Future NEW Tacoma Owner

After re-reading your initial post, it's hard for me not to recommend just stepping it up a few more thousand and look at some mid-100k second gens. Are you adverse to that?

Not that I don't love first gens, because I do, but the difference b/w 100-150k and 200-250k is massive, and especially when you're talking about '05-'08s, as opposed to '00s - '04s.

 

When checking out a older frame for rust and whatnot, what exactly am I doing there? Getting down with a mallet and giving it a few knocks to see if anything is out of place?

Also, yeah, may have to start doing that. I really like the red truck, but need him to come down closer to $8,500

 

I haven't dealt with the rust issue personally, but have seen plenty of guys here who have. From what I have seen, just look for rust eating through the surface of the frame. I hear that boxed portions up front you should pay particular attention to.

Anyone else know anyone who has personally gone through this and could provide some pointers?

 

I can not imagine having a 2wd Tacoma living where I live with snow for several months out of the year. Switching from two wheels to four wheels on a snowy road is like night and day for me.

 

Also, I don't want to spend too much $$$ because I want to get a motorcycle as well. Therefore my budget is about $16k. I feel like a Tacoma with 180k miles on it will drive a good bit longer. Or is that justifying a dumb purchase?

 

No man, it's your money. I have a motorcycle, as well, so I totally understand you there. I'll always keep a motorcycle - I love riding too much.

I see no issues with a Taco going over 200k and beyond as long as it's maintained. You just have to be sure to find one that appears to have been taken care of and that isn't over-priced. Tacos are always in high demand, so finding a good one at a good price is something that takes patience and vigilance!

 

How do you feel about rebuilt trucks? I understand that makes it a salvage at one point, but does that change anything?
http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/5379183217.html

 

I don't personally deal with them. First of all, you have to consider that whatever damage was done during the accident was enough to total the vehicle out, so a significant amount of damage, considering how much value Tacoma's hold.

I'm sure someone on here smarter than I concerning the insurance portion of it could chime in.

I know it's enticing because it's a lower price, but that's also fair price - salvage title can drop the value of a vehicle 25% or more. There's really no 'KBB' for salvaged vehicles.

That's my two cents - some other guys may disagree.

 

Man, looking at that CL you linked to, there's a lot of salvaged Tacomas around there. There must be a local shop that deals specifically in rebuilding total'ed vehicles. How interesting!

 

http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/5406301999.html

It's a PreRunner, though - 2WD. Not sure if you want 4WD or not. I have a PreRunner.

 

Must be, I cannot find any deals I feel like. If you see any, please let me know ha

 

How do you like the prerunner? Because I was shooting for strictly 4x4 but there are way more prerunners out there to choose from.

 

I mean, it's 2WD vs 4WD - the age-old argument. If you need 4WD, go that route.

I have owned 4WDs my whole life - I'm a life-long Jeep guy before my Taco. That being said, what I use my truck for now, being a family guy taking my family camping and down some light trails, I don't really need 4WD.

When I get into some more serious stuff or want to build it and need 4WD, then I'll get it or convert mine.

But it's all up to your needs for the truck. I love my PreRunner, as it suits my needs just fine, and I paid a heck of a lot less for it than a comparable 4WD.

 

I just got a 07 Prerunner last week and I love it so far. I knew going in though that I wouldn't really need 4wd. I got it for too good of a deal to be picky.

 

What's your top-dollar, brotherman? Also, what are your 'must-haves' for the truck? You can PM me, if that would make you more comfortable. Go to my profile and click 'Start Conversation'.

I'd be happy to take a look around and do some quick research. I'm out of town for work anyways, so I have nothing but time to kill.

Our time zones are switched, though - I'm about to head to bed, so I'd have to do it tomorrow.

 

I have the TRD Sport mostly because I prefer the looks of it. The TRD OR has a locking differential and all terrain tire, but unlike the sport is not available in the long bed for the 2nd gen. Hope that helps .