What to look for in an 08?

So long story short, my 2021 OR Crewmax was totaled about 6 months ago. Since then I’ve picked up a 2022 trail 4runner which has been great, but im finding myself missing/needing the utility of my tundra often lately.

Next week I’m supposed to be looking at an 08 limited Crewmax, TRD off-road. 73,500 miles, 5.7, 4x4, sunroof, looks like plenty of factory options. Ran a vin check on it and it comes back as 2 owners and zero reports of accidents or anything concerning.

The guy is asking $26k, which seems a little high even right now with the market the way it is. This seems more in line with dealer prices, while I’ve seen private party values range from 18-22k depending on the source (nada, edmunds, kbb).

What should I be looking for specifically with this truck that would be a red flag? I know to look for rust issues and obvious noises/leaks but I’ve always read about the cam tower leak as a big issue. Is there an easy way to identify that? He has maintenance records for his time with the truck, but he has only owned it for about a year. Anything else I should be checking out for these trucks specifically at 14 years old? I’ve owned two 2.5 gens now, but don’t have any experience with the 2nd gens.

Thanks

 

I suspect the price is a little higher because the mileage is so low. I would make sure it's been regularly maintained, and take a look at any rubber parts to make sure they're not dry rotted. My 08 had an oil leak that you could see looking through the wheel wells in front of the front tires, so take a peek under there. I would also see if it's had the water pump replaced, the seals can go bad over time. Check the weep hole on the bottom of the water pump from underneath. If you're familiar with the gen 2.5 I don't think gen 2 is very different at all.

 

I remember hearing something about early torque converters being problematic, but imagine you would feel it on a test drive.

As stated, the cam tower leaks are often visible by looking thru the front fender wells (saw lots with this while shopping)

I would climb under and confirm no leaking rear main or something. Easy to do while inspecting for rust.

 

The drive train and frame are the same as the the 2.5 gen (14-21). Basically look for any common known issues. The high price seems full retail or higher. I might have a hard time spending over $20ish K for a truck that old. I am sure it's a nice truck but not sure about that price.

 

...oh yeah. And make sure the HVAC system directs air where it should.

 

Good advice, thanks everyone.

Hadn’t considered the water pump and rubber parts, good call.

I’m with you on this one, if everything checked out I was thinking of starting at 18 and not going over 22. Even with mileage factored in, the highest value I see is $22.5k. Dealers on auto trader for similar trucks are around 26, so you’re right about that.

Did not think of this at all, I’ll make sure to check, thanks.

 

look for rust, look up all under the truck, bed mounts, bed cross members. Check for cam tower and other fluid leaks. Dont forget to check all switches, functions. People often miss things like back door locks/window switches not working, or issues with the hitch wiring.

 

You’re absolutely right. I actually bought a Mach 1 years ago without turning on the radio, and come to find out the the whole thing was gutted by the PO. That was a fun one!

 

Don't forget 4x4 and low range functionality.

 

$26k isn’t bad in this market if it’s clean.

Let me put it this way, I would not sell mine for $26k and it has 230k miles.

 

If you have the VIN, pull up the toyota dealer records to get a jump start. (toyota owners club)

Age is just about on par with mileage for wear and tear. Do you due diligence and look over all the rubber throughout the engine. Suspension for leaks, bushings for dry rotting. Look in the bed corners for the infamous bed rot. My 08 is starting to bubble up.

 

Here’s a primer: https://youtu.be/l2OAHImTgA8

 

For comparison, I bought my 08 Limited double cab two years ago. It had 84k miles on it and I paid $18k private party.

$26k is high, but if it’s clean, with todays market I think that’s closer to an accurate price than $18k.

 

Check it out on a cold start and make sure its cold before you start it huge red flag would be if he had it running before you showed up.

When cold check all fluids and caps and look inside the radiator and cap and inside everything else. oil should be clear and ask what kind of oil he uses.

Check the wires under the hood and look under the engine cover if Fievel has made a home.

Check the gaskets for leaks.

Get underneath it and wiggle the drive lines and CV's close to the axle your checking to see if there is any play or movement.
If there is movement where the cv's connect to the axle the needle bearing could be wearing out. apparently its super common issue. Make sure universal joints are tight.

Make sure all buttons and electronics are functional. Including the E-brake!

 

I have bought a lot of used vehicles. But one thing I would do now is get head gasket gases checked as well. Its not expensive, but certainly for higher mileage vehicles this needs to be done. Something like this below. Now for a vehicle that only has less than 100k I think you may not need to but if you are checking everything in detail you might as well test this out.