I need advice! Which of these trucks?

First off, I wanna say I’m grateful for your community. Lots of great info!

Alright I’m torn here guys. I’ve got two trucks I’m looking at, can’t decide which way to go.

Main concerns are reliability/dependability. It’s gotta be capable. And I’m trying to be a little frugal/minimalist.

Both of these trucks are capable and Tacomas are renowned for durability. The issue lies is the age old debate, older or newer?

The specs are very similar, both dbl cab, 4x4 trd off road.

With the 03, the price is 4K cheaper but the miles are 40k higher, plus more time for seals n such to degrade. Previous owner did say oil changes every 3k. Timing belts been done once.. It does have some utility add-ons(grille guard, lights, bed extender). And the large tires and wheels do affect ride quality some-noticeable when turning.

So with the 09 I feel some peace of mind that it’s newer with fewer miles. Though I don’t know the previous owners maintenance(dealer). It has extra comforts that I don’t need, rather than utility add ons.

So is the xtra 4000 worth the peace of mind with a newer vehicle?
Would the older 03 be Just as reliable?
As fun as it is, I don’t have the time to be replacing parts very often.

What do you guys think?

2003 TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4 176K
https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/2003-toyota-tacoma-4x4/6382685188.html

2009 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 SR5 TRD 135K
https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/2009-toyota-tacoma-4x4-sr5/6421167090.html

 

Welcome to TW! Have a trusted mechanic take a look at both of them.

 

Welcome!

 

I was gonna vote for the '09, but the after looking at the pics then reading this in the ad - Interior as shown in the pictures is in good condition with no sign of abuse. Everything looks fresh and clean inside. There is absolutely no scratch tear or wear anywhere. Seats headliner and door panels look good. Carpet has no stain and it is clean. - they are liars or blind. That interior is stained and filthy everywhere. Now before the starts, I know and agree things like mechanical condition, maintenance are way more important. Buy a carpet, seat covers etc, but if they can say that to those pics I'd want to really say check that truck out thoroughly and buyer beware. Good luck either way.

 

I think $4K for 40K miles less is worth it. Everything else being equal, the mileage alone would make me choose the 09. I've had all 3 gens and you can't go wrong.

 

I agree. Also it says that the truck is completely rust free underneath. That is next to impossible on the second gen. It’s at least gonna have a little surface rust. I’ve seen completely rusted out second gen frames in the Carolinas that have never even seen a salted road.

If I had to choose, I’d go with the 03. However I don’t like the look of the mods that were done. You can easily take off the brush guard and the rims. Don’t know about the roof rack. It does look to be well maintained though.

If you like the look of the 03 then I’d offer around 9k.

 

I say 03 and offer $9,500 .The 09 guys are a liars about no stains,so what else are they hiding.Check them both out and your instincts will tell you which is for you.

 

I found it a little strange that one of the first things it says is NOT FLOODED. I’d still get the ‘09 though and fix/clean it up.

 

The asking price on the '09 is very reasonable... Boogie3478 is right, have a certified mechanic check it out. Especially for flood damage in your area.

 

I would guess there are a lot of flooded vehicles on the market in that area from the hurricane. Would flood show up on a title or carfax?

 

The 2003. And tear all that garbage off it, or better yet negotiate it off the price

 

Not true,if its a Texas truck it can be rust free,my 06 frame was the original and was like brand new all depends were you live

 

I agree, but that quote just makes me think this is one of them. Maybe I’m just paranoid.

 

I don’t have a trusted mechanic(unless someone knows somebody in north Houston?) so I think I’ll take the 03 first to the Toyota dealership

 

When you said "minimalist", I voted 03

 

Good take them both and have them checked and then you can make a better choice..

 

The 2003 looks like it was better taken care of. I'd start there

 

Thats what makes me say 03,lots of people wont take a risk on a maybe flooded truck.The 09 price also makes me thing something is up,here in Vegas you couldn't touch that truck for less than $17,000

 

Only if there is an insurance claim for the repair. Carfax only knows whats reported to them. Submarine your truck out wheeling, repair it yourself with parts from where ever and how would they know?

 

The 03 has been on the market for a month? If that is true, offer $9,000 and grab it, assuming:
1) no frame rust
2) no prior accidents
3) mechanic gives it a clean bill of health