Trading 2021 Taco for 2004 Taco

Hey everyone, first post here. I have a 2021 Tacoma (Auto, SR5, Ext Cab) with less than 12k miles in excellent shape. Just a few very small scratches here and there. I found a 2004 (manual with V6, not TRD) with just over 100k miles, had it inspected, and it’s also in excellent shape for its age. The dealer has offered me $13.5k to trade. Doing the math, it’s virtually the same as me selling my truck privately for $32k and buying a similar 2004 for $18k. Would you trade?!

*Follow up: What’s the most you’d pay for a 2004 ExtCab, 4x4, 3.4L V6, 5 speed, just over 100k miles, rust free, nice interior Taco? It’s been inspected and it doesn’t need any major repairs/maintenance. If $18k is nuts, what’s reasonable?

 

Hard to imagine a 2004 worth $18k honestly. What do you want to do with a first gen? DD swaps doesn't make sense. Are you building a trail rig?

 

One of the local dealerships gave me 24,400 for my 2017 SR 4x4 68k miles towards my 2023 limited 4x4. Sell the truck then buy it with the sale money?

 

You’re saying you would walk away with a clear title to the new truck and 13.5k cash in your pocket?

 

For that price I’d drive to another state to get a 1st gen. $18k is bonkers.

 

Why do you want a 17 year older truck?

 

The price bubble could pop one day for tacomas, and this is 100% the highest 1st gen price I've seen.

I'd rather get a lower price, and dump money into the truck as I see fit.

"mint" doesn't ensure problem free.

 

sell your Truck private !! Buy the 2004 if your happy with that Truck.

Anytime you trade a vehicle on a new vehicle to a dealer your getting the shaft some place.

 

It seems nuts to get $33-34k for a 2021 so I’d like to take advantage and get a 1st gen that I’ve wanted for a long time. My wife pitched in to buy the 2021 so I’d also like to pay her back since prices are so damn high.

 

I got $30k + a new set of tires for my 2016 Sport with 50k on it when I bought my 2020 TRD OR.

A couple months later the dealer called offering more than I paid for the TRD OR to get it back. I told them I'd straight swap it for a top trim new Tundra. They politely declined.
I just bought my brother's 2012 TRD OR for $15k. I'm going to pick it up in April

Resale value on the Tacomas is nuts

 

That’s kind of what I’ve been thinking since I’d eventually want to put some aftermarket suspension on it. I know $18k is a lot but it seems like the going rate for 1st gen Tacos with low mileage. People are selling $200k+ 1st gens for $20k+

 

Yep, they get the 2021 and I get the 2004, which has a clear title and only needs minor repairs, with $13.5k in my pocket.

 

Tell me about it! This 2004 has almost the whole front suspension replaced, no rust and the timing belt was replaced. Seems like a solid truck but the price is so high.

 

Sell private party. Will get more money for sure. Then buy a different 1st gen.

The fact it only has 100k miles means it was driven short trips it's whole life, or it sat for a long time. Neither are good things. I'd rather pay half for a truck with double the mileage. Leaves you room for repairs.

 

No way especially not for a non-trd. Is it even 4x4? Is this ext cab or single cab? 18k is absurd IMO but I guess a good deal is in the eye of the beholder.

 

Hard pass
18k for a 1st gen that seems foolish to me..

 

Thanks for the input!

 

Ah good point. It’s not a TRD, but is 4x4 ext cab. I thought it might be worth it since it’s the V6, manual, and only $120k miles. Also the body and frame is solid and it’s been well taken care of. But I 100% hear what you’re saying.

 

That’s a great point. I’m thinking the same that I should hold out for something for a less steep price.

 

Mileage at least in my opinion, means a lot less than it's chalked up to be in first gens. $18k for 120k miles is way too steep anyway.

As long as they're maintained and most importantly rust free, I wouldn't be scared of one north of 200k at all.

Sell the '21 privately and look for a decent first gen. You're gonna come out of it way better off than the current deal.

If you're willing to travel (assuming you're on the west coast) the east coast has seemingly way better deals on the odd clean first gen that pops up. Have to be pretty diligent about rust, but minty ones do pop up now and then. West coast folks are definitely paying a fat premium on old Toyotas