Buying Used... What to Prioritize?

Hey everyone,

Loooonggg time lurker here who's actually ready to buy a new vehicle. It's a horrific time to buy but oh well, don't really have a choice. Tacoma prices are eye-watering, but a DC 2nd Gen was my dream truck in high school and it's now attainable, even if overpriced. Depending on what the 4th Gen looks like tomorrow and how it (and the new Colorado) prices out in a few years, I may sell this to upgrade. But I typically am in the "drive it to the wheels fall off" category.

I'm looking at 2013-2015s with 4WD. Near me, there are usually a few for sale in the 45000 - 70000 mileage range around $30k. Price drops to $22k-$25k for 100,000 miles and sub $20k for 150,000+ miles. What range would y'all look for? I'm leaning towards buying the cleanest truck I can find for $30k but worried my nostalgia is getting the best of me. Saving $5,000 sounds like a good deal with the reliability of the 4.0L.

I'm in the Carolinas, so rust isn't an issue. I don't plan on modding it other than tint as I don't do any crazy off-roading. I feel insane even thinking about $30k for a 10 year old truck but I've been keeping my current car alive for the last 2 years waiting for prices to settle. Used 3rd Gens are out of the question since the price differential is almost non-existent. I've considered buying a new 2023 but really dont want to spend $40k on a vehicle right now. I have the cash so I can afford it, but it's still a little too much. Thanks!

 

If you have a personal mechanic or a very good shop close. The truck you decide to look at I’d take it to them and have them give it a complete once over. It’s worth the $100-150 bucks it will cost you. Once they give the report you can use that as a negotiating factor. The price sounds about right for a good clean 2012-2015 4wd. Good luck.

 

Lack of rust and maintenance records.

Personally I’m not spending $30k on a 8 year old truck.

If you’re willing to spend $30k, also look at lightly used 3rd gens that are in the lower 30s.

 

Asked what state the truck was purchased from and then look on this map.only buy in white.

 

Yup, definitely getting a PPI. Don't have a mechanic I use so I'll have to trust the google reviews but I'm definitely getting it inspected.

 

That's what I wanted to hear. I think I'm biased to overpay for a 2nd Gen because I spent so long wanting one. I've widely thought that I should buy a 2016 or 2017 if I am paying that much, but near me the only sub $35k 3rd gens are either salvage titles or well over 100,000 miles

 

I get it. I was in a similar boat with the 3rd gens.

But remember, 3rd gen has more tech. Safety, newer ones have Apple CarPlay, power seats, etc.

Take a new 3rd gen for $40k vs an 8 year old 2nd gen with 50k miles for $30k. Personally I think you’re nuts to go 2nd gen in that case. If it has to be 2nd gen, go with something older/higher mileage.

 

Ah yes, left that off the mod list. 100% swapping head units to get carplay in my next vehicle if it doesn't come with it lol

A 2023 is certainly an option but not one i'm excited about. For the older/higher mileage examples, what do you think a good cutoff is?

 

A Tacoma is a Tacoma. 2005’s maybe into 2006 had some head gasket issues. But generally the 2nd gens are solid.

Find something with a good frame and maintenance records. Might need some work, but for the right price a 200k mile truck could satisfy your itch.

Somedays I wish that’s the path I went.

 

Wow. My 9 YO truck can still retail for about what I paid for it. I was happy with 50% for my 10 YO Highlander.

 

Don't let the used market dictate what you will buy, sellers can ask what they want and they will certainly get what is offered, generally a lot of low balls. Stay patient and the right one will come around at the right price, asking people in parking lots is one way to market your own search.

I would look into getting a new basic model OR or Sport for around $37k plus tax. It comes with a full warranty, 2 years maintenance and its a brand new truck, peace of mind. Sure your payment will be about $160 more per month or you'll cough up the 9-10k but it will be worth it. I'm not biased as a 3rd gen owner. My original plan was to buy a LB gen 2 with a newer frame from work but they gave it to the employee who retired as a gift. Was hoping to pay around 10k for a 2009 with 180k on it 2 years ago. The gen 2 is a great truck, with a cough* larger motor. At the end of the day its a pretty basic pick up that will get you A-B. When this car market crazyness settles that gen 2 will go down in price significantly considering the fourth gen is coming out soon.

 

Don't let the guy that traded in his 126k mile 2nd Gen see this thread

You could've bought that thing cheap and he still would've gotten more than trade-in

 

Yup, it sucks out here.

Unfortunately, the market does dictate what I buy. When I started looking 2 years ago I was in no rush and have been waiting for the market to cool off. Now my car has 40,000 more miles and my ability to wait it out is coming to an end. It's frustrating to see people post their deals from 2019 and talk about how great it was.

 

If you just need transportation there are deals on Buicks. Toyotas and Hondas are still in short supply.

 

I'd be looking at a later 2nd gen with around 100,000-150,000 miles on it. I don't want the newer technology. I'm not going to trash the 3rd gens like some, but I've not seen any reason to trade for a newer truck. And I can afford to do so if I wanted.

I bought my 07 new and it is now over 237,000 miles. I've done very little to it other than change the oil and I'm confident it will last me at least another 100,000 before needing major repair.

 

Also depends on location. Certain markets are higher than others. Don’t be afraid to travel.

 

I think 2nd gen and 3rd value is going to plummet when 4th gen goes on sale. There will be lots of 3G owners going for the 4th gen. I know that's never happened before when new Tacoma models debut, but it's a different world.

 

I think 2nd Gen is the best value right now. Honestly.

I think 20k should cover what you want.

I’d be open to 2005-2012 as well. It’s the same truck. My dad’s 2006 w 250k is a nice rig. If you’re young and don’t have a family then frame is most important and engine next most. All the rest you can diy. Especially the radio.

lots of DCSB too. Be patient and set up a search on eBay, auto trader, skim Facebook marketplace and Craigslist.

I paid 28 for my 2016 in 2020 and felt like it was more than I should have but I also didn’t want to drop 42 on a new one.

I suspect most of the head gasket issues have reared their heads by now.

hunt for an old man who is too old to drive and buy his perfect truck.

 

Stop fear mongering!

I would more be concerned about the economy tanking used vehicle prices.

 

Don’t just look at the frame, look at the entirety of the truck. A lot of rusty trucks sitting on new frames.

Make an account on the toyota website and enter the vin of any truck you’re looking at. Also diligently look at the carfax and any records. If the truck has spent time in any state in the northeast or northern Midwest don’t buy it. It will have rust and it’s just not worth it for that much money on that old a truck.

If your budget is what you say get a 2013-2015. 100k miles is ok, maintenance records and single owner and location of vehicle are the most important.

And don’t settle. Pick your trim and color and wait it out.