 2008 V6, and it’s still going strong 
.