Decisions Decisions

Hi all,
I recently totaled my sedan after hitting an armadillo in the north GA mountains. Due to prior issues with my sedan I have decided to move on to a truck. Needless to say, some searching led me to the Toyota Tacoma.
This brings me here, I am hoping to get some insight on the best way to find a good deal on them. For some reason my insurance rates (with USAA) are the same for a 2019 and a 2013 Tacoma SR5/TRD. However, every year in between presents a ridiculous curve to 3-400 more expensive per 6 months. What are your opinions on this? (go for 2013 or spend a couple extra for the 2019)
2013's are also much harder to find in the used market with less than 100k miles(although I know it'll run for an unprecedented amount of time).
I'd much rather have a 4x4 than a 2x4 as well.
Lastly, I would like to think that I'll enjoy going on trails or overlanding but am unsure if I really will (since I've never had the opportunity to do so).

Any and all advice is appreciated.
Thanks!

 

Welcome to TW

 

Welcome to TW!
Buy The truck that fits your budget and needs, Not on what you want really. If budget allows then get what you want. All of the trucks are more than capable with good driving and good lines in off road situations. All trucks have their limits though.

 

Welcome. Get a 4x4 just in case. I did 4x2's for years because I felt I couldn't justify it, but had to pass on some roads less taken at times. Last 2 have been 4x4 and happy they are. Not sure what is up with your insurance rates, that is odd -- although in 2018 they added some additional safety equipment, so maybe that is part of it. I'd say look around for a 2013 with around 80K on the clock and not abused, but if you can't find one, go with new.

 

This, the choice comes down to this, do you want a used 6 year old vehicle or do you want new unmolested vehicle.

 

Welcome to TW I would go with the new one if you can swing it. You get the warrantee and many more safety features. Love the Georgia mountains will be there in a few weeks.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

 

How big was this armadillo that totaled your previous car?? damn!

 

@eon_blue not sure how big it was as i never saw it after it caused the damages. However, I will say I had a 13' Jetta Hybrid, about 83k miles and the repair cost would have been about 8k with NON-OEM PARTS! crazy right? I will say I'm gonna miss the 45mpg on it hahaha

 

Note to self. If I ever drive on the mainland in armadillo areas keep an eye out. 8k is crazy

 

New Toyota armor..... Armadillo front bumpers.... better than arb or those other imitations.

 

If you can swing it buy a 2019 .

 

hey man good luck with the search and let us know what you end up in...just for sake of arguement have you checked another Ins company? i had USAA for 10 years and checked with a different company and my rates dropped by half by switching to the new company with the same coverage on my '18..odd i know but checking around might open more doors as far as age and price of a vehicle...

 

Welcome!

 

Also, follow up question, the dealership i went to is running a special on a 19' SR5 XSP (Beadlock edition), which is freaking gorgeous, BUT it comes out to the same price if not a little bit higher than some of the TRD Offroads that are there(a friend who has a tacoma mentioned the lack of the locking differentials, suspension, CRAWL-control, and A-Trac. Whats y'alls take?

 

For me a bare OR world be better maybe you can manage wheels and tires later .

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

The regional package deal is not worth what a trd OR is.. if the same price in would go with the OR 4wd if not that st least the 2wd OR, it has a locking rear diff.

 

Welcome to TW. Don't be afraid to look in your general region for the right truck, whether it is used or new. Sometimes adding in the cost of a one way flight still makes the overall price you are going to pay less than that for a vehicle that is closer from a dealer that refuses to offer a decent deal. I once flew from Maine to Miami to pick up the right car, with the right options at the right price. No regrets and a great adventure traveling home.

I found that used Tacomas hold their value so well that it made more sense to buy new then to buy used. Drive both 2nd and 3rd gens back to back to back to see what you think. If you end up going new then check the local dealer lots for how the trucks ACTUALLY come equipped so you can make sure you are getting what you want for options.

I would call USAA and ask them why the rates are similar. Sounds strange to me.

How to get the best deal? Figure out what you want to buy first, then start the buying process. The more dealers you are willing to call the more likely you will get a good price. Negotiate on final price only, not on payments. If you have a trade, keep it out of the deal and sell it privately or negotiate a final price that is satisfactory then ask how much they will give you for the trade. That way you will know what a real price is on your trade, not an inflated one built from price discounts off what the dealer is selling. Be willing to walk out or hang up in order to get the best price. Shop the price you get from one dealer around to other dealers until you get the best offer you can from all the dealers. Do not say you will buy if they hit a certain price, leave the decision on what the lowest price is up to them. Ask them to include all transportation, documentation, etc, etc. fees so you do not have any ugly surprises when you pick up the car. Beware of dealer financing. The finance manager is paid a commission on how much they make the dealer as well. A local credit union has no interest in anything except giving you a check for the purchase of the truck.

Questions?

 

Yeah, that XSP package is just an appearance package added on top of an SR5, no additional capabilities or performance. It's for margins. Ever see Fast Times at Ridgemont High? The speaker salesman? Yeah, kinda like that.

I'd go TRD Offroad all day over that package.