'04 w/ 166k miles or an '01 w/ 145k miles?

I am trying to decide which truck I should buy. Both are in great condition and run great and are the same price. I don't know if an older truck with less miles is better than a newer truck with more miles. The newer truck has a Snug-top, otherwise they are practically the same, except for the color.

Or an '03 in good condition with a salvage title with 113K miles for $3200 less? I'm not too fond of salvage titles but I've heard mixed opinions on them.

Come on Taco lovers...what's your input?

 

get the salvage title one

 

Thanks....but why is this your opinion? I am still learning about these trucks.

 

are you planning on keeping it forever? just like you, people are skeptical about a salvage title, so it will be harder to sell. I'd never buy one.

 

I wouldn't say forever but I want to keep it for a while. I bought a brand new Ford back in '01 and the only reason I sold it was because it was starting to have a lot of issues...it had 175,000 miles.

 

Never buy a salvage title, impossible to get rid of.

 

What are the specs on the 2 trucks? engine, tranny, double cab?

 

Blue Book Values:

2004 Double Cab Limited SR5 V6 TRD, 166k miles is worth $8975.
Red ext./tan int. with a shell.

2001 Double Cab Limited SR5 V6 TRD, 148k miles is worth $7300.
Silver ext./ gray int. No shell.

 

I plan on holding onto one of these trucks for a long long time.

 

I have an '01 and it has been a true friend and a formidable tool to me and my family. I say no matter which one you choose it will be a best choice. I bought this truck 10 years ago brand new and still feel that driver satisfaction every damn time. It's just a forever cool truck. I hope you get one

 

the cap alone is worth 1000 or more

 

Honestly the difference between 166k and 145k is pretty meaningless... Its hard to tell which one you should buy just based on specs. I would look hard for signs of how each truck has been treated. If you look at enough details, you can put together a history of the vehicle.

Also, if these are being sold by a private party, take a good long look at the seller. You can tell a lot about how someone treats their vehicle by their lifestyle.

 

I like the 2004 body style

 

I personally would choose the 04. Even though they are the same body style, when you go to sell it, people will want to buy the newest year of whatever body style they want.

Stay away from the salvage title one.

 

I couldnt live with a salvage title.

Flash

 

Newer truck with more miles for sure.

 

Newer truck with more miles simply because of the resale value will be higher when/if you sell it. The shell is a nice bonus and even if you don't use it you can turn around and sell it for $500. So technically the newer truck will be cheaper..

 

I would not buy the salvaged title one. I have worked at a car shop, and have family members that have dealt with salvaged title vehicles. It can be a nightmare. I know their are some built right, and you couldnt' tell the difference. But I would go for the other two if you can afford it.

 

2004 looks the same as the 2001.

And definitely go with the 2004 OP, the difference in mileage is very minimal and you get a 3 year newer truck.

 

I have an 01 that just turned over 303000 - they go for a while if you just change the fluids. It has a new frame of course, but everything but the exhaust is pretty much origional. I just changed out all the belts (origional) at 300000.