Continue modding 2009 Tacoma, or buy and mod a 1985 Toyota

I’ve been going back and forth on this one...I love my Tacoma, and have done a decent amount to it, but I wonder if my money would be better spent turning a 1985 into the perfect off roader. My Tacoma is extremely capable, and I rarely if ever push it to its max. That being said, I would feel more comfortable pushing the limits in an older/secondary rig...

I have a small obsession with the 70 series land cruisers, and I feel like the 1985 Toyota we have in the states is maybe the closest looking/functioning counterpart. Short of smuggling one into Alabama, I think I could turn an 85 into something extremely close to those awesome Aussie rigs.

Option 1- put 10k or more into an 85 to get it up to snuff and keep my Tacoma as more of a daily driver/kid hauler as that time is rapidly approaching...

Option 2- put less than 10k into the Tacoma- 35’s, Kings, random other goodies.

Option 3- do both

 

Speaking from experience, having a very capable off roader that is beat and ugly, is a blast. I have a ‘78 F150 with a 460 and 38.5” boggers that is rusty, dented, and multi colored. If I bump into a tree, “Oh darn”. The only thing that would bother me would be if I rolled it and busted the windows out of it.

 

Option #1

When you break the trail rig (and you will), you still have wheels to get you where you need to go.

Not picking on you with saying you’ll break the truck. If you are going to “push the limits” stuff can break. I’ve learned a lot about the limits, mostly by breaking stuff.

 

If you have a beautiful dent free truck, you will probably never have the opportunity to say, “Hang on. This is gonna be interesting. I think we can make it.” Or, “I wonder where this trail goes. I hope it comes out somewhere cause we’re not backing up that hill”, or the more common, “Hold by beer and watch this shit”.

 

Tough to say no to a classic Marty McFly truck. The taco is more powerful, comfortable and better engineered. The 85 is classic, beautiful and far more rare than a tacoma. Bro, I couldn’t make that decision. Good luck.

 

The 85 will always be worth more money.

 

If I’m totally honest with myself, the Tacoma meets my needs exceptionally well. The 1985 can’t haul a family to have fun in the woods, and off-roading alone with wifey at home with a kid would be no fun for multiple reasons...

I would get most of my entertainment from building the 1985. I would take it out on the same trails my Tacoma does. Maybe try a new trail or two, but at the end of the day not 10k worth of gained trail usage. Not saying this is a bad reason to buy, because I love building and tinkering...

I take for granted just how well suited the Tacoma is for my needs. It’s not perfect at anything, but it’s the most well rounded vehicle for me. It has just enough power, just enough hauling capability. But it’s small enough for the trail, big enough to haul my tractor, can fit four humans, hauls building material, makes deliveries for my business, has nice creature comforts, fun to tinker with...I don’t think there’s a better fit for me in the vehicle world.

Unless there would have been a 1985 double cab... haha

 

Well then you already knew your own answer,so why ask here.

 

Put front and rear Tesla motors into the ‘85 and you’re all set

 

Sometimes it takes the asking of the question, to find out the answer is sometimes in the question one has asked of others, or of oneself. It's just part of the process.

 

Curious to know other people’s experiences who may have done the same/similar. This seemed like a great place to start. Question is still open though. Maybe the answer isn’t yes or no, but wait.

 

I think my next Tacoma will be electric- if and when that ever happens. I think that would be a big enough jump to get me to upgrade.