Soon-to-be father anxious about high mileage taco

As the title states, my wife and I are expecting this upcoming June, and I'm considering upgrading my '12 with 135k miles to a newer 3rd gen. I haven't had a single major issue with the truck, but I can't help but be concerned since it's the vehicle we take on all of our long out of town trips. I'd hate to break down in Southern AZ with the youngster on board...

Am I being too paranoid? I'm sure I can get many, many more miles out of it, but the anxiety of approaching 150k on a lot of original parts is getting to me... thanks in advance

 

Keep up with recommended maintenances and you will be just fine! You'll make it another 135k no problem! To make yourself feel better maybe take it in to a trusted local shop and let him know your situation and ask for a thorough inspection. As a mechanic I can admit that when people tell me why/ what they want inspected thoroughly I will really take my time more than when our service advisor says "look it over" because It is less likely that I am wasting my time because I know the owner cares about the condition of their vehicle. To be clear I do always give it a once over when I am supposed too.

 

Can you swing another vehicle ? We had a Sienna years ago, thing was the ultimate family hauler.

 

Having a baby and wanting to create more debt, take it from me my 2 are 19 and 22 I’d try real hard not to spend anything. That taco will last longer than the kids will be in school.

 

I'd keep the '12, even with maintenance and replacing things as they wear out it will be cheaper and arguably more reliable.

Especially right now is not the time to be buying a vehicle, supply shortages have lead to insane price hikes.

 

Let's assume a (super unlikely) worst case scenario here like your engine or transmission needs a rebuild or a replacement shortly after posting this and you need to cough up 4-5k. How does this compare with getting 20-30k in additional debt by buying a new vehicle?

The cost to benefit ratio almost always leans to keeping your existing truck IMO. Keeping your existing truck is a (worst case) four figure decision, but buying a new one is (likely) a five figure decision, and this is coming from a salesman. I think that if you're up to date, you're not even halfway through your particular truck's life man...

 

260k on my '10 absolutely no worries of it leaving me stranded, I take it out of state and play hard with it and still trust it to get me home.

 

Op. Keep it.

 

They are expensive, especially the first (no handmedowns). I’d say if money was even slightly in the back of your mind regarding a new baby coming then wait at least a yr (then you’d at least know/have an idea of cost)

 

Good maintenance = good service.

Be vigilant with your maintenance and repairs and you should have many more miles of reliable service.

Since you won't have a loan on a newer truck divert the payment money into savings every month, if something major occurs you will have ready cash to cover the repair.

 

Take any down payment money you have and throw it into a diaper fund.

 

From everything I've heard and seen 135k isnt anything to worry about as long as proper preventative maintenance has been done. Like others have said take it to someone you trust and have them look it all over. When I was a mechanic I got very familiar with a few tacomas and 4 runners with the 4.0 and they were always in very good shape mechanically. Only had to come in for oil changes and tires. Biggest reason I saved up and got my 2015 tacoma. Much cheaper to fix a few problems if any than to get a new truck. Plus the 2012-2015 are some of the best year tacomas in my opinion.

 

Dude! KEEP IT!

Just set some aside for the expected usual maintenance that comes with that mileage. It shouldn't be too much. A lot of stress floating around when you are expecting but the taco shouldn't be a reason to worry

I would say getting a new vehicle right now would be the worst decision. Wait until things settle down after the birth and then make your judgement call again if it's in the budget and truly something you wanted. But willing to bet your taco will still be chugging along. Especially if it's only at 130k now!

Also, congrats DAD!

 

Oh and also congrats man! Being a dad is by far the best thing ever!

 

Thanks y'all. I'll admit I kind of knew what the consensus would be, but ya know, it always helps to hear it spelled out as you guys did. Free therapy

I'm extremely good with my maintenance. I even have a notebook in the center console documenting everything I've done since 40k when I bought it.

 

This is what I'm thinking. My wife has a little Honda fit with too many miles. We can easily afford to upgrade her vehicle to something road trip worthy

 

Then you're definitely way on top of the folks who don't do a single bit of maintenance and still hit 300k.

 

dude, there ya go, you still keep the Taco and upgrade to something reliable for the whole family! win win

 

OP, on a piece of paper write 2012 on one side and 3rd Gen on the other side. List the Pro and Con of each. You know your financial situation the best, your wants and desires and how much your piece of mind is worth.

I think you will find you are the best person to answer your question. My 2016 has been rock solid, but there have been 3rd Gen owners stranded on the road with a bad Crankshaft Position Sensor. So a 3rd Gen does not mean you won't break down in AZ.

Welcome to parenthood.

 

Good advice. I did this with marriage and it didn't go over well...