Time to upgrade

Looking to upgrade my 2006 Tacoma double cab TRD. Does anyone have suggestions on what year I should look to upgrade to? New vs slightly used? Years I should stay away from?

I would like to stay with the TRD double cab.

I generally look to purchase something a few years old since I know cars depreciate significantly once they leave the lot. But with the high resale value of Tacos...wondering of this strategy makes sense or I am better off buying new?

Is there a significant difference in 3rd gen vs 2nd gen?

Thanks.

 

my first question is... Why "upgrade"? I actually just bought a used 06 and couldn't be happier. Well, maybe if I went with a 2016 but then I'd be dealing with a fat payment and typical first year model issues. I'll wait until 2019ish to go newer

 

The only thing I would be cautious about buying any used 2nd Gen is the possible frame rust issue. Other than that they are all pretty much the same solid trucks from

$90 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma With 4L Right Petrol intake air snorkel kit high performance system compatible kit Replacement black Rotational Molding (2005-2015)

2005-2015.

I cannot speak for the '16 but some on the forum have had various complaints about them.

For the prices on used ones at the local stealerships near me I would spend a few extra grand and buy a brand new one.

And at this point I would wait for the '17 model if you are going new.

 

Good question. I know my '06 is still a baby with 130k miles but I am looking for something newer. I had to put $2k into the tranny this year and I know I need new brakes, tires, plus some front end work done this year. Maybe this is just a bad year but the way I look at it is that ~$4k could have covered a full year of car payments on a newer vehicle.

 

I got some suspension I just took off my 2016 if your interested in upgrading your stuff, upper control arms, front coils and struts, rear shocks, and brake hoses! That's if you decide to keep your truck!

 

Sounds like you need to get handy with a basic tool set. 2k for brakes and other basic repairs? Damn.

 

It is hard to find a used one a couple of years old that is not super close to new prices where I live. These things hold their value so well, I always just go new. I just traded in my 2014 4x4 off road and got over 30,000 for it, they listed it for $34,000 a few days later. It actually sold super fast, which is crazy since that is so close to new prices.

I did a huge upgrade, I purchased a 4runner. The 4Runner is nicer and better in every way it feels. Go get a 4Runner and a 4x8 trailer and you are set for life.

 

True but then if you have another year of no real issues that's money in the bank. Your list was all maintainence stuff but the trans, and if you needed a clutch so is that.

That said if you're a single guy maybe it's arguable. My wife's Rav4 has 140K and is going nowhere, but if it breaks we have my truck still.

 

Thanks very helpful. I did not realize the frame rot was an issue on the new 2nd gens...I was one of the 1st ones to have my frame replaced on my '06.

 

When I bought my '11 the used ones were so close to the new price it was a no brainer. Wait a couple months for the '17s and get what you want. New all the way.

 

I loved my 4Runner at first, but it got old quick, and it's outdated from a technology standpoint.

The 2016 Tacoma's are a huge step above 2nd gen's, and they're even a step above the 4Runner.

 

Not a question of being handy...I rebuilt the motor on my Honda CRF 250. Last I checked handy guys still have to pay for tires, rotors, and front end parts.

 

Or maybe just other things. I used to work on my cars a lot more than I do now. Being a homeowner for one thing, plus having to help my parents as they are older.

 

If you haven't driven a 3rd generation yet you should before looking for input from others. When I checked out the 3rd generation I wasn't impressed with it enough to be a guinea pig for the new engine, I like the 4.0. So for me getting a 2nd generation was the choice. I found a 2015 ORTRD with 11k on it for a few thousand less than a comparable 2016 ORTRD and have been very happy with it. Good luck with your decision.

 

I hear ya...being a dad to 2 boys under 7 is my 2nd full time job!

 

I could never be a parent, hats off to you. And that makes sense, you want a safe and reliable rig for when you're out and about with the boys.

 

Getting another 2nd gen Tacoma would just be a lateral move. I'm personally not a fan of the third gens. If I were you and I could swing it, I would go 2010 or newer 4runner.

 

He said 2k in his tranny which is very easily spent on transmission issues.

 

Lateral is ok considering my 2006 taco is the best vehicle I have ever owned

 

True and around 4k all in all, so 2k on maintainence type stuff.

Not sure if stick or auto but I reckon a clutch is about a grand anyway, and something one should consider expected to replace over time.