Get the 2018? Sell my beloved 2006? What would you do?

I'd appreciate your ear and advice. I have a shot at getting a low milage 2018 double-cab, long bed, TRD Off Road for a good price. It needs some body work but my buddy and I can do that and it won't cost too much. Engine is sound. I currently have a very sound, very well cared for 2006 TRD access cab with 145,000. IF i were to get this truck, I would have to sell my 2006. There's nothing wrong w the 2006. I have taken excellent care of it.
I am looking at retirement in the next couple of years. I want to get everything set and not have to worry about getting a new vehicle. Getting the 2018 now seems to make sense. However, I have heard alot of negative things about how it , 'hunts for gears".
Right now, I use the 2006 for weekend camping trips, backroads, hunting, and occasional multi-state trips. When I retire, I plan on making cross country trips and doing ALOT of exploring,.
I will admit... it is going to KILL me to sell the 2006 but.. I need to make the wise and practical decision. I'd like to hear what you all would do. Thanks in advance.

 

Gear hunting is a thing .. but with a ov tune it will fix it . How many miles on the 18 ? What do u mean by body damage ? This a salvage title ?

 

Set aside the funds you would use to upgrade for a spare engine to keep on the backburner when the 06 engine inevitably goes


JK, judging by your description, moving up to the 2018 now sounds like the move. Most of the negatives I've seen for it are pretty easily fixable, provided you're willing to pursue those fixes. IE "hunting gears" is supposedly a very quick fix with a proper tune which I believe costs around $500?

If I was in your position, I would probably keep the 06 myself. I'm a big proponent of the "if it ain't broke" mindset when it comes to larger scale items like vehicles (read: not when it comes to smaller mods for the vehicle)

I'll also say. at 145k miles, that really isn't all that much for an 06 taco especially if it's in the condition you say it is. The 2018 would have to be one hell of a steal for me to consider upgrading.

 

I would test drive the hell out of it. Every scenario you can think of. Back roads, highway, hills, stop and go. It’s a little bit of a swing from the 2nd gen. You do get used to it. But if I’m being honest I still regret getting rid of my 2nd gen. This is all an opinion. I would strongly urge you to do a lengthy and thorough test drive.

Btw welcome to TW!

 

Yep. Salvage title. 35,000 miles. One front quarter panel, door dings, and new rear bumper and tail light. I would not plan on selling.

 

That second gen has a lot of life left in it at 147k I would imagine. I think either truck is going to last for what you need it to do, it's just a matter of which one you'd rather pay for to do it in.

 

I mean the 18 should last more than the 06. The gear searching isn't bad if it has the TSB done, they fixed it. Make sure it has the fuel pump recall done too. I think they reflashed my ECU when I had the fuel pump done and it shifts so much better. It's like a new truck. As others have said the OVtune will help too.

 

To me, salvage title, cross country trips, and exploring don’t go together, but I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a risk taker.

 

Salvage title doesn't always mean the damage affected the drivability or longevity of the car, but I don't blame anyone for avoiding a salvage title

 

Buyer beware, a lot of third gens get totaled out for what looks like minor body damage. If the bumper / hitch mounts are bent to the point of being kinked walk away the frame is trash in Toyota's book and needs to be replaced.

There's not a chance in hell i'd buy anything these days with body damage unless I was buying it directly from the insurance company that declared the loss. There's way too much doctored up salvage out there where the sellers are looking for marks

 

Absolutely agree. May look like a deal but you’re opening up a can of worms if you’re looking for longevity.

 

I would keep the 2nd gen for sure. I’m biased because I own an 07, but just based on what I hear about the 3rd gen, I would wait to upgrade until Toyota steps their game up. Also losing 500 cc of displacement sucks.

 

I am always leery of salvage vehicles. Having said that if the deal is awesome and the truck checks put with no frame, suspension or drivetrain damage, it might be cool. I think the 3rd gen Taco is the best looking Toyota truck yet. Love mine.

 

I was saved from making this decision. My daughter got my 2nd gen 2010 trd or 4x4 when she turned 16, so it’s still in the family!

 

I wouldn’t trade a perfect 145K ‘06 for a salvage titled ‘18. If you’re looking to upgrade and drive all over the country with it for many years, your better off keeping the truck you have now and know everything about, than even a 3 year old one you don’t know anything about (which will have terrible resale value as a salvage if it turned out to be a piece of crap or had other issues that figured into the salvage title that you don’t know about now, like a bent frame that was straightened or something). I’d pass or hold out for something better.

 

1) why is it salvage? Your repair list isn't it, so what was the original damage?

2) will your insurance carrier of choice cover a salvage title vehicle? Many wont.

Whatever the cost entry to the '18, you are buying 110k miles. Yes, 12 years too, but does that really matter?

Personally if I wanted to update I'd jump to a 20 or 21 SR or SR5, private sale and/or off lease, not dealer priced.

Gas rising, economy still shaky, there are over extended owners out there who will be in need of backing down their expenses

 

If you love your 2006, keep it.
If you think you need a retirement vehicle, trade it for a 2021.

 

A quarter panel isn't enough to earn a salvage title. I'd keep the perfectly good 2006 until something less wrecked comes along.

 

Keep the 06,unless you really want or need a double cab.Your 06 will go another 200k in miles.

 

I hate to muddle the situation here...but...
Have you considered a "vehicle inspection" on the '18?
Just another angle to consider.
It may be worth the cost...
I do agree with the general consensus to keep your '06 though..