Need to buy my first truck, I have ~5k. Tacoma good?

I'm South African (moved to Houston three years ago) and the Hilux over there has always been lauded as one of the best trucks ever made. That's why I'm here.

I'm going to need a truck soon enough as I'm about to (within the next 6 months) start building a log cabin. My current car (Mitsubishi Lancer) can hardly reach the destination let alone tow anything there.

I need a cheap truck to use for transporting small tools tools and towing larger ones (portable mill etc.).

Here are my requirements:
- Enough power to pull a few thousand lbs (I'd need to compare 4 cylinder vs. v6).
- Reliable, I don't mind doing minor work myself.

Here are my wants:
- 4x4 for the ruts I'll be going through (normal car very nearly got stuck when it was bone dry, Jeep liberty 4x4 did just fine when it was wet).
- Double cab or extended cab.
- Manual transmission.

Budget:
- About $5000k or less.

Help me to see if this is realistic or what I can get within my budget. This won't be a family car, just one I use two to three days out of the week to build with. Any and all help and suggestions (even if it's towards another brand) is appreciated.

 

It's going to be retry tough to find one for $5K. A nationwide search on cars.com with tht criteria turned up all of three trucks.

 

look for a pre 1998 single cab 4x4 4cyl. It'll tow but not happily. Fact is you won't find a v6 in that price range unless it has 250k+ miles.

 

Here's an example of something I'd be happy with (feel free to subtract a few years and add more miles), it's a TW member's car.

Has this one been lifted?

 

What a good engine life on the 4 and 6? When is a rebuild needed? Houston is pretty flat so hills aren't a problem. If a 4 can do the job then I'll be happy.

What do you think is a better budget? Any alternatives you'd suggest? If need be I'll adjust my budget.

 

Any suggestions?

 

that one hasn't been lifted...

keeping in mind your price range, you may be better off with an early 90's toyota pickup, rather than a tacoma. both 4cyl and v6 models can be found under $5,000

 

salvage title and auto
http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/3775171963.html

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/3768551686.html

 

8 grand will get you a very nice truck. That's what I paid for mine back in 2008 with 146k miles.

Both engines will easily do 300k+ miles if taken care of.

 

I'm not gonna say you can't find one for 5K but it'll be pretty hard. When I bought mine, I was on a Tacoma-only hunt for probably a month.. I live in Mississippi and for the most part the ones I was finding in decent shape were definitely above 6K, and usually between 7k and 10K. However, ironically, I bought mine for 5k. 2000 SR5 4x4 v6 with 220k miles. Only thing wrong was the paint had small rock chips on the rocker panels behind the doors. I got lucky, and the dealer I bought it from was a friend. I think if you can swing it though, definitely get a taco. Even if it runs you a few thousand more, you'll have a reliable vehicle for just about as long as you want to fool with one haha. Mine has 228K miles on the original clutch, motor, tranny, etc.. Still running without a hiccup. My friend's 2.7L 97 4x4 has about 256k miles or so, only thing that has been replaced that I know of is the head gasket. These are great trucks, and easy to work on. Like others have said, the 2.7 will tow.. But not ideally. Hope this helps! Good luck man! Hope you find one you'll be happy with!

 

Consensus that my price range is too low for what I'm looking for?

$5k for Tacoma 4x4, 150k or less (I guess), manual.

(Btw. thanks for all the help and friendly advice so far!)

 

a 1995.5 - 1997 with those specs can probably be had for 5k. You're just going to have to sit and wait a while till one shows up.

 

I got my 95.5 V6 manual with 197k on it, and in great condition, for $5175 - and from a Toyota Dealership, in the NorthWest, where they are sold for a premium (typically, well over KBB)

It's realistic... it may just take a while

 

I got a 99 v6 4x4 for just over 6k so it's doable. It just takes some time to find one. Mine had 200k on the clock tho...

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

How does this one look like for instance?

 

That truck looks solid. I am wondering about the price though. It seems a little low. I would have it inspected to make sure nothing is wrong with it, although it is a clean title according to the car fax.

Edit: After looking at the kbb values that is about what it should be priced at

 

Perfect. Something like that should suite me just fine. I'll have to see about what I'm going to need to tow (and the exact weights which I'm unsure about) and then how the 4 vs. 6 will perform.

I'll revisit this when I've bought the property.

 

You can always put a v8 in if you are not happy with the 4 cylinder

 

Haha, I'm guessing the fuel economy will go down a little?

 

did you even check these out?

great dealios

salvage title and auto
http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/3775171963.html

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/3768551686.html

the black one I like..

about the best you are going to do, jump on them fast, Tacos sell real fast, especially the ones that aren't overpriced...