Looking at a 2015 4cyl with 58,000mi for $15k

Hey y'all. I know this is a very subjective subject, but I am in a predicament and thought I would see if I could drum up any helpful oppinions.

I have the opportunity to buy a 2015 4cyl 5speed MT SR5 with 58,000 in very good condition for 15,000 in Montana. Taco's going for blue book price here is RARE. I drove it last night and it looks great, feels great and it seems like the owner is a real straight shooter. It is untouched as far as aftermarket stuff goes. To start I would need to put a cap on it, a receiver hitch for towing a raft, and definitely new tires/wheels. That is a chunk of money.

The problem is, I've got a 2004 SR5 4cyl extra cab that I mostly love EXCEPT that it is an automatic transmission and very uncomfortable on long road trips. It has an awesome aftermarket stereo system, aftermarket lights and runs like a top with 129,000 miles on it. I love the size of the truck for driving around town, but the 2015 felt like it would be so much nicer for road trips down to the desert ect. On the other side of that coin, it felt like it would be a little less capable stock off-road and much more Truck-y to drive around town with.

My concerns are following:
-the auto 4wheel drive shifter is probably less reliable
-that I'll buy the second-gen and wish that I had my first back
-that the newer 4cyl has so many electronics on it that it will be more difficult to fix

Anyone have thoughts? Anyone regret upgrading to a second gen on a good deal?

 

Man that sounds like a great buy.

Most people who have issues with the auto 4WD selector have drivin through deep water. My 4cyl 5sp has 220k and I've never had trouble with the 4x4 switch. I use it ALL the time which probably helps.

The 2015 4 cylinder is extremely reliable. That's a great truck and part of a dying breed. I might just have to go swoop it out from under you.

 

@andrew61987 even 4 low? It took me a long time to get it to go in his.

He is holding it for me until Friday. I have the funds to just buy it, so I am thinking about doing it, driving it for a few weeks and seeing how I like it and then deciding whether to get rid of the 2004 or the 2015. I honestly think most of the reason I don't want it is attachment to my first-gen. But that 5sp manual is calling my name after 6 years of the 4cyl paired to an auto.

It does seem like a deal i want to pass up. I'll throw some pictures up.

 

I drive over 1000 miles a year in 4 LO, constantly going back and forth between 4LO and 2HI in the process. I almost never use 4HI. Basically, I use the shit out of that selector. Every now and then I have to try twice or maybe roll back and forth a few inches and try again but it always goes in.

 

here are some shots of the rig

 

seems decent, I wouldn't worry too much about the electronic 4wd, just gotta use it every once in a while keep those actuators on their feet.

 

Less capable?! Stock tacoma could do well as long you got good tires!

 

Why not keep both, since you can afford it? Then, never any regrets later if you make the wrong decision on getting rid of one.

 

I think you should run away, as fast as you can. Just let me know where it is first.

 

I've got enough to have both at once, but not enough to keep both otherwise, the decision would be obvious.

This is a tough decision guys....I am at a standstill with what to do here.

 

15,000 is a great deal.

You have the funds for it, and you’ve already mentioned buying it and driving it for awhile to decide. Sounds like a really safe bet.

Buy it, drive it for a month. At the end of the month if you miss your 1st gen you’ll easily be able to sell the 2nd gen for the same or more.

For what it’s worth, I love my 2nd gen access cab

 

It just felt like the bigger body would be less maneuverable than the 04'. Anyone experience this?

I wonder if there would be any difference in maintenance costs. When do people start having things go wrong with the earlier 4cyl? never?

Yeah, you are probably right about this. Baring a total economic collapse, I can turn around and sell it for what i bought it for.

@eccracer104 ....but did you ever own a first-gen?

 

Never owned one, but familiar with them and driven them Offroad. They’re definitely more maneuverable feeling since they’re a little smaller. With the exception of an obstacle near me called “the squeeze” - 1st gens fit through it more easily - I’ve never encountered a situation a 1st gen could get through that my truck couldn’t. The 2nd gen is for sure bigger, but just as capable. Bonus points for more comfort and convenience inside.

 

yeah, my impression after driving it was that it would be immensely more comfortable on long road trips to the desert than the 1st gen. It seemed much quieter and smoother on the highway too.

 

I've been saving pennies since the minute I bought the 04' to upgrade to a second-gen. Now the perfect deal rolls around and I am trigger-shy.

 

Belly looks clean. Anybody done Carfax before? Any good reason to?

 

Carfax is probably a good idea for any automotive purchase. Keep in mind that is not necessarily 100% accurate.

 

I have done some free VIN checks and nothing sketchy has come up. No salvage/accidents/ect. What is the advantage of doing CARFAX vs something like the vincheck.info?

 

I used a carfax competition several years ago, got a "no problems response," but a careful check of the data showed the odometer had been rolled back. Not familiar with the one you mention.

This one looks good--no sign of body work that I can see.

 

just did the carfax and it looks clean. There is not much documentation of mileage because his dad is a mechanic and he is a diesel mechanic, so they did everything themselves.