Recommend $20K crew cab...?

First time Tacoma buyer looking for some cheap advice

Here's what I know:

• I need a crew cab (got a four-year-old in a booster seat to put on the back)
• $20,000's my limit
• This is not a daily driver, and I live in Oakland so pro-urban attributes are good (whatever that means)
• I work on larger art projects here and there so need something that can haul several hundred lbs. of stuff at a time.
• At least once a year I haul bunch of heavy stuff through the Sierra's into the Nevada desert during the summer
• I want this vehicle to handle hauling the family to festivals/camping trips/bike events/wineries with the family for that broader NorCal life. That means winding through some steep, twisty roads along the coast, going off road to park in a field, but nobody's racing across desert dunes, etc.
• Not certain I need 4x4. Also not married to PreRunner look.

Thought some more experienced Tacoma owners could share a bit of advice about what else to think about, questions to ask myself, etc, and help me to think about the sweet spot for my needs and price range.

 

In your case, an 01-04 V6 Prerunner TRD would be ideal.
Not 4wd, but the e-locker will double your traction.
I even found one possibility for only $10k :
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/5926459354.html

 

Tx Rick - and for the CL ad too. I get nervous about that high a mileage, but for $10K, pretty good. I know Tacomas run forever. Confirms for me I am on the right track though. This is pretty much the truck I figured I needed.

 

If you can spend up to $20k then I'd look for a 2nd gen Tacoma (2005-2015) with less mileage. Tacomas are known to run a long time, but no truck runs "forever" and even as reliable as they are, there is still a lot of considerable maintenance involved with owning a high mileage vehicle if you want to keep it running. Especially if you want peace of mind on long road trips with your family. I'd spend closer to your limit on a more recent, lower mileage truck.

I love first gens (pre 2005), if you can find one with under 100k miles then I say go for it. But they're hard to come by. And with the kind of outdoor activities you're describing, I'd get a 4x4 as well. I wouldn't want to be out in the Sierras or desert without 4x4, better to have it and not need it than the other way around in that kind of territory.

 

Based on your use case, you might do better with something like this Ford. One or both rows of passenger seats come out when you need to haul, your stuff will be more secure and it absolutely will get you to Burning Man. If the playa turns to gumbo, ain't no one getting getting out without help anyway. We have a couple in our fleet at work - they're reliable (even when abused) and good on gas.

Not anywhere approaching as cool as a 4x4 Tacoma, though.

 

+1 these make great camper conversions.

Likewise, Econoline type cargo vans and high ceiling Mercedes Sprinters are cool too for commercial/festival type use you're describing.

 

Guy I used to work with used to take this thing out to the Black Rock for a couple of weeks every year loaded to the bump stops.

 

For the full size Transit:

http://www.quigley4x4.com/Portals/0...riceList Rev1.0.pdf?ver=2016-06-08-161325-183



Then do this:



Or the smaller one (Connect):



Maybe build it like this?




Optional features:





My buddy is doing this with an AWD Chevy Express van. Has the lift and popup camper conversion in the plans for this year. In the meantime, his family is getting plenty of use out of it.

I tried to talk him into a Tacoma/ Fourwheel camper package, but it worked better for his needs.

 

Solid suggestions on the 4x4 vans and I'm going to mull that over. But I think I'm married to the pickup idea. If you've ever had to transport 20 bags of garbage for 8 hours, I think having it in a separate compartment is better.

 

you can buy this....

 

i really need to paint my chrome grill black! your truck looks SICK right here

 

If the bump stops are rockin don't come a knockin

 

I'd recommend a 1stgen Tundra. If weight capacity and room is more of what you require, a 1stgen Tundra fits that bill nicely. A 4WD Tundra in your price range can yield some really comfy, nice options. A V8 for hauling the heavier Burner activities, the spaciousness of the crewcab and the leather interior can go a long way...