New to TW, looking for some good advice

Hey guys,
Looking at picking up a 13 Tacoma when I get back from deployment. figure its just worth it to buy a new one if im going to drive it into the ground like I've done with all of my past rigs.
Things I dont know much about but would like some advice in are-

-Is it worth it to just go with a 2013 model or is used truck a decent choice?-

- I plan on using the truck on a ranch and doing some off roading in and around Idaho for years to come, so Im not to sure what I need-
- I like the look of this guy's truck
but Im not to sure what Im gonna really need If Im gonna be using it for a daily drive while Im still stationed out here on the East coast-

-I'm looking at talking to a saddle maker and seeing if he can use some really good leather to make some nice seats... Any thoughts?-

- Any other good advice anyone has will be openly recieved and very much appericated, thanks for the help from anyone-

-Lawson-

 

Go for it! Depending when you return from deployment, you might want to look and see if there are any 2012 models in your area. You might be able to save big $$$. Welcome from N.J. and thank you for your service!

 

i dont see any reason to destroy a brand new truck, id buy used then put the money saved towards mods.

 

You're welcome, America is truly the greatest nation on earth. As for getting a used truck, how many miles is to much for a lightly use Tacoma? Are guys having issues with them when they hit 100k plus miles?

 

These things will go forever if regularly/properly maintained! Things will go out as nothing last forever, but I'd be way more comfortable buying a used Toyota w/ decently high mileage vs. a Ford or really anything...besides Honda...and that's assuming the other owner(s) weren't idiots and maintained it

 

Save yourself some money and buy a truck that is a few years old, and with the money you save you could easily get your truck looking like that.

He has an Allpro front plate bumper, light hoop and lights. Looks like the Trailer Products 3" flared fenders. Cant tell from the pic if he is running the Allpro front LT but he def got 3" of lift and 35's.

here's allpro's website there are also other brands to consider on the plate bumper, other people with experience with those might chime in

and this is the fiberglass company
http://www.off-roadfiberglass.com/offroad/tactoy.htm

you can find wheels and tires pretty much anywhere

Good luck to you and thank you for serving our great country!

 

My opinion is to get an almost new, used 2012. Or even find yourself a used 05+. You can find them for sale, just have to look hard. You're going to save yourself the depreciation that is already lost the minute you drive it off the lot.

I also see that you're out of VB, check out this thread. It's the Tidewater area thread. Good group of guys there.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22124&page=847

 

Just search for used first, good finds are out there. I picked up my 2008 double cab trd off-road 4x2 with 38k miles for $21k out the door, excellent condition too! I think this truck brand new in '08 would have been about $30k brand new give or take a grand or 2. As far as warranty goes, I just go through USAA so being military you should have the same option whether your bank with them or not. Take care over there and cheers to a safe return man!

 

First thank you for your service.

Now don't go blowing all you savings from the sandbox on a new truck your going to use around a ranch IMO. It will just get messed up and kill the value (your investment). If I could go back and do things over I would buy a used SR5 street queen someone older had owned and treated good. Slap a ARB 129 locker in the rear with some tires and sliders and you should be good to go for most adventures. Any trucks newer then 2009 are filled with electronics that I hate. Just more things to go wrong IMO. I would buy a used 08'. They seem to have the least issues from my experience.

When you outgrow it's abilities a suspension lift and some skids would be a good idea.

Last thing I would get it bumpers. For the most part IMO they are for show. You can wheel the heck out of these trucks with stock bumpers no problem.

Wheel bearings start going after 50k as do lower control arm bushings in the 05+ models. These two issues alone can cost a couple grand if you take it to a shop. If you do your own maintenance your looking at about $200-300 for bushings and $100-300 for wheel bearings.

Check outthe TSB list and make sure if you buys used the issues have been dealt with by a dealer. See here for the TSB's (technical service bulletins) http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/7107-tsb-list-2005-toyota-tacoma.html

Stay safe and thanks again!

If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

 

is this nofords truck?

 

Welcome to the boards!

 

Hey guys one other quick question. Manual or automatic? gonna use it on the ranch in a few years and do some of roading. I've heard rumors that the auto transmissions are actually pretty decent for off roading, any truth to this? also the thought of living in the city a manual is pretty good for theft protection, haha.

 

Auto trans is great for offroading. If your not proficient with a offroading a manual trans I would stay away. Some people enjoy a manual trans offroad and if that's you go for it. Both are very capable and have their own strengths/weaknesses.

 

I've got a 06 with 116k miles on it and it's still running great. With the usual maintenance and all its still doing great. I also have a 99 with 207k but hydro locked it 2k ago and put a new motor in it.. That's been the only real issue I've had with the both of them in the past 3 years I've owned both of them. I would personally look into a used 2010-2012.. Might be able to get a good deal, just be sure to thourghly inspect it and make sure there's no problems. I wheel both my rigs and am very happy with my tacomas.
Thank you for your service!

 

2012 models are having lots of problems, so unless toyota fixes everything in the 2013 models, dont waste your money. if you like the 2nd gens get a 05-11. but if you want a truck that will last FOREVER, get a 1st gen taco . my friend has a 98 with 600k miles and no major problems

 

600k? As in 600,000??? No major problems? Same motor and all???

 

yes sir. 1st gen FTMFW!!

 

Welcome to TW lawson

Wow 600K awesome

 

Damn.... haha wish i could say that about my 1st gen... didnt know they could last THAT long but thats awesome!!

 

Welcome.

Thank you. And good choice in color

I'd get a used one. I ran the piss out of my old 97 4wd,just a battery,centerforce clutch,starter,2 hoods,1 fender,2 bumpers ,2 grills,2 brushgaurds

All done wheelin. Now I have 2wd,keeps me outta trouble.
Had 115k when I sold It.