If one can't afford a Taco, what is the next best option?

When you're looking used: Condition is King. You'll win by getting a newer Colorado/Canyon in great shape with low miles as compared to a thrashed out Tacoma.

So my advice is to be open to *all* midsize and smaller full sized pickups, be picky, and pick up one that's been cared for by the owner and is in great shape that doesn't need work done.

I had to sell my 94 F150 for a song, for hardly more than the cost of the new BFG AT KOs I'd put on it a year before.

 

This statement is very true I got my 2005 double cab tacoma with only 58,000 miles on it for only $15,000.00. Good things come to those who wait don't settle for something when you can wait a little longer and find what you really want. Best of look on your purchase

 

4runner or full size chevy

 

i say just keep looking man. when i was 16 (over 4 years ago) i wanted a tacoma. found a 1997, v6, 4x4 extended cab in great condition for like $8, $8.5K i think it was. should have just borrowed the extra 2k i needed to buy it and pay off the folks or bank in retrospect, cause i ended up buying a grand cherokee that i spent some $8k+ worth of repairs for over the next 4 years. . . now, 7 months of owning my tacoma (bought it with 90k miles) not had a single problem.

cause though i havent had the opportunity (or funds ) to mod it out like i wanted it (yet!), i bought my truck for the reliability mainly. which, as of this point i am very VERY satisfied with.

 

9k is a lot of money either way you slice it. If I had the choice of spending 11k on a taco or 9k on a mid-sized ford, chevy etc., it would'nt be close. Your getting a quality truck that is not only capable off road but also as a very reliable DD. 150k on Toyota probably correlates to 66k on a Colorado. Just like 150k on a Camry, Corolla, Civic or Accord is like 66k on a ___________ insert most ford/chevy car. Some makes and models are just better and more reliable.

I would save the extra 2000 and buy a Toyota or take some of the other suggestions here-like getting an older model. However, if you look hard enough, you should be able to find what you are looking for budget.

 

89 cents? I mean really. c'mon...

 

widen your search.

you would be surprise at the deals you may find if you are willing to travel further. i think you could find a first gen for $9k.

 

Damn that is a sexy deal, thats what I'm talking about

Ya, I think its the Bay Area? People try and charge more? I've looked at the craigslists in the Mid-West and saw Prerunners for around 7kish or less.

Thanks everyone.

 

beedoola if you are in the Bay Area, the little town I'm talking about is Rossmoor, an area of Walnut Creek. Check Craigslist.

Edit: None in Walnut Creek right now.

But how's this?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/2479893635.html

 

i would rather a taco with 120k miles than any other truck with 80k

in fact when i got my 1st taco it had 87k, i passed on a dakota with 47k and im glad i did

 

i got my 2000 v6 sr5 last year for close to $10k with something like 68k miles on it

you just gotta keep looking and hold out for a good deal. sounds like your in the right price range. just keep your eyes open

 

Yeah I gotta agree with everyone else, keep looking around don't settle for something else just because its a little cheaper. Especially if you really want a taco.

A Nissan would be my 2nd choice though for a small/mid-size truck. I had a ranger once but always had problems with the 4wd, among other things.

Just keep digging, talk to some used car dealerships in your area and tell em exactly what your looking for, something should pop up.

 

used taco!!!

 

If you can't find a decent taco get a Frontier. I've had them and they are damm good trucks.

 

one of these.... your choice

 

oh you guys and your silly picture suggestions.

it sold fast....

Good advice: I do want a Taco and I will hold out for one, I just want one now!!!! muhahaha

 

what would you say to this??

http://mendocino.craigslist.org/cto/2461647854.html

 

salvage title, so no.

 

-Save up the rest, wait and get what you really want. If you're into your trucks/cars and the Taco is what you want, you'll be hitting yourself later down the road if you jump the gun and buy something else.

-If you're a fix'er'upper, trucks that don't run come cheaper and you can put what you didn't spend into making what you bought run.

-I did like the "get a GF with a Tacoma" idea.

 

Keep looking. I found my current temp truck at a dealer for $7,900. I talked to my brother-in-law who is a dealer in socal and he helped me talk them down to $5255 out the door. after they admitted to paying $4800 for it and the Blue book was $5500 for low retail. It is a '96 with 80K on it. Single cab, a little small but with a cover on the back and in great condition.

Wouldn't reccamend all dealerships, but on used trucks there is some wiggle room. Broaden your search and you shall find. On any other truck, I had a '89 Mitsubishi mighty max POS...don't get that. Also had a '83 toyota pickup and that thing was awesome with 260,000 miles on it.