Should I buy newer

Soooo I have a 2015 TRD Sport with 195k miles. I am the third owner, only performed regular maintenance and I have had it 5 years. Mine has developed a clunking noise in the front (mostly driver side) suspension when I go over a sizeable bump/ speed hump that no mechanic can replicate. They all say the front end looks tight. I have debated moving "up" to a 2020 TRD Pro that I found in GA ( 7 hrs away) 89K miles, asking $26,900. The "catch" is the CarFax shows moderate damage to about 2/3 of the vehicle one year ago, but no accident report taken. I cannot find out what happened to cause the damage. I have debated paying a local Toyota dealer to perform the same 160 point inspection as they would to Certify a car for $260. IF that passes, would I still be ok or COULD there be a hidden issue. ORRR just keep my 2nd gen that clunks. Kind opinions? THANKS!

 

Keep the 15, fix the clunk! Even if you end up doing a front end rebuild with shocks, LCAs/ball joints, etc, you will still sleep comfortable knowing the history of your truck and how reliable it’s been. Plus you have arguably the best year of second gen.

 

Rebuilding your entire front end cost a fraction of 26k.

A pro with 89k and moderate damage to 2/3rds of the vehicle is not worth 26k.

Either rebuild your truck or buy a 4th gen if you want new.

 

^^^ what these guys said.

And yes, prepurchase inspections can be valuable. But IMHO it should be done by someone you know and trust, not an unknown quantity that's 7 hours away.

 

Fix the clunk.

The late 2nd gens (2013-2015) are among the best Tacomas ever made.

Certainly better than either the 3rd or 4th gens which are weighed down w/ excessive electronic B.S., revvy high RPM engines (and in the case of 4th gen, turbo crap, ) etc.

 

A bird in hand...

 

Always upgrade and capitalize on the equity that these trucks carry. 4th truck owner since 1985. Take care of them, keep good maintenance records, leave them stock, sell privately. Your re-sale value applied to your new purchase will astound you.
Don't be like one of these kids on here that tell ya, drive it until in blows up. They are probably bag boys at your local grocery store.

 

My .02 , absolutely check the title of that pro , make sure its not salvage ... if so turn tail. As far as selling and buying do the math and see what it says.

 

I'd keep driving and maintaining what you have. If you take care of it and maintain it it should last along time. I'm assuming the 2015 is in good condition, except for the clunk.

 

Might be brake pad clunk. Gently press the brake pedal next time you go over a bump and see if the noise goes away.

Also check the sway bar links. On the ground without the suspension drooping

My front end has a clunk from the lower control arm cam bolts, I'm sure they're rusty and need to be cut out and replaced. But my noise happens mostly pulling into my driveway and bumping up a small curb

 

CarFAx says it is a clear title. Otherwise, I am with you 100% !! Track shoes wouldn't be needed for me to run!

 

The two mechanics I have been to can HEAR the clunk when driven over a decent, sudden bump but cannot find the source when on the rack. They just say it will eventually get worse and break, at which point the problem will be found.

 

Don't throw in the towel just yet. I also have a 2015 with 178,000 miles and it's been nothing but reliable. Hang in there, you'll find the issue..

 

I appreciate everyone's input! I can likely sell it privately for $18 +, I paid $19.5 and have added 100k miles since buying. I know Tacos roll to 200k + and still love the truck. It would be a bit more mind settling to have a newer model and the 2020 is getting good reliability scores. The only thing I REALLY don't like about mine, besides the clunk, is I can't hear myself think when it rains. I feel like I am in a tin can during a hail storm. Well, the 2020 I am debating appears stunning. Then again, maybe because it's all new parts? lol

 

Humble opinion appreciated! IFFF I was to get the inspection I would drive down and be there while the Toyota dealer gave it a looksey. I guess I HOPED the inspecting Toyota shop would give it a true and fair look but, like you elude to, it's tough to trust anyone. THANKS!

 

26k with moderate damage to 2/3 of the vehicle, do yourself a favor and keep looking and/or keep/fix your truck before you fall into a bear trap.

The devil you know is better than the one you don’t.

 

I am in agreement. My post, and subsequent responses, are primarily a way for me to justify walking away as this truck truly LOOKS GREAT! Then again, maybe that's because of all the possibly new parts?

 

That “newer” truck is a siren’s song if I ever heard one, just be patient, fix up what you have and if you really want an upgrade, believe me, you’ll have no trouble finding a good deal on a newer taco that’s well maintained, and accident free.

 

Yes sir. In the 100K I have owned it, all I have done is differential fluid, transmission fluid, oil, spark plugs, new struts/ shocks, and oil changes, and I am on my 2nd set of tires. The frame is virtually rust free to boot!

 

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