In market for used Tacoma for 16yr old son--questions

I think it’s a great idea. Tacoma’s have the reliability that you will appreciate down the road. The main thing I wanted when my son was a teenager was something that was safe. But it also needs to be something that he’ll take a little pride in...and kids won’t take pride in a beater. And here in central Texas, PreRunners still have pretty good resale. Plus, with a PreRunner there are less things in the drivetrain to go wrong.

 

I completely agree with what you're saying. However, for the $ these things are getting at 9+ years old, he can get something equally as reliable for less money, imo. Something decent, in good shape, i.e. not a beater, can be found if you're willing to make a compromise for type, style, color...

I also see peer pressure to fuck around. doNUT! DO NUT DONUT! silly, not necessarily stupid stuff.
can lead to inadvertent Maaco moments and such.

I firmly believe that people, "learn to drive," after they get their license as well. Driver's Ed and the road test are just competency tests.

But hey, like aholes, elbows and opinions, we all have at least one.

 

I don't disagree at all. I do think cultural context informs the perspective on decisions like this. I live in a pretty well off suburb and I see parents ALL THE TIME getting brand new vehicles for their kids who turn 16. Jeeps, full size trucks, BMWs. It blows my mind. The money doesn't really factor into their decision though. So I'm thinking an 11 yo truck that's not completely loaded seems really reasonable for a first car. In someone else's context, this could be seen as an absolute luxury. For the record, my son won't have a truck as expensive as OP is looking at simply because I cannot afford it. He might inherit my truck which will be about 10 yo by then.

 

Dude - That's just mean!

 

Tacomas are way too expensive for a first car.Your son needs a cheap car until he gets a few years of driving under his belt.

 

I got my Tacoma as my first car back in 2017, its a 2013 double cab 4x4. I think that it has been a great first car. It has been super reliable, I've had no problems with it, and will take me anywhere I want to go. It has opened my eyes to the truck/off-roading scene and gave me a new hobby. Also modding it gives me something better to spend my money on than anything else teenagers these days would usually spend money on. It gives me something to take pride in that I built it, gives me experience working on something, and gives me memories that will last forever. I say you couldn't go wrong with a Tacoma or 4Runner for a first vehicle.

 

+1 on this. I bought my first truck within the last couple years, paid for it myself. My dad gave me one requirement when looking for a truck, it had to be a manual. I'm glad he made me get a manual, IMO it teaches you to be a better driver. That being said, any tacoma (that he pays for) will be a great first vehicle.

 

It’s commendable for a going on 16 boy to have saved like he did, congratulations. I believe most spend every dime that makes in their pocket on video games and slurpees. I’ve seen my spoiled nieces and nephews destroy their first free car, then go on to say what are you going to buy me now?

I’m thinking he saved it, let him spend it on what he wants. Bring someone who know how to check it out, or have it checked by a shop you trust. A manual transmission keeps the hands busy so less chance to be on the phone while driving. Better yet would be a head unit with hands free text and calling.

It’s hard to beat a Toyota for reliability. As long as it was maintained properly you’ll get many years of service outta it.

 

The manual tranny does make you pay more attention to your driving due to the shifting and clutch usage. My daughter struggled (with me trying to teach her) more than my son did. Kept using mom's car - automatic. Finally gave her an ultimatum.....learn to drive the stick in 2 months or I am selling the Jeep and she will get a Chevy Cavalier auto instead. She learned in less than a month with her then boyfriend teaching her.

And, both kids are glad they learned to drive the stick. Each hopes to have another one of these days.

A stick is FUN to drive, too!!!!

 

My opinion would be to get him an older model Tacoma. If he’s set on second Gen, I’d go with 05-08 for the best price you can find less than 200k miles. If he’s not set on second Gen then first gens are still very similar (in terms of how to work on them) to second/third gens. This will get him in the Tacoma and allow him to get to know the truck, which will help him when he decides to get another truck. 05-21 Tacoma’s have very minimal differences and if he can learn his regular maintenance and how to work on the older model, he’ll be ready once he gets a newer one (assuming that’s what he will want).

 

I'm not sure why everyone thinks kids wreck their first vehicles. Not every kid is the same. My first wreck wasn't till i was out of college and it wasn't caused by me or a teen. If your kid is laid back like you say he is then it wont be a problem and it sounds like he really wants a Tacoma so he will baby that truck. My first truck was a 99 Tacoma (hence the name) at the age of 17. It was handed down from my brother who bought it at 17 and that truck was kept in good care because we took pride in it.

You buy him something he doesnt want and he wont take pride in it.

just my .02

 

A nice first gen 4x4 with a slow 22RE engine. Will take abuse from a first time driver and be safer than a car possibly. Peace of mind 4wd too.

This is my first Toyota pickup with the 22RE and 4x4 and manual. Awesome first Toyota truck. This is the truck that got me hooked on Toyota

 

My son's first car: 1992 Nissan 240SX. Bought it with a blown engine @ 150,000 miles, he rebuilt the engine. Still drives it. Just hit 367,000 miles. Oh, sold him my wife's 2006 CRV, working AC!

Yes, Prerunners have lower resell, but that is fine! It's a 2WD truck with a higher suspension. South Texas, Farm Roads is an ideal vehicle.

I'm near Austin, TX. Tacoma has a high resell, period. The second generation is good, if you are near the coast watch out for rust or someone who took it fishing on the beach (salt water is bad news).

Maybe something with high visibility! Not a clue why anyone would paint a Tacoma High Viz yellow, but everyone in town will know whose driving!
https://austin.craigslist.org/cto/d/austin-2008-toyota-tacoma/7315626053.html
I'll capture the photo. Probably explains the $8000 price!

 

you cant go wrong with either a Corolla or Camry

 

You will NEVER get a consensus here! Just buy him what he wants within your budget....you'll be fine

 

Lol, bad idea

 

Like Harrison said above I think it is a perfect first car although maybe 4x4 for off road safety. He can mod it a little and take pride in his truck.

My kids have toyota's and they are reliable

 

X2. Some of the comments think its a bunch of old people yelling get off my lawn! Everyone is like get a beater, sorry but I am not putting my kid in a $1000 piece of shit. I want something to get them safely from point A to point B. Furthermore, if I am reading this right the kid is footing the bill.

My first car was a free, butterscotch color 1978 Datsun 210B in 1995. Absolutely the biggest piece of crap. Holes in floorboards, rigged electrical system from someone trying to steal it, and not enough power to get out of the way. First time dad had to drive to work in place of his car, I got upgraded to something at least built in the current decade.

OP if snow/slick conditions are not an issue where you live then a PreRunner will be fine. Make sure he has quality tires for when rain comes. Overall solid trucks.

 

Not sure why everyone is thinking the tacoma is a bad idea. If your son crushes it, so what? That's what insurance is for. And the important part is that it's a SAFE and RELIABLE vehicle.

So long as snow isn't a factor I would say go for it. 2wd tacos hold their value just fine. It's just that their value is a little less

 

What about a 1999 Tacoma prerunner? Someone has one for 7500(probably room to negotiate) 140k mileage. Looks clean and decent and room for him to mess with it and make it his own. Or is that too old? lol