Future NEW Tacoma Owner

Hi guys,

I'm new to Tacomaworld and Tacomas in general. I have always loved Tacomas and would just like to better familiarize myself with the truck I plan on purchasing. I have done a good deal of research but it is hard to find clear answers. I'm new so please do not feather and tar me too bad if I ask stupid questions.

Currently I own a BMW 330i and the maintenance is just too much to handle... fun to drive but high performance = high bills. That is what I am trying to avoid. I want to buy a Tacoma that is not going to need a lot of prissy work done.

I am looking at the 2nd gen. Tacomas around the '06 - '10 years. I am not sure what I should be looking for when buying one. There are three that I'm really looking at.

An '07 Tacoma TRD Sport for $10,500 with 130k miles, access cab, 4x4, and a salvage title. He said it runs well and has been maintained but he definitely does not strike me as someone that works on his truck much. It had one previous owner (where the salvage title was earned), as well. It definitely seems more used than the PreRunner I checked out.

An '07 Tacoma PreRunner for $12,900 with 140k miles, full cab, no 4x4, 6 cylinder, and very well maintained. Ran and looked like new. I really like the truck but I definitely want 4x4. I don't plan on doing too much off roading but I've seen some comparison videos and it doesn't even seem close (sorry, hope that doesn't offend anyone). I'd like to take it out into the desert area around Southern California so getting stuck in sand would not be ideal.

Last one is an '05 SR5 for $12,900 with 150k miles, access cab, 4x4, 6 cylinder, and I'm not sure how well maintained it is but the ad says it's in excellent condition.

My questions are what should I be looking for? What's the difference between the three (I know, I know, please try to bear with my newb questions - but mainly cannot figure out the big differences between the SR5 and TRD)? And which model should I look for if I want a commuter and one that will handle some off roading but nothing crazy?

The TRD Sport is my favorite but I'm worried that between the salvage title and his mumbled answer of "oil is good" when asked "how often was the oil changed?" is concerning.

Again, I know this is some newb stuff, but I'm sure you were all there at one point and after a good bit of research, I think this is my best bet at getting clear answers. Thanks for the help and I look forward to owning a Tacoma for years to come!

 

If you "really want 4x4" than Option 2 should be out of the question.

And, I'd take an SR5 over a salvaged title TRD any day. Just my opinion though.

 

Welcome, none of those 3 sounds like a good choice in my humble opinion, think I would keep searching for something better.

 

Why?

 

Salvage title, 2 Wheel Drive, and 05 was the first year of 2nd gen.

 

I'd stay away from a salvaged title personally.

Good rule of thumb from a private seller is if they have a a lot of pictures they probably took good care of the vehicle.

Best of luck in your search and welcome!

 

Take your time and you will find the right one.

 

So if I have the option between an SR5 and TRD Sport or TRD Off Road, which one would you advise I go with? I know it comes down to personal preference but I'm curious what you guys have to say.

 

Also,,, thanks for the welcoming!

 

like you said it's gonna come down to personal preference.

I personally like the look of the sport which is why I have one.

However the off road had the locking rear diff which is cool but I never do anything where I would need that.

 

For my price range (no more than $13k), I'm not sure I'll be finding a 4x4. Does that sound fair?

Is the PreRunner pretty ugly off-road?

 

I have an 08 prerunner that I use on and off road(more on than off) here in northern Louisiana. I see my fair share of mud gravel and just poor driving conditions in general. In my opinion a prerunner is great for someone who plans on going off road occasionally because the truck is light enough with the right set of tires and a little know how you can keep the truck from being stuck.

 

Okay cool, thanks for the advice. How is the maintenance on it?

 

Well I've only had the truck for 6 months. I bought it with 99,500 miles and now it sits right at 114,000. All Ive had to change is the oil so I can't help much there. From what I've read if you buy a stick shift like mine the throw out bearings are trouble with these trucks and mine is proof. Other than that I love it.

 

Sweet

 

4X4 if you don't want to get stuck. And finding one under 13k is going to take a while. Especially one that is in good condition. Salvage title... Well just no. Have you thought of a first gen Tacoma? Would be more in your price range

 

Sounds like I need to bump up my price range. Any idea what price range I'm looking at for an '07 - '10, 4x4, with no more than 175k miles?

 

Probably between 14k and 18k that's what they go for around where I'm from

 

Okay, that's not too bad.

 

Welcome!

As a PreRunner fanboy, I'd say just consider what you're going to use it for. If you think you're going to go wheeling, then a 4X4 is absolutely for you. If you're just looking to go camping and generally not stray very far from the beaten path, a PreRunner can still handle its own just fine. I'm bias, though - I have a PreRunner.

I second what everyone says, though - take your time, and absolutely stay away from salvage titles. They can drop the value of a vehicle by 1/3, and no KBB value even tries to appraise them. That's not even mentioning that the vehicle had damage so severe that it total'ed out the vehicle at some point in time, and then someone re-built it salvage. All-around just a terrible idea.

Let us know if you're looking at some other ones and want our two cents!