First Tacoma, torn between 2 models

Greetings from Texas!

As the title states, I will be purchasing my first Tacoma in a couple days, and I've narrowed it down to 2 trucks. I'd love any input the experts here could provide.

2008 Prerunner SR5
118k miles
Hood scoop! (Big plus)
Bed cover
HID headlights
Aftermarket navigation stereo

2013 SR5 4x4
148k miles
Fab Four front bumper
Rigid Industries grill w light

I really like the more modern interior of the 2013 and the factory radio, 4wd is a plus but not something I really use that often. Its definitely the tougher looking truck with the aftermarket bumper and side rails. I don't mind the look but I wouldn't necessarily choose it either.

The 2008 has less miles and I'm a sucker for the hood scoop not gonna lie. Both are one owner vehicles with clean titles, but the 08 had damage reported (no airbag delployed) in 2011.

They are priced the same so I cant even justify taking the cheaper route. I'd love to hear any info or opinions on the year models in question, to help me make the best decision.

Thanks in advance!

 

Take the late model 2013. You’ll want the 4x the moment you don’t have it.

 

I also vote for the 2013. The best year of the tacoma. You will probably never regret going for the four wheel drive. You can always glue a hood scoop on it.

 

Hood scoops are way cheaper than 4x4 conversions

 

I vote the 2013 then again I'd never own a 2wd truck again and the hood scoop doesnt do it for me.

 

2013 10 times out of 10.

 

I’d go for the 4X4 but get the truck that feels best to you.

 

2013 no question.

 

I would not get an SR5, get either a TRD Sport OR TRD Off-road. SR5 is the base model, no tow package, open differentials, weaker alternator, cheaper interior, etc. Do you have the VIN numbers? You can run the VIN to see all the features each truck has, 1 sec I'll get link...

 

This is where I would start... Run the VINs, maybe post results and get somsome opinions

https://www.toyota.com/owners/my-vehicle/vehicle-specification

 

BTW, what's the asking prices?

 

4x4 no question
You can swap out for a hood with scoop if you want

 

I sold a newer PreRunner to buy my 2005 4x4 Offroad if that tells you anything. 4x4 is completely worthless until you get stuck pulling a boat up a slick ramp, or get your lawn tractor stuck in the field, or get stuck on the shoulder of the road in light snow. Yeah, then 4x4 is all you've ever wanted, lol. Get the 4x4. They handle nearly as well, and you'll have a higher resale value down the road if you take care of it.

PS, look out for sketchy fasteners and repairs. A clear sign of apathy and neglect on the original owners part. Good luck!

 

Thanks for all the replies, looks like the 2013 is the clear winner. I think I will be happier with the newer truck in the long run, the extra mileage just had me hesitant. I'll be checking them both out in person today and tomorrow, and will be sure to update with pictures either way.

The Toyota Owners page is very helpful, wish I would have known about it during my search of the past couple months lol.

2013 VIN: 5TFLU4EN0DX072603
2008 VIN: 3TMJU62N28M066966

Both asking prices ar 16k. Which seems pretty fair for my market (DFW). We love our trucks down here, and CPOs in this range still get listed at 20k plus.

 

2013...however I would not buy a truck that has been modified unless it’s exactly how you’d have wanted. I would buy a stock truck preferably 13-15 model year.

 

I think you'll be really happy with the 2013. And even if you don't want/need the 4x4, the next buyer likely will. Here in the 4Corners, seems 4x4's hold their value way better than 2wd trucks.

 

Are those both double cabs? Even if so, $16k for a Prerunner that old with 120k on it sounds kinda high IMO. And our Tacoma market up here is insane, especially for clean ones.

I'd pretty gladly take the newer front end & 4WD in exchange for 30k miles. Assuming they're well taken care of anyway... keep in mind neglect can turn ANYTHING into a total POS. I happily bought mine with 130k on it, cuz it appeared to be babied.

 

With a Tacoma, the difference in 118K & 148K is absolutely nothing. Just my opinion, 16K for a 2008 2WD is way out of range. 16K for a 2013 4X4 isn't out of range, no matter what package it has. Good luck

 

If you can, take the truck to Tandem Offroad or Goode’s and get them checked out for any hidden issues.

In the Texas section, come find the DFW thread (or check my post history) and come introduce yourself.

Finally, post a link to the 2013 you’re looking at. It’s possible someone in that thread knows the history.

 

Thanks for the advice, I just did as you recommended and created a new thread in the Texas section with the ad link for the truck.