assuming this is a place for both financial minded folks and tacoma fans so give me thoughts

A few weeks ago someone said "we're close to the floor" on 3rd gen tacoma pricing. I passed on a good deal on a 3rd gen and now I'm seeing 3 weeks later that not as sweet a deal is available, but I know trucks come and go, and situations of sellers vary quite a bit.

I have a good 2nd gen, but just got an offer on it (close to what i paid three years ago), and it needs prob $2000 of tires+suspension to reset it's clock for some more good years.

In 2022 I could NOT afford a 3rd gen, now I can, but it's still hard to swallow spending $35k (minimum) to $40k (my own personal ceiling) on a used truck. I've always wanted one.

Seems like 4th gens are overpopulating the lots, and the lease incentive for $269/mo is appealing if they weren't so ugly. 3rd gen seems to be holding it's value just fine, though I know people paid over $40-45k for new examples in good trims.

If we're bout to hit a recession I would be fine to wait 6-18 months to buy my dream truck. I guess what I'm asking is if I buy a low mile 3.5 gen now for $35k am I going to wish I waited?

 

In my opinion, the financially savvy thing to do is keep your second gen. Even if it needs $2000 in repairs. How many car payments is that?

 

If you're on the fence then I'd recommend you wait. If you're itching for a different truck then you'll have to struggle with what it's worth (in dollars and risk) to you.

 

If you want financial advice, here's a gem.

Don't trade an appreciating asset for a depreciating asset.

Here's another:

Don't borrow money you don't have to.

Anyone that follows the gurus like your Dave Ramsey or your Suze Orman will tell you the smart money move is to hang onto what you have and drive it until the wheels fall off. Put the money you would have spent on a car payment into a money market account and by the time you need a new vehicle, you'll likely be able to pay cash for it.

Also...I'm nobody's optimist, but I think we steer clear of a recession for a while. But if my job ended tomorrow...I'm ready for it.

 

I found a buyer for my 2010 and so bought a 2020 back in March.

No regrets so far as it is an upgrade in every way (personal opinion).

Sold the 2010 and made enough from that sale to allow me to pay cash for the new truck. No car loan. Rates suck.

 

You can get a new 4g sr5 5x4 with a warranty for the price of a used 3g.

 

That's a bit of a stretch. Not in Virginia or North Carolina unless you're looking to get taken.

Searching for pics of that 5x4...

 

$37-39k is going price for an 2025 SR5 4x4 around TN

 

Well my two best options back in March were both cheaper than that, and I don’t like the 4th gen inside or out, so I’m happy I got a 3.5 gen with low miles. I can keep it for as long as I want. I also have a warranty til the truck is 5 years old.

 

I guess I should add that 4th gen was never an option. Not sure why people keep inviting 4th gen into conversations.

 

Leasing a car is the worst and MOST EXPENSIVE way to operate a vehicle.

I do not recommend it.

https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/how-does-a-car-lease-work