What should i buy / look for. $12k for an offload vehicle...

Okay, so after my recent Off Roading experience with my 09 PreRunner, i've decided to give my truck to my wife and buy me a used truck that i won't mind getting banged up a little.

What would you guys suggest as my best bet? Just look for a used 4x4 Tacoma w/ TRD package or ... ?

Would i be better off with a 2nd gen or a 1st gen? I know the 2nd gen would be harder to find, but i'm patient (sometimes!)...

I've got a 12k budget.

Thanks!
-Flashy

 

Lol found this:
http://augusta.craigslist.org/cto/2225423746.html

Eh?

 

Jeep?
http://columbia.craigslist.org/cto/2225388268.html
Taco?
http://columbia.craigslist.org/ctd/2181719802.html

I like the jeep, if i had an extra 5500 money tree in the woods id be all over it to use specifically for offroading

 

so this is gonna be your DD?

 

Nice finds. I do like that jeep! I planted a money tree in my back yard but... darn thing won't grow. Where's the Money tree forum?

113, My bad.. what's DD? I will use this vehicle to and from work also, but i only live 1 mile from work.

 

DD= Daily Driver

 

1st gen access cab taco with V6 5 speed 4x4 TRD offroad

 

a $12K tacoma

though on a more serious note i would love to get a wrangler (didn't see your links, but im guessing thats what you found). another great vehicle for a DD, off-roader and reliability is the regular cherokee. my brother had a 99' with the straight 6 and i loved it. had a lift and some 285's on it. good in the mud, not a bad DD (got a little shaky and stiff after all the mods lol) but very reliable and not too too bad on gas. that 4.0 is one of the best motors ever made if you ask me.

 

what he said^

i was wondering since you might be worried about gas mileage, but if your not, maybe find a decent priced jeep and lift it, my friend lifted his jeep and put 33's on for about 2200 i believe and that included installation. or maybe even a used 1st gen tacoma if you dont want to go the jeep route since it is your DD

 

Get a 1st gen reg cab 4x4, they are awesome off-road and are good on gas.

 

If it's not going to be your Daily Driver you should get yourself a nice Solid Axle Toyota dude!! If you want to do some good wheeling stay away from the IFS. Just my $0.02

 

x2 id go this route or jeep

 

Found this joker:
Truncated Crazy Link

It's already got some mud tires and a lift i think. Is the regular cab better because it's shorter? I noticed a lot of you guys had Quad Cabs..

Are jeeps as reliable as the tacomas?

 

Go old school...



http://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-trailers-sale-wanted/460233-67-fj40-augusta-ga.html

http://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-trailers-sale-wanted/435245-beautiful-1976-fj-40-a.html

 

Have you consulted the wife on this?

 

She'll find out eventually

What is IFS?

How many miles on a Tacoma should scare me lol?

Found this guy. But i'd have to drive a long ways to get him!

 

its a toyota, so irrelevant question . . . though seriously for 12K i wouldnt buy anything with over 150K. then again if you know it's been taken care of, so on, so on. revert back to my original answer.

 

Independant Front Suspension

 

Thanks. I was looking at this one:
http://jackyjoneslincolnmercury.com...OTA_TACOMA_Gainesville_4TAWN72NXTZ206662.aspx

But then i noticed this in it's notes:
Independent Coil-spring Double-wishbone Front Suspension W/Gas-filled Shock Absorbers

Not so good for muddin' aye?

 

That truck looks a little overpriced.