Work in healthcare - need a reliable vehicle.

2nd gens are typically in the $10k-$12K range used. Hell, even my 2009 2nd gen double cab with 300k miles is around $9k KBB.

Yes, Toyotas, especially Toyota Trucks are known to be reliable, but reliability goes down if maintenance isn't done. I'd rather buy a 2006 Merecedes E-class with a perfect maintenance record versus a 2006 Tacoma with questionable maintenance.

I think your budget is a bit too tight for a 2nd gen Tacoma. I would recommend a Corolla or Camery to hold you over. Unless you're dead set on buying a truck, maybe get a Nissan Frontier? They're very reliable as well, and will have more that will fall in your budget range.

 

with his budget I would second a NISSAN Frontier they aren't as popular as a Taco but pricewise a better option and are reliable as far as I can tell

 

As much as I love my Tacoma and would recommend one to many folks, the OP doesn't need a truck, has a limited budget, but wants a reliable vehicle. I'd second (and third) the suggestion of a Corolla. They're reliable, simple, relatively inexpensive and pretty easy to find.

From a very personal standpoint, my daily driver is a 2006 Scion xB. I'm on my second one (sold the first to my son with 100,000 on it and it's still going strong with 210,000 miles on it) and bought another 2006 that now has 125,000 miles on it. I can honestly say it's flat out the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned - period. I also drive a 2009 xB at work as a parts delivery vehicle. It's got 200,000 miles on it and still drives great. BTW, 2004-2006 xB's are Yaris based on 2008 and up xB's are Corolla based.

 

Thank you for doing what you do!!!!

 

Honda Element

 

Welcome OP
Don't be hesitant to buy a Truck with Salvage or Rebuilt title either.
I bought my 09 with 70,000 on it for $5K cash
Needed tires and a driveshaft seal.
There are lot's of great advice here to grab a Corolla, I had an '89 wagon that I should have kept.

 

Thanks for replies everyone.

I'm struggling with making a $4k+ purchase on something I'm not intending to keep for a long time, but I suppose that's the situation I'm in.

I've looked at the frontiers. I like them, but they don't have the reputation for reliability that the tacomas do, and the SMOD issue makes me nervous.

I'm worried about being taken advantage of by sellers. I do more than enough research about each vehicle I'm looking at, but can't shake this feeling in my head that I'm not paying a fair price, or that there's going to be some hidden issue with the engine as soon as I drive it off the lot.

I have friends/coworkers that swear on the reliability of the tacoma, and I love the looks. Thats why I've been shopping around for them.

 

Another vote for a Corolla or Camry if the truck is or of the budget.
I found a 2001 Corolla on CL with just under 90k for $2500.
Tune up, struts, brakes, and eventually tires.
Omg, I love that little car. For what it is, it's got a lil pep, turns on a dime, and fits just about everywhere I park it.

 

As a couple others have said, econo box is a better answer, for many reasons.

I'd even suggest selling the bike if it has any value. Raise capital and reduce insurance on something you rarely utilize?

Have the trains stopped running?

 

Op, you’re in Boston, correct? I’d get a Corolla or similar. Easy on gas, small, cheap, reliable and most important: it’ll fit in every parking garage in the city.

 

Then "MAN UP" and figure it out. The answer is not on this forum. You have already recieved conflicting sugestions here. The answer is in your posts......not enough dough, getting married and buying a home. Prioritize what's important to you. Since you say you may not keep whatever you buy for long, only buy what you can afford. OR, if your heart is set on owning a Tacoma, just go buy it!

 

Fair enough. Posted here originally to get opinions on the truck on my original post and the thread got taken in a different direction.

Econobox it is then. I'll be back when I can get my hands on a good tacoma!

Thanks to everyone for the tips.

 

On this forum and others, "opinion" is like opening Pandora's box LOL Good luck in your search. Stay safe and healthy.

 

I would bring a local mechanic to check that Tacoma out. $6K for a 4WD Tacoma is a steal. The 4.0 motor is very reliable and unless it has extensive frame rust, I would buy that Tacoma in a heartbeat. Sorry but a corolla or Honda is not a guarantee to be any more reliable than a Tacoma., only better fuel economy. Buy what you really want versus something you will only keep short term. Hell, when I get called in for my imaging work at my hospital, I drive my '98 TJ. Talking about a questionable reliability vehicle but luckily hasn't let me down.

 

The 05 head gasket issue is way over exaggerated.

The 05 engine mount/frame collapse issue is way over exaggerated as well.

Both 05's and early 06's can have the above issues. The cutoff production date is 11/05 where the above issues were corrected.

$6K is stealing it.

 

Don't be in a rush. It's when most mistakes are made.

Spend a lot of time here reading about various models, various problems (outside of normal wear and tear) and learn how to examine anything you buy well.

Find a local Tacoma group and hang out with them some. Not only will you learn, you should find knowledgeable folk that may be willing to help you with pre purchase exams of the truck when that day comes. You'd be surprised what a 'non buying' set of eyes will see that a buyer glosses over in the heat of the moment.

If you make the effort to find a clean, cosmetically sound econobox that is well maintained mechanically, you'll be shocked when you go to sell it how little it cost you to own. While gas is super cheap now, it won't stay that way. You'll see it back a $4 sooner rather than later. So don't be bedazzled by a truck because of cheap fuel. If you are buying a house a cheap HF trailer will haul a jon boat just fine behind your econobox too. Maybe not on back woods trails, but certainly to lakes with launch sites.

Include Hyundai, Honda, Toyota in your search.

Good luck, stay healthy

 

Any vehicle, any year can have these issues, IMO.

 

Sounds like you need a reality check. Money spent on a wedding is just paying for a party where you are the centre of attention.

Money spent on a vehicle will facilitate the life your wedding should signify.

Invest wisely, in the vehicle and life partnership.

 

Corolla

 

2005 up rav 4 . She go...