Help deciding--New 2012 vs. Used 2004

My husband and I want a MT 2DR Tacoma. We can get a new 4WD through Costo for about 22K w/the 0/0/0 incentive. (Sliding rear window is the only option).

Or we can get a used 2004 4x2 standard cab, 4 cylinder (2.4 ltr.), 5-speed manual with 143,000 miles (mostly highway) 2 owners for $7200. Has a camper shell.

I say we have our mechanic check out the used one and if it's okay, buy it and save $ for a rainy day.

He says, used cars are iffy and with 0% interest and Tacos holding a good value we should go for brand spanking new.

I've poured over other threads to try and figure out advantages and disadvantages until my eyes are bloodshot. I'm hoping to get some feedback from owners.

Would appreciate any help forum members have to give.

 

mt is manual tranny, my taco has 268k miles just fyi

 

Go new if you can afford it. I love all the features like BT and stereo.

 

i originally looked at a 2005 model double cab with 61k miles for $17,000, which would make my car payment around $290 a month. I ended up leasing a new one , a 2012 double cab V6 SR5 model for $286 a month!!!! no brainer for me!

 

This is not an apples to apples comparison. You need to figure in the residual value of the lease and what it would cost to buy it at that point versus the payments on the used 2005. At the end of the payments on the 05 you have a title in hand and a truck with value. At the end of the lease, you have nothing.

Chris

 

if you are paying 0 interest, you can still buy the new one and save for a rainy day...

I'd drive both, if this is going to be a main vehicle, the newer truck is nicer to drive, and a big bigger, with more refined options.

the older truck will be fun, and if you are looking to do some camping/offroading or anything, it will be nice to not worry about it as much.

but, I would be getting a 4x4, no question.

 

Buy new. Personally I never buy used, I like to know how it's been treated from day one since I tend to keep my vehicles for the long run.

 

This is sort of a weird decision since they aren't even the same generation Tacoma. If they were at least the same Gen it would be easier. IMO I would go for the '12 if I could afford it. It won't lose too much value compared to many other vehicles. More info on the exact sub model of the '12 would also help. Regular, access, or double cab? Pre runner, base, sr5, trd... etc. Also, do you really need 4x4?? If not, look at the same 2012 in 2wd... probably another $3-4k less. Make 4 lists, page 1 is pros of '12 v '04 and second page is cons of each. Compare both pros and cons of each and decide what's better.

Since your even considering the '12 I'm assuming the money is not too much of a concern especially with 0/0/0/ financing.

Just from the things that come to mind quickly without even giving too much thought I don't see any reason why you would not go with the '12. Find a 4x2 2012 for cheaper, and go that route. You won't regret it! Or if you need the 4x4, then you shouldn't even be considering the '04 anyways

But this is just my .02 though

Think... '12 gets you:
great financing offer!
FULL warranty!
1st owner!
WAY more features overall!
I'm sure the safety ratings are higher, if you have a family this is a major thing to consider!
0 miles instead of 100k+ even though 100k+ really is nothing.


If this is an everyday driver, 12 is the way to go. If its for your kids first car, probably the 04'. So many factors and only you can answer all the questions really. Make the list and see what you come up with. How long will you keep it, do you plan on selling it eventually or keeping it till the end, how long do you want it to last, who will be primarily driving it and for what purpose, can you afford it, what features do you need/want.. the questions go on. Just give it time and thought. If you plan on beating the crap out of it always hauling random stuff and you know its gonna get scratched and dented.. 04! If your going to take care of it.. you see where I'm getting with this. Good luck!

 

you cant beat leasing, i wish i would have done it years ago

 

old truck = sinking more money into it for maintenance
new truck = gas and go baby

 

OK I just reread OP post and realized they specified MT 2dr, so I'm guessing base model... that answers some of my questions from my previous response, but still you get the point of what I was saying. Like others have said, if its for camping and stuff, get the 04 you don't have to worry about it. Commuter or everyday driver, get the 12. Better everything and also skip the 4x4 if you will never use it. Saves lots of $$

 

Buy new...agree with skipping 4X4 unless you're dead set on trying to get stuck in the boonies.

 

new truck

 

New if money is good. Old if willing to wrench or have a trustworthy mechanic.

 

I was recently looking to buy a used Tacoma. Found an 04 with 67K miles on it and took it to the local Toyota dealership for an inspection. Under $120 to determine the status of the vehicle. Like you, I valued the money in the bank. And as others have noted, these trucks last a long, long time when well maintained. Good luck with your decision.

 

I say buy used. 22k is a lot of money for a base truck. I picked up my 07 DCLB for with 158k on it for 12k. I gave it a complete service, brakes and tires and im in for another 1k. Research the forums here to see what if any issues to look out for. I think you could find a nice 2nd gen truck with under 100k for 10k or so.

 

Thanks everyone. Appreciate the thoughtful answers and the welcome to the forum as well.

The 2012 is a V6 base model, regular cab. The 0% financing ends at 36 months, then switches to 1.9%, only on the new car. No offroad needs, no kids, no regular commuting, just an extra truck to haul around stuff for the house and buy stuff we don't need. I would love to use it for camping, but my husband doesn't really like camping (although I drag him along from time to time, thinking I'll change his mind). Don't really need a 4X4, it's just that's the only manual we can find. Both of us prefer a manual to an automatic.

The 2004 has a radio/Cd player and claims that it's been treated well for at least the last owner who is moving out of the country or he would keep it. Where I live once you get into the 2nd generations, the price jumps a lot higher, along with the interest. With the used car we'd pay cash.

We keep our cars until they are so obviously limping toward death that we have to move past our denial and let go. We hope to do the same for the truck. Money is a bit of a concern, but not a deal breaker--just scary to commit given the economy. Hope I answered everyone's questions. Like the idea of the pros and con list. What's a BT?

 

Forget scamco, its a ripoff, and they lied to you.
First off, regular cab is only available with 4cyl engine, not V6.
Second, MSRP is $17935. Sliding rear window option is $140.

Go to a proper Toyota dealer and save $4000.

Be careful with used 2004 and older. They have a severe rust issue. Make sure to test it *very* carefully, and dont buy unless its perfect or reframed.

 

Good point on the older Tacomas. The 2004 I shopped and had checked out was part of the recall. Frame checked out and the Toyota Service Rep confirmed that the frame was warranteed through October 2018. Any rust before then, they replace the frame. Make sure a vehicle of that vintage is checked against the recall database at Toyota.

 

158k miles on a 2007 model !?!?!?!?!?!?!?! OMG !!!!!!!