Buying a commuter base model

After someone totalled my 2012 TRD OR which I loved to death I want to buy a 2005-2009 access cab base model or SR5 4 cylinder "beater" Tacoma to save up and pay cash for 3rd gen.

The price I see for these early 2nd gen trucks varies wildly from $5k to $14k

Post up what you payed for a 2005-2009 2WD 4 cylinder Tacoma. Pics are a plus!

 

If hauling stuff in the back of the access cab is a priority over hauling people, I would limit the search to '05-'08. I really like the fold forward seats and no rear headrests, in my '06. However, if you find a smokin' deal on a '09 or newer, you can always buy the older rear seat stuff out of the wrecking yard and swap it out.

 

It was free with only 52k miles

 

9k for a 2014, 2015 orkin pest control trucks are just getting off lease. 120-130 thousand miles generally

 

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=526026320&zip=46802&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=46802&startYear=2015&sortBy=derivedpriceASC&incremental=all&firstRecord=0&marketExtension=on&modelCodeList=TACOMA&makeCodeList=TOYOTA&searchRadius=0&startYear=2015&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&modelCodeList=TACOMA&makeCodeList=TOYOTA&searchRadius=0&makeCode1=TOYOTA&modelCode1=TACOMA&clickType=listing
here is an example, if its the same truck the odo runs up faster than real distance

 

Good for you!

There is a big price difference between 5 lug and 6 lug trucks. For your goals and use, a 5 lug should work just fine. I love my access cab. And my needs (nor wants) don't require a 3rd gen of any flavor.

But if you are really buying a 'commuter' and don't have true truck needs at the moment, a plebeian sedan may be a better value. Much cheaper to operate. Everyone points to Toyotas and Hondas, which are great. And the prices show that most times. But Nissan and Hyundai have some great choices at good prices too. Just something to consider.

 

what exactly is the difference between 5 and 6 lug? towing capacity?

 

For the 4 cyl that's 3500 either model. But the 5 lug did not have a tow package available.

The big difference is the suspension. The 5 lug is more car like and many parts do NOT interchange with the 6 lug.

Their target market was the light duty fleet crowd and budget minded home improvement types.

 

V6 vs 4cyl

Edit: I'm wrong

 

He's shopping for a 4, and they are available in the 6 lug too.

Same great 2.7 motor.

 

Yea looking for the 4 cylinder. I picked up a 2008 Acura TL from a family friend for a steal of a deal just to get around for the last month and get 17mpg on 91 gas hurts haha

 

I didn't think about the fleet trucks. They usually have maintenance performed regularly right? I would imagine they keep up with that stuff.

 

Hmm didnt know that.. thought all 4 bangers had 5 lugs..

 

And old people

 

The big difference here will be running regular. Which is significant around here, about .40/gal now. Well, significant if you drive a lot of miles.

You 'might' get 20-21 out of a 2.7 if you have a light foot.

 

It's ok.

My 5 lug does all I need it to, at a much lower cost than other choices.

I prefer to squander my funds in other ways.

 

All 5 lugs are 4 bangers but not all 4 bangers are 5 lug.

Except possibly the X Runner but I don't know shit about that.... believe it's V6 2wd 5 lug... but they made like 7 of them so...

 

Ah you old dog you are spending it on coke and whores aren't you? Hehehe

 

I paid 10 for my 2009 4cly 6 lug regular cab. 143k. It was 100% base model dont let the black hubcaps fool you. It had been frame sprayed from the dealer, otherwise great shape. Had minor body work done before.

 

Not sure I understand the logic of having 2 vehicles if you are trying to save up for a 3rd gen. tacoma. Sell the Acura to buy the Tacoma "beater" if it's a fuel mileage issue but personally, like Clearwater Bill mentioned above, a beater Honda or Toyota car will be the cheapest and quickest route to saving the funds for the 3rd gen.