Trying to decide on the best Tacoma for the longterm (4 cyl or 6?) (1st or 2nd gen?)

Hey guys, I am a college student looking to buy a tacoma. I myself have never owned a tacoma but my dad has owned a multitude of toyota's, including tacoma's and tundra's (not to mention the good old corolla) and I am looking to purchase one for myself.

I stated I was a college student, because despite popular belief I am very frugal, and therefore looking for the "best" deal.

I will be using the truck primarily to haul my "toys". (dirt bikes, trailers, quads, tractors etc.)

Below are my current craigslist finds:

2001 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab 4x4 4 cyl. -100k miles - $8000
2005 4x4 Access Cab 4 cyl. 65k miles - $12,000
2006 4x4 Access Cab v6, TRD Sport, 119,000 miles - $13,000
2013 4x4 Access Cab v6, TRD Sport, 31,000 miles -$20,000

For the sake of finding the best "deal", assume all the vehicles have a clean carfax, clean title, good frame and in good cosmetic and mechanical condition.

Thank you for any help/advice!

 

Go for the 2013. You will have it for a long time to come.

 

05 with 65k miles is crazy low. 4cyl 2nd gen will get better mpg than the v6 if being frugal is important, and 4cyl has more payload capacity. V6 is faster and tows more if it has tow package.

 

If you are going to be hauling often, I would go with the V6. The 2013 with 31k is still basically new and 20k isn't bad. The 2006 still has lots of life left and will leave you $ for extras and mods. I myself would go with the 2013. Of course only you can really decide by seeing and driving them.

 

I'd go for either of the 2nd gen V6's. You'll appreciate the extra size over the 1st gen and the power is a nice extra. It's no rocket ship (at least not the way I drive mine) but if you have a heavy for, the truck will get up and go! I'd say the 06 V6 is your best bet if you're frugal, I'm a college student with the same truck plus a few more miles. As long as it's a 4x4, the price looks good too!

 

I'd consider how much the things you want to tow weigh. The 2.7L might not meet your needs of you need to tow more than 3500 lbs. That might narrow down your options sooner.