Keep or buy new advice ...

I also had an ‘05 and wanted to jump to a 3rd gen. I had a little over 100k miles on my double cab and private partied it for almost 15k. Bought a new 2019 last year and couldn’t be happier. The tech is great, power sliding back window, heated mirrors, more comfortable. Every time I get in to drive it makes me smile. Just my 2 cents.

 

Insurance rate will probably be cheaper. That’s been the case for my last several new trucks. They give new vehicle discounts because the newer vehicles have the latest greatest in safety features.

 

He's going to be 8 and he is a big kid. I hear you on looking into the DC Tacoma and agree with you wholeheartedly.

 

All good points ... I am trying to drive it more. I bought it for a side project I was working on and also take it camping here and there but I definitely see your point. I would say more comfort is the key driver. Navigation and modern tech features are secondary but still there ...

 

I hear you. I bought it with extremely low miles. Long story but the guy who owned it before me only drove it on the weekends in the summer ... to take his surfboard to the beach (on Long Island in the Hamptons). He found he wasn't using it and sold it to a dealer that I bought it from. I only drive it on weekends ... occasionally. We take it camping and use it here and there for a project I am working on but rarely drive it during the week. I am trying to drive it more and more, though, to keep it in running ... and as others here have pointed out these trucks needs to be driven to stay in good shape.

 

???

 

Not sure what you are showing me but I just searched the internet and found several SR’s like I described advertised for slightly over 30 so I assume they can be had for just under. 2019 anyway. I bought my 2018 back in 2018 for 29 and a little change. Double cab, V-6, 4WD, convenience package and even had step bars on side.

 

I understand the desire to buy new, but I'm w/ the keep the old truck group. Seems like it'll last a long time and it looks clean. Stick it out! Enjoy saving some $$ in the process.

 

My 2 cents. You have a 2005 with 55k on it. You dont drive a truck enough to warrant a new one. Keep this kne, its not broken in yet.

 

I'd be willing to guess that you could fetch about $10k if you sold private party. I'd focus on keeping the truck as you've already spent all the time and money on preserving it. At 55,000 miles, it's just getting broken in.

Out of curiosity, about how much did the rustoration cost?

 

You are probably right ... but if the truck was more comfortable (had more room in the backseat for the kid, the dog, etc.) I probably would drive it more. Also, it is really not about the money ... but I completely understand your point.

 

I think I paid $175 for the Restoration (the refresh next year is only like $75, I think). The guy was great. I dropped it off, went to a diner and he did it. I am in NY and I have no rust so I felt good about the job. I confess that I wanted to use Krowne (I know them from my time in Canada where they are extremely popular). I am also aware of Fluid Film. The Restoration guy has three products and I deferred to him on the best one. I remember his saying that the product he uses is more of a commercial product (I think they use if for military vehicles but I could be wrong). Here is the link to the three: KBS Coatings, Fluid Film and NHOU Oil Undercoating. But I am no expert ...

Hope that helps !

http://rustoration.com/about-us/

 

My son is 6 and is 4’6” - 84 lbs (biggest 1st grader in his school). I’m 6’2” and already see my DC running out of room with him sitting behind me in a booster. Taco is the perfect size for me but I’m going to be forced into a Tundra before he hits middle school.

 

This is exactly my challenge! My kid is a beast (tallest kid in second grade) so I totally understand. I am not that tall, however. This is the challenge that I have -- size and comfort are more important to me than the money. Although it does seem crazy to pay $40K for a pick up truck. Most of the people I know have trucks that are more expensive than my BMW.

But so far I am leaning to the keep it. The kid will go in the front and the wife will go in the AC ! ... I kid. I kid.

 

I don't like the 3.5 engine and oil filter setup. Everything else is good to go but I wouldn't let my 2nd gen DC go just yet.

 

It sounds like your situation is your child is outgrowing the access cab rear seat. When I was truck shopping last year, I considered the new Chevy Colorado, the Honda Ridgeline, and the Tacoma. What I wanted was a small truck, single cab. Something no longer made by anyone. The compromise is an access cab.

The Ridgeline is much higher rated by consumer reports. I comes with one 3.5 v6 engine and 9 speed automatic only, in all trim levels.

The Colorado is available with I4 2.5, turbo diesel 2.8 4, or 3.6 v6 and 8 speed auto or 6 speed manual. Of these 3, consumer reports rates it the lowest.

The Tacoma is available in multiple trim levels, I4 2.7, v6 3.5, 6 speed manual, 6 speed automatic. Everything I read about the Tacoma, it always said the v6 manual is the better setup. New, there was 1 trim level that is available with that combo, and it’s a 4wd. I had already accepted I’d have to get an access cab, unless I went bigger like a f150. But a f150 won’t fit my driveway unless I remove my side porch. For me, that put 2 strikes against buying a new Tacoma. I don’t want 4wd or access cab.

I don’t recall it being available when I was shopping, but the GMC Sierra with its cool tailgate is something special.

For me, I’ve always been happiest with a Toyota under me, or a Yamaha between my legs. That’s a huge factor on why I chose a Tacoma. My opinion, if you want to stay with Toyota, find a used double cab 2nd gen. Good luck finding one, at least with a v6 mt. Those who have them aren’t selling them. When they do hit the market they’re snatched up quickly.

 

Lots of money for a new truck. Don't forget registration, excise tax, etc. All that is more expensive on New vehicles.

That being said... Go test drive. I'll never own another daily driver without adaptive cruise control.

 

My gotta have it is abs. Raining, in my 87 el camino, light turns red, everyone in front of me does an abs stop. Screeeech smash I into a new benz. I’ll never own a vehicle without abs again.

 

3rd gen manual comes in 3 trims.
TRD OR: Double cab only
TRD SPORT: Access and Double Cab
TRD PRO: Double cab only.

 

I had an 07 6MT access cab and sold it a few years back. I missed it and was looking at getting a 2012-2015 Double cab 6MT but ended up spending a few grand more getting a great deal on a 2020 tacoma. New truck is nice, but I loved my old truck too. Either is a good choice. Just depends on if you are willing to spend money on a new truck. Is it worth it to you?