Need opinions on 08 4x4 6-Speed Access Cab...worth it?

Hey everyone. First post! New to here but not new to forums or the automotive world.

So, long story short, my brother left the country and is selling his Tacoma. He was running out of time so was just going to drop it off at Carmax but I offered to sell it for him. He said he would be happy to just get 15K for it, so it got me thinking.

It's an 08 V6, 6-Speed Manual, 4x4 TRD Off-Road Access Cab Tacoma. Has 19 miles shy of 80K miles on it. He did all the dealer recommended maintenance so it's basically over-maintained. I've borrowed it and taken it on trips before. It drives great. It has E-rated Bridgestone Dueler Revo 2's that are at least 70% tread depth. I think they are just ever so slightly larger than stock (taller sidewall profile) but otherwise the truck is completely stock. He does have an iPod/iPhone connector installed which is fine with me since I also have an iPhone.

Looked up blue book and it came back at 17.8K private party.

Only issues I have found with it are the AC vent only works on full (with some searching, found that it is a resistor issue so I will replace that this weekend), and there is a sizable dent on the stock skid plate (from hitting a rock while hauling down a dirt road). Other than that it's in pretty solid shape.

I currently have a pretty heavily modified 04 G35 Coupe 6-Speed Manual that I daily drive. I'm putting down a 270whp on a very conservative dyno and have too much money into brakes and suspension. I love the car but it's expensive to maintain with all the high performance parts that cost a premium and wear out quickly. I'm looking to "retire" it into a weekend car and pick up something else to daily drive. I'm also very much into photography and camping and I want a vehicle that can get me to all the hard-to-reach places. This checks pretty much all the boxes besides having even worse mileage than my G35 (I average 20mpg in that, 26-27mpg on long highway trips).

Any opinions? Good deal? Anything else I should look out for? I've done some searching and a lot of reading. I have pretty much decided to upgrade speakers and get a TRD short-shifter if I decide to buy the truck. The stock throw is way too long for me coming from my aforementioned car.

 

Sounds like a pretty good deal to me, I would go for it. I don't think you will regret your decision one bit. Tacomas are great trucks..i think thats why we're all here anyway, right?

 

15K is a screamin' deal, you should take it and thank your brother for the family discount.

 

you are stealing that truck at 15k. buy it, and if you don't like it, sell it for 18k.

 

Here's some assorted photos taken by my friend when I borrowed the truck for a trip, including a quick video of us going down Goler Wash in Death Valley.

Video:

https://flic.kr/p/b33aKn

Pictures:


I didn't know it bent that way... by geekyrocketguy, on Flickr


Geologist's Cabin Pano by geekyrocketguy, on Flickr

 

The price is excellent. If an access cab will work for you, then you have a winner.

Especially considering you know the entire history of this truck and it's minor issue which you have found a solution for.

I'd say buy it then sell it back to him when he returns.

 

The access cab is a bit of a compromise. I would have loved for it to be a double cab (short or long bed wouldn't matter), but it doesn't bother me too much - I'll be driving! Sucks for the people in the back. Haha.

Realistically I'm soon to be 24 years old and have a girlfriend (been together almost 6 years, but no plans for kids anytime soon). I do go on trips with friends a lot but personally I have no need for the space for a family or anything like that. It's just more of a convenience thing.

 

Great deal! I just traded my '09 TRD AC in for 19,500, Had a hair less than 50k miles. I'd jump all over that one for 15k!

 

As everyone else has said, that definitely seems like a great deal. If it's what you want, go for it. I doubt you'll find another deal like that.

 

I vote yes. Get it. It's a good deal.

 

What kind of drugs do you sell?

 

lol What? What makes you think I sell drugs?

 

Do it! if you change your mind PM me ill buy it from you!

 

Well, in not too long I'll be the proud "owner" (making payments) of the vehicle in question!

So, the question is - what's the first mod going to be? I'm leaning toward TRD Shifter. Eventually followed by (in no particular order) LED or HID Headlights and Fogs, upgraded speakers all around, rock rails, and stainless steel brake lines.