2002 Tacoma vs. 2013

I have 2002 Tacoma with 175,000 miles and thinking about upgrading to a 2013. The 2002 is solid. I'm justg worried about the mileage. Is it best to maintain what I have or spring for new one?

 

Probably the 2002 will last a long time yet, especially if you take care of it. But, I say test drive a '13. If you love it, then get it.

 

Current truck should certainly have tons of life left so I wouldn't upgrade based on that. If you WANT and LIKE the 2013 then go for it.

 

That's low mileage for a first gen, you are good to go for another 300k at least. Drive 'er til she quits.

 

Im getting close to 150K. Still fun to drive. Love the 13's but why waste the money if the old one is still reliable.

 

My '01... rolling towards 160K... planning to keep her till it rusts out.
As a difference, the '13 are bigger.... and still capable.
But like everyone else mentioned... try it and if you love it... get it.

 

Keep the 02 imo its a more solid truck. But if you have the money and feel like you would rather have the 13 then by all means do it!

 

Your truck should have lots of miles left in it! Even IF you only get 200K out of the engine, a simple swap will give you another 200k ;-) The new Taco's are nice trucks, but all that extra cost can be put towards more enjoyable things in life.

 

Thanks for quick reply. I'd really like to keep the 02. I'd like to start some preventative maintenance, but I just don't know where to start.

Anybody have any advice out there? How do I stay ahead of her breaking down?

 

Keep the old one but he the new one...best of both worlds!

 

I just hit 200k on my 2001 and it runs just like it did when I bought it. If you do the routine maintenance (Plugs, timing belt, fluids, waterpump, etc.) it should last for a very long time. I'd keep the 02 unless you really want to buy a new one.

 

AMEN! No payments is sssswwweeeetttt!!!!

 

my 02 is creeping up on 300k

plugs wires, all fluid changes, timing belt and water pump and thermostat is a place to start, and grease everything up

 

Well, a few drain and fills on the tranny helped my 03 shift smoother and overall performance, flushed cooling system and used toy long life. Actually made a difference to. Seems as if motor more quiet and just runs smoother. IDK. Synthetic swaps in rd, fd, tc. Good airfilter, and oil changes on reg schedule.

 

95% of the info you need is on this site. and the other 5%, you will find links to the other toyota websites that have it.

has the timing belt ever been done?

 

I still haven't found that answer. I just purchased an 02 with 100k on it. What is the schedule for a belt/chain on these? Mines 2.7 4 cyl

 

benefit of the 4 cylinder is that it has a timing chain, which lasts a long time.

make sure to change the radiator hoses and fan belts, as necessary. keep an eye on that radiator...if it starts to leak replace it. my experience with hondas/toyotas is to replace radiator at 150k -200k as a preventive measure. cheap insurance.

change all fluids, preferably to synthetics. do a tune up. grease the wheel bearings, check your brake pads....then drive another 100k miles, doing the recommended PM.

"Love the 13's but why waste the money if the old one is still reliable. "

X2

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Definitely keep the 02.

 

I should add that maintaining a used vehicle is almost always cheaper than buying a new one...there are some exceptions such as, after a wreck, or if it rusts out too badly....replacing even an engine or tranny beats new car payments every time.

....been driving used vehicles for 36 years now...in order to save money.

but if someone wants a new car or truck, I say go for it...you only live once

 

You guys are amazing. Thanks for all the help. I'm keeping the 02!