What to look for when buying my first used truck?

Sad that the first part of that is so true, some people don’t listen whatsoever to advice about cars and buy brand new sports cars all the time. I’ve seen it first hand and I’ve been in less than a year.

So I’m an E-2 (just a little PFC) but I have no real bills except my phone bill. So I take home about 1,100 a month after I spend my money on what I want for the month and pay my phone. I’ve looked at Navy Federal and got some decent rates, I haven’t looked at USAA, I will do that. I definitely do not plan on buying brand new, or anything close. I think maximum 350 a month for my truck and insurance wouldn’t be bad.

 

I was talking to a few sargents yesterday (E5s) and they said I definitely need a ride for what everyday and it would be impractical to Uber/Lyft everywhere. I don’t have a deployment coming up for a while, but if that changes, I’ll definitely wait until after that

 

You have a plan. That's a a start. If they are out of your budget keep saving until the down payment brings the monthly payment down to $350. Get a second job if you can and rathole that money for the down payment.

 

What's your mos?

 

@Daria what are you doing here. Should you be working on your wagon or making delicious samiches for Ryan while he works on the buggy or trailer?

 

It's doable to go without one but I couldn't do it. The best advice would probably be buy something cheap and reliable until you move up in rank or deploy. You definitely want to avoid being upside down on your car loan

 

Hey Op @Daria is selling her taco.
How much are you asking for it ? Asking for a friend.

 

OP, don't be afraid to shop outside of your local area as well. Plenty of people on here could help pointing you towards a reputable shop to do an inspection on a used truck.

 

I bought a 2006 with just under 100, 000 miles on it. I actually paid more for it than what it Blue Booked for, but my dad was talking to a friend that said Tacomas (or at least the TRDs) usually sell for more than Blue Book price. I don't think I'm too terribly upside down in mine, but since I paid off my student loans I've been uppity payments to get the truck paid off faster (principle payments).

My truck came with a 2 inch lift and oversized tires, so that was a plus for me. It also already had the factory rack on the top, step bars to the cab, little step deal that goes into the receiver hitch to get in the bed (not hard getting in by climbing the bumper but I've I really like my bully step!), and the bed mat.

I did have to get the leaf springs replaced because they were shifting and the previous owner never did it. I still have to do the head gasket or timing cover thing but I don't have the money. Other than that it's been perfect!

So it just depends on what exactly you're looking for, what options you have, and how fiscally responsible you want to be.

 

Combat engineer

 

Welcome aboard!

I have owned four Toyotas (so far): A 2007 FJ, a 2014 Taco TRD Offroad, a 2014 FJ TTUE and a 2010 Taco Prerunner Access Cab. I still have the '14 FJ and the '10 Taco, and I like Toyota.

Why the double cab? I know, passengers etc, but it has a 5 foot bed vs the 6 foot bed on the access and regular cab models.Guess I'm projecting, but I need bed space more than passenger space.

My recommendation is:

1. Scrutinize the truck from every angle. Does anything look warped? Does it leak? Don't be afraid to crawl underneath it and see if it's muddy or something doesn't look right.

2. Question the owner. Ask him how long he's had it and who does his service. I place higher value on a truck that is regularly serviced at the dealer.

3. CarFax. Just saying.

4. Check KBB and Edmunds for a price guideline. You might have to guess at some of the truck's specifications, but it won't matter a lot.

5. I would rather have a clean low mile truck at a higher price than a higher mileage truck in worse condition.

6. If you're financing your credit union will often have better rates than the dealer, so don't be afraid to talk to them.

Charlie

 

If you can find a high mileage truck that's been used for highway miles, you will get a cheaper truck with a ton of life left! I had a 2nd gen with 190K and it was amazing and drove like a truck with 20K and didn't have any issues at all!

 

set a budget, (what can you pay monthly stress-free) that with your down-payment will tell you how much you can borrow. You do have a down payment (skin in the game) right? Go to your credit union (you are a member of a credit union right?) and show them what ya got and they'll tell you how much you can borrow. Now just go on-line and see how much Tacoma you can get for that amount. Thanx for your service.

 

^^
THIS IS GOOD ADVICE!!