Thinking of trading in a 16 ram 1500 for a 2nd gen tacoma... Thoughts?

Hello everyone, this is my first post and I could use your insight!
So as the title says, I currently have a 2016 Ram 1500 slt.. its a pretty basic truck, power windows/locks, mid level radio some chrome, extra cab. but overall pretty basic, which i like as leather and fancy distracting radios do nothing for me..
I bought this truck about 13 months ago for just under $25k with 32k miles. I owe $19-20k at 50k miles my payment is $400 per month.. In reality i don't use this truck for "truck stuff". I don't haul any trailers, and the bed doesn't see much use either.. Before this I had a car which was just too small for me. Before that a couple of other full size pick ups that were used the same as this current one.

Im not struggling to make the payments as of now, but I just don't want them.

So I'm looking to older pickups that are a little smaller, that are all around easier at day to day tasks, especially in city type environments..

Currently I live in the northeast, which poses a big problem for older vehicles, RUST!
Tacomas had a frame recall, so everyone I see has a near perfect frame! And with their history of durability/reliability seems to make them a no brainer . However, they aren't cheap. 05-10 v6 double cabs (and even access cabs) seem to run $12-16k with 100-150k miles! I don't plan to spend more than $12-13. and under 130k miles.

My goal is get something I can pay off faster, thats more practical in tight areas that'll last into high miles and years to come. as I said I currently live in the north east but am relocating to Arizona. So ill need cab and bed space for clothes and a couple tvs.. ill also be renting a Uhaul motorcycle trailer to bring my 900lbs harley. I know you'll ask why not just use my current set up to get me there then trade.. Tacos seem to be more expensive and harder to find especially in 4x4 out there.

In conclusion. Am I on the right track? does this all make sense? will the used Tacoma make the 2k mile move with trailer? Am I posting this in the right section? Thanks!

 

Use the Ram to get you to AZ; then sell/trade it after you find a Tacoma you like.

 

What motor you have in that ram?

 

I think you are on the right track! But I might be biased because I’ve owned my 2nd gen for 12 years and I’ve loved every minute of it!

One concern that you mentioned is that a car is too small but it sounds like the all the full size pickups you’ve had were pretty adequate. A Tacoma has a pretty small cab in comparison, even a double cab is fairly small. Have you had a chance to ride in one yet to get a feel for it?

You also mentioned that you wouldn’t be hauling or towing all that much but want something smaller for city environments. Have you considered a 4Runner or are you set on a pickup?

Back to Tacoma’s, you are on the right track keeping an eye on the frames. Keep an eye on rear suspension as well for sagging if it has stock suspension. 2005-2006 could potentially have a head gasket issue, but some TW members have made it over 250k no problem. 2007 is perfect in every way ! In either 2008 or 2009 they did some minor cosmetic things with the tail lights and stuff. 2012 they did a more aggressive cosmetic overhaul of the front bumper/hood and some interior cosmetics. I also believe that was the year they had to add some extra emissions nonsense which caused some minor problems. I’ve heard good stuff about the 2013-2015 and that marks the end of the 2nd gen year models.

I sure hope I got all the correctly, haha!

 

^^This.

 

Guess you guys didn't read his post......

 

Actually I did. I just don't agree with the premise. I love buying vehicles in AZ; avoids the gawd-awful rust problems back East.

 

I support your decision to get into a tacoma. I think 05s had head gasket issues so that’s something to watch out for off the top of my head.

Get a rusty tacoma now, or wait until you get to AZ and pay more for a non-rusty tacoma. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

 

Thanks for the replies! The reason I DONT want to get a truck in Arizona is that most are 2wd and almost all are much more expensive. The few 4x4 are so much more expensive itd financially make more sense to keep what I've got currently

 

I traded in a ram 1500 for my Tacoma. If you can find one with a new frame, you won’t regret it. This truck is far better than my old one

 

Have you ever driven a Tacoma? It’s a lot different than a Ram. You may not like it, especially if you like that big Hemi engine in the Ram. Take a lengthy test ride before you commit...

 

You'll most likely take a bath trading down like that at a dealer. Better to sell out-right yourself and start all over. Good luck.

 

The majority seem to have new frames and it's the only way I'd go!

The Ram does have great power but I rarely get into it. I'm a truck driver so speeding tickets will hit me harder than most people

I'd only do the trade if I got kbb trade in value for mine

 

I’d have no problem buying 1 that’s had the frame replaced. In fact when I was buying mine I missed out on a few that had new frames and all though mine passed the frame inspection 3 months ago now Iv got to replace my LCA’s before I lift it because the camber bolts are seized.

Typically they change control arms, lines, bumper brackets pretty much anything attached to the frame when they do the job.

 

Those Rams are tough to move when it comes to trade in. I would list it up now privately and hope for a bite. The Ram market is saturated right now with Laramies and Sports for sub 30k so the Express and SLT are getting washed on trade in right now. Good luck in your search!
Definitely go to a dealership and get an overnight test drive if you can. It is a big difference going from a full size truck to a mid size. Ive had a couple of Tacomas, but am considering getting rid of mine, baby seat eats up a lot of that back seat!

 

There is a reason most in AZ are 2wd

 

No need to drive all the way to AZ. If you look as far south as TN, NC, SC, and GA you won't have any rust issues. And probably get one cheaper than in AZ.

If you don't need the size then a Tacoma is a good option. I needed a bigger truck until my youngest moved out of the house in 2007. That is when I downsized my 02 F150 crew cab for the Tacoma. It was about as near the perfect truck for us for 9 years. But about 3 years, and 4 grandkids ago it became too small. It has been a great truck and we kept it, but I'm back with another crew cab Ford for when we need to haul a bigger crew.

But I will offer this bit of advice. If you're young with a family you might want to just stay with what you have. I traded vehicles much more often than I should have when I was younger. I've never been one to trade because I wanted something newer or better. Each time it was because my family reached the point where what we were driving would no longer work.

I started off single when a regular cab truck worked for me and a compact car for my wife. Then we had one kid and all the "stuff" needed for kids wouldn't fit. Then a 2nd kid. Then the kids get bigger. Then one day they want to bring friends. Combine that with the need for a real truck to haul stuff in and do some off road driving.

Rather than being cheap and trying to make stuff work I'd have been better off financially if I'd just bit the bullet when my kids were young to have bought a full size 4X4 crew cab truck for me and a full size SUV for my wife and kept both until my kids moved out.

 

I’m in vt and most every taco older than 2010 around here has a new frame.
My local has a 08 ac with 64,000 miles for 15k.
You could always get the cheaper taco here then trade for one that’s
AZ clean.
Can’t speak for towing I don’t.
My ac is pretty small inside.
It’s a two seater with room for stuff behind the seats.

 

I'm not going to AZ to get a truck I'm going to move.. I'd like to keep 4x4 for what ever happens after.. also I'm single, no kids. I'd primarily want a double cab for more room. And with my line of work it's also possible I end up with a company truck

 

That's a tough situation to be in. You want to trade your current newer Ram with lower miles for an older smaller Tacoma with double the miles. Unfortunately, used Tacomas hold their value so I don't think you are really saving much for the swap. Personally, your best bet is try to pay off the Ram as fast as you can then sell it and get the Tacoma. Just avoid any dealership involvement in any transaction for your Ram.