New to Tacomas , but always wanted one

I have always wanted a tacoma since I saw one jacked up on huge tires driving down the road when I was little. Now I have my first chance and possible need...? To get one.. I am getting rid of my current vehicle and looking to pick up an 05+ Tacoma doublecab. Just a few questions though..
can anybody give me some gotcha's to look out for when purchasing one.. it will be used.

 

sorry can't be much help to the 2nd gen tacos, but welcome to TW

 

welcome to tacoma world. As for things to look out for id say its gonna be the same as any used vehichle. take it to you mechanic to get it checked, ie. frame, motor mounts and all the major components. also just make sure you know the difference between the tacoma models so you actually get the features you want. Good luck getting your truck!

 

I have the bext of both worlds, an 06 trd and an 09 trd sport which intails the hood scoop and painted mirrors and door handels. Both trucks kick but! I love the 09 because its a 4 door. My 06 is an acsess cab. Engine wise they are the same. No magior complaints, fuel econ isnt to good but the truck makes up for it everywhere else.

 

Well, I do have a question, what is the real difference between..

a regular Pre-Runner

the TRD Sport and TRD off road.. the differences that I know are..

- Pre-Runner does not have the outlet in the bed, 4x2WD

- TRD Sport - 2WD , hood scoop and I think chrome mirrors or painted to match mirrors? TRD wheels

- TRD Off-Road - 4WD , TRD wheels

tell me if I am completely wrong or missed some items..

 

Bilstine shocks, the bed outlet, options like down hill assist and locker, the seats are different in the cheaper trucks. Newer ones have blue tooth and aux outputs.

 

I think I defiantly want a TRD sport.... now I just gotta find one in my price range lol

 

as long as the prerunners(both offroad and sport) are trd.......they will have the outlet in the bed. there is a 2 wheel drive offroad and sport.......which are both prerunners..........you can get the sport...which has colorcoded bumpers,mirrors and door handles,17 inch wheels, and hood scoop and limited slip diff, in 4x4.....as well as the offroad....which has 16 inch wheels, rear locker(trd) chrome rear bumper.

 

Ah yes the color coated bumpers, and my new truck has 17's on it. My 06 came with a chrome grill and bumper, that was changed in like 2 weeks.
They look way better all 1 color. My trucks transition so far.

 

Who cares about fuel economy? Its a great truck, like you said it makes up for it in so many ways

 

Welcome to TW.......be ready to pay a good price on a used one, resale value on a Tacoma is excellent and even in todays economy I don't see many used in my area for sale. I bought new because of this. Great deals on new ones right now too. Especially if you find what you want in an '08 still on the lot.

Happy shopping.....

 

I hear rumors that Toyota will initiate some new rebates and incentives , so far I have heard nothing though. If I can find 0% financing I might be able to get a new one..

 

Patience my friend. Most all new purchases I've read about have not happened immediately. Keep an eye here at TW and on the Toyota website for their promotions.

Get on your area dealership websites and browse for what is in their inventory. If you find an '08, it may not be setting out front. When I bought mine they had it off to the side. I was told they use those for a pawn when a potential brand new model buyer can't afford it, so they offer them the old model at a lot cheaper price. Kinda like, "oh, by the way, we happen to have an '08 over here we can sell cheaper."

Their are a few differences between the '08 and '09, so do your homework on TW(use the search) and be sure an '08 is what you would want.

Feel free to ignore everthing I've said if you want. I like to type just for fun sometimes.

 

If it fits in your budget, get a certified pre-owned Tacoma.

 

good idea, thanks.

 

Welcome to TW

 

I think you'll find that there isn't that much of a price difference between new and used unless you get something with quite a few miles on it because the resale value is quite high. So, you might want to consider new. If you do that, haggle with multiple dealers online to get your best price. You may even be able to do that used, too. If you're set on buying used, so be it, I'm just saying do yourself a favor and consider buying new.

 

Especially if financing since used car loans typically have a higher interest rate than new car loans.

Not to mention, you won't have to worry about how the previous owner broke in and drove the truck, or what little problems there might be that aren't covered by warranty (broken cup holders, torn fabric, scratched plastic or paint, etc).