Which is a better deal - 1996 or 2007 Tacoma?

Hello all!

I'm in the market for a new Tacoma and plan on trying to pull the trigger next week. I live in NY and don't want to pay for something to be shipped so I'm only looking for something within a few hours drive. I found two promising trucks but the problem is I cannot decide which one I will be better off with. Is the 1996 with 42,000 miles going to be more worth it than the 2007 with 153,000 miles? As far as 4cyl vs 6cyl, it doesn't really matter to me since I'm not really going to be hauling anything. I'm adamant about it being a standard transmission and 4x4.

I really just want to know which one you all think will be a better investment. I know about the leaf spring and frame recalls for the 2007 - none of which have been fixed yet, nor do I know if it will need a new frame.

Please just give your opinion and I'd be glad to answer any questions.

1996 Tacoma: https://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5333210636.html

2007 Tacoma: https://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/ctd/5356742070.html

Thanks!

 

I have a feeling that 07 was in a wreck or they don't know it's a TRD Off-road or they just put a locker in it. Who knows

 

Yeah, I was wondering if it was a TRD Off-Road because of the differential lock button but there's no branding so I'm not sure. As far as being in a wreck, the carfax are clean and available on the dealer website.

 

It sure looks like it is the off road, it has the rear locker, the seats are from either a sport or off road too.

 

Kinda really depends on how you are going to use the vehicle, what the final purchase price would be, how either held up to a professional pre purchase inspection, and what kind of maintenance records are available (if you care)

Personal taste for looks/colors/appointments are all in the eye of the beholder.

100k+ difference in mileage is a lot, especially since that is 'reversed' from the norm based on year model. Just picking a 400k minimum life goal....... well, you get the idea.

Most used on lot vehicles are at least a couple k high too, allowing them to 'give' a buyer a generous trade allowance for a steaming pile they may have to auction. So a cash deal could be to your favor there as well. On used stuff it almost always is.

I'd also wager there may be records for the older one. Maybe.

However, the seller of the older one is likely a flipper who has either taken advantage of his neighbor in this deal, or is being compensated for being a good neighbor over the years. Meaning my guess is he bought it cheap and is selling it high. So there should be some real negotiating room there, IF you are a cash in hand buyer, and it's not already sold. Examples like that won't last too long.

Sorry that's not too much help, but you really have to decide based on things we can't pick for you.

 

I'd steer away from the '96. It has a rusty frame, and it only gets worse from the inside of it. Plus, that price isn't all that good. The 2007 is a far better deal. Just check the frame on it.

 

My logic was that I might be able to get more life out of the 1996 with lower miles, but now I'm definitely leaning towards the 2007. The frame looks to be in a lot better shape (pics below). Also, I think it does have the TRD Off-Road package but got painted black by the previous owner, but I'm guessing the subaru dealer might not have noticed this. Ideally I want it to last me at least 5 years since I typically drive 20,000 miles per year but I hope to get more than that out of it.

 

Yeah the 2007 frame is a bit better, still rusty, but I guess it's a normal thing in NY

 

^Yeah the 96 frame is in amazing condition for the northeast. I wish my 96 was that clean!

 

A 96 with that little miles sounds awesome but that is a lot of sitting around. If be weary.

 

driving wise. i had an 06 before my 2000. 06 was just too big for my liking. i like having a little truck that can do much more!

 

I would look at this one https://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/5369443034.html

or check on this one https://longisland.craigslist.org/ctd/5361048658.html

and scroll down to check out some of the ones listed as "nearby areas" https://newyork.craigslist.org/search/fct/sss?search_distance_type=mi&query=tacoma

 

The second link: that 2004 man what a good find. The only thing not perfect is the driver side seat. But shoot that's nothing. Id look at that one OP.

 

2007 All the way!

 

Dude get that '96, you won't ever find another with that low of mileage for that price in a long long time. There's no question, get the '96 and you'll love it! Everyone and their mother in law drives a 2nd gen Tacoma, you see the things all over the place, but the old Tacos are getting rarer and rarer so they stand out more and keep getting cooler as they age.

 

I was actually really interested in that 2004 but when I called a couple of weeks ago it was sold aready. They actually got $12,990 for it.

I agree that it's cooler. I'm just worried that it's going to be hard to service soon, especially if it will need any parts. Also, it's a 3 hour drive to it from my house and I've been having a lot of trouble finding someone to go with me to check it out. The '07 is only a 1 hour drive. It would still be cheaper for me to get it shipped though.

 

Depends what you'll be using the truck for...

 

I would be all over the '96 if it's still available. I bought my '04 prerunner 2 1/2 years ago on ebay. Truck was in Illinois and I had it shipped to me in Texas. Mine has a considerable amount of rust (worse than the one you're looking at). I think most folks worry too much about things. My only regret is not getting a 4WD. These trucks are tanks. mho. Good luck to ya

 

Hey man, I was looking at the 96's pictures and they are of some concern to me. A family member of mine bought a 97 with 86k on it, turns out it had a fist sized hole in the frame right by the leaf springs. He sounded the frame as well with a hammer but didnt test ONE spot and that was the bad one. The truck that you were looking at looks clean, but the frame is scary to me because of what happened to my family member. Luckily we sold the truck back to the seller.


That trucks frame looks exactly like the one my family member bought. These trucks rust from the inside out and just cause the frame is nice and clean on the outside doesn't mean its breaking down on the inside. I can post pictures of the truck that we screwed up on if you'd like.

I'd steer clear of pre 2001 tacomas. The 2007 would atleast be covered by recall.

 

Seems like you're in the market for a new DD. I would get the newest, low milage truck you can afford. Dealing with rust is an uphill and never ending battle. I ended up buying a brand new truck myself.

I like this one, unless you need an extended cab.
https://cnj.craigslist.org/cto/5344553607.html