New member, looking for Tacoma advice

Herniator, I like all of the improvements of the '16, I'm trying to identify the option that is the least expensive in the long run. How many years/miles should that used 2nd gen that you suggested have in order for me to come out ahead? Frankly I think that the majority of the people that post on these internet boards don't keep their vehicles as long as I like to. It's virtually impossible to find info on what the "second 100,000 miles" costs in repairs.
LEBM, if your a longtime fan, than you know that this curse is in our blood. Not sure how old you are, but if you remember the '80's, you know what it's like here when we aren't a joke!

 

I'm 40. I was 12 when The Drive happened. I know the suffering, but thank God for the Buckeyes. Otherwise, I would have offed myself a long time ago.

 

I'm 40 also. Believe me, I know what you mean. I'm hoping for Browns 8-8 and the Buckeyes repeat. (And maybe those Cavs bring us a ring!)

 

Maintenance on these trucks is low, even at 117k in 5 years and lots of off roading, I still just do the minimum filters and oil to keep it going. If you find a low mileage-no accident truck, it would be better than new, dollar wise. If you want to keep it for a long time, then start new.

 

Thanks for the reply, that's the direction I'm leaning towards. Why aren't all vehicles getting the performance that our beloved Tacoma is getting? Cars/Trucks that cost twice as much aren't getting the numbers Tacoma's get. Amazing.

 

If you're just using this truck as a pavement princess and not concerned with features of a newer vehicle (I'm assuming you don't since it's not specified) then spend 10K on a good first gen, which will easily meet your 70-90K criteria with minimal Maintenance. I don't understand why you would need to spend 30K on a truck you want for "6-8 years", that of which I assume isn't towing (1-2 per year is not worth noting) or off-roading.

 

Bsheriff, the only reason I'd buy a new one is if it costs less in the long run (factoring in depreciation and maintenance/repairs). The 10 grand used one prolly won't be worth anything when I'm done with it, and I would assume a couple thousand in repairs during that time. New one would supposedly still be worth 20 grand when I'm done with virtually no repair costs. Just weighing all options.

 

Understand. If you could find a 2003-2004 with less than 150K miles for around that 10K price tag. After 8 years and let's say 100k miles, the depreciation isn't going to be that much, could still get 5-6K for the truck if left in decent shape. Let's assume 3k in maintenance/repairs over that time so you are in for 13K, if you decide to sell for 6K you've spent 7-8K dollars total. The depreciation of a 30K new vehicle after 8 years with 100K miles will be around 10-12K, not including maintenance/repairs. These are all loosely based expenses not based on any fact just experience. But that's the way I look at it.

 

The only part of that I'd question is the estimated value of the used one when I'm done with it. 5-6K when pushing 250,000 miles is a stretch. 2k is prolly more realistic. That would bring the total cost to about the same as the new one.

 

Yea really depends on where you live, too many factors to consider. I regularly see 250K 2000 year tacomas for sale here around 5k

 

Good luck to whatever you buy, it'll treat you well!

 

Depends on how much fussing you want to deal with. Buying used is such a crap shoot...if your business depends on you being there all the time, I would buy new, but if you can handle having the vehicle in the shop every now and then, buy used. I have two vehicles, if one goes down for repairs...I have a back up...I keep both in tip-top shape. You can buy two 1st gen Tacos for $20K...with the other $10K you can save for repairs...

Could always buy a Toyota certified used, not a guarantee that it won't break...but I would think it is better than a crap shoot private seller. I do buy used private seller...I have certain things I look for, generally older owner that has all the service records, low mile, no mods, and if they take a ton of pictures on the ad...generally means they are proud of their vehicle and took care of it.

Modded vehicles...with pics of them mudding, crawling, etc....I pass...