Keep or buy new advice ...

I may just be weird, but the 3rd gens feel so much smaller than the 2nd gens to me. Especially if you have the sunroof, I only had half the head space I do in my 07. If you're looking for more space OP, get a Tundra.

 

I’m on the other end of the spectrum. I feel if you want something, and your financially able to get it...

go for it.


Life’s too short.
Do what makes you happy.

just don’t rack up a huge amount of debt.

 

Agree 100%. I feel cramped in mine. I didn't in the '02. Getting in and out of my '13 requires contortions I never had to undergo in the '02. And crikey, don't get me started on those bleeping headrests.

 

I meant that the 2016+ feels smaller to me than the

$90 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma With 4L Right Petrol intake air snorkel kit high performance system compatible kit Replacement black Rotational Molding (2005-2015)

2005-2015 does, and the 2004 and older tacos are even smaller than either other generation, but still have good head room at least.

I've driven all 3 generations, and owned the first two generations, and I hate the 3rd gens other than aesthetics.

 

Buy a new one if you can swing it, enjoy life

 

Ah. Ok, sorry. My '02 was (or looked) smaller on the outside but felt larger on the inside. It definitely had more headroom than the '13 does.

 

Keep the old truck and turn it into a beater. No reason you cant also have/buy a new pavement princess.

 

Yeah for sure. They're a tad skinnier but nice and tall. I liked the 5 speed too. Definitely glad they switched to suicide doors on the 2nd gen access cabs, leaning the seat forward on my 03 every time was annoying.

 

Cheaper to keep’er..it’s a low mileage truck will give you many years of service.
If you’re deadseat on a new one I’d get something other than a Tacoma once the new wears off in 2 weeks you have essentially the same truck the aftermarket could bring you up to date with most modern tech.

 

Let’s do simple numbers. 35k truck 0% finance 5yrs = $583, new insurance( I’ll be cheap) $100 , gas( one tank a week) $$250 new truck costs = $ 933 month , I’ll keep the paid for truck, cheaper ins plus gas and enjoy life with xtra 650-700 month or in my pocket.

 

I say keep it add the creature comforts you want

 

I'd keep it.

You can easily replace the head unit and add a backup camera (I plan on doing just that).
Several hundred bucks, tops.
Other tech updates...meh.

^^^ This.

 

I hear you and the numbers you quote make sense ... I am not that all concerned about the montly -- I would pay cash for the new truck after selling the one I have. I am really on the fence but a lot of people don't like the new Tacomas. Maybe I should take a peek at the new Ranger ... I kid. I kid.

 

A paid off 2005 that has 55,000 miles and a new frame vs a new $40,000 truck with the corresponding payments and insurance.

I'd keep the 2005, myself. For so many reasons. Many of them have already been stated by other members.

That's my vote!!!

 

All depends on you finances. I would keep it as a toy (if you can afford it) since it seems that it doesn't get driven much. I have to say that driving a modern vehicle as a daily is way more comfortable compared to an older vehicle and I would always choose a modern daily driver over an older vehicle.

 

I really like the diversity of opinions here ... it is much appreciated. It is not about money really ... just shooting for greater comfort, a newer vehicle and less things that can go wrong.

Based on all of this I think I am going to stay where I am at and keep the vehicle -- I have another new car that is my daily driver (BMW ... that is thankfully under full warranty coverage).

Honestly, I would feel differently about this if I had a local mechanic that was really good. Those are hard to find on the East Coast, especially in New York.

Still on the fence so keep the debate raging ... .

 

I don't know your financial condition--don't want to know. If your retirement savings is in order and you have no other debts, you might want to go for it. I am retired and living comfortably because I lived debt free for several decades. My gut feel is your truck should serve you well for many more years. The money for a new one could be used well elsewhere. BTW, based on the reported experience of others, you might want to have some extra money in the bank when the Beemer gets above 50k miles.

 

Even if you aren’t worried about monthly as you’d pay cash for a new one... think about all the places you could travel both local and abroad instead... life experiences versus a material thing.

Other than looks and some potential off-road electronics, a new Tacoma still leaves something to be desired if you already have a gen 2.

You have a nice DD in a BMW with fancy gadgets and I assume comfy seats.

Use your truck as a “fun” rig. Use a fraction of the money you’d spend on a new rig to: gen 2.5 front end swap (give it a fresh look), nice suspension, nice head unit/camera etc, and maybe some plush seat covers.

Don’t get caught up in the hype of having a new truck. Being able to use that $$ towards travel and experiences outweighs something new and shiny to me. Especially if you’re young and can physically do those things. It’ll only get harder as you get older, maybe get married and or have kids.

 

If you are wanting more room., I would only agree with selling it for a full size. Otherwise, selling the Tacoma with only 55K, new frame, etc.. for another mid size would not make any financial sense.

 

Of course you are right. My son is getting older and the access cab is starting to get a little tight for him. Who said anything about making financial sense?



Really, comfort is kind of the driver here. I am leaning toward keeping it but it is right on the line ...