$25,000 to spend

Hi, I just got approved for a $25,000 vehicle loan. I want a Tacoma that can carry a 1,000# pop up or perhaps tow a 2,500-3,000 travel trailer. I know I'll need a 6 with 4WD. I want an ex cab for storage if I opt for a pop-up.

I live alone in Eagle River, Alaska, and will be driving at times several thousand miles to visit family in Pennsylvania. in five years or so I hope to retire from teaching and become a "snow bird," golfing away the winters in warmer Lower 48 climes. But most of the miles will be logged right here in Last Frontier. I want a reliable truck.

I've made the ALCAN trip several times in F series trucks and never had a worry, but they have gotten too big and expensive for me. Anyway, I was thinking 2012-2014 range? Not too many miles. What say you guys? Thanks.

 

Go for it if you don’t mind the payments

 

Welcome to TW...Should be doable!!

 

The most expensive 1st gen you’ll find will probably be in the $17k to $20k range. For your budget I’d say get a nice late 2nd Gen.

These are good trucks, take care of them and they’ll last forever. My 1998 v6 is pushing 500,000 miles.

Be wary of rust. That’s really the only downfall of these vehicles. You’ll be driving through salt and sleet so I recommend coating the frame yearly with an anti corrosive like Fluid Film.

 

I used to go up to Eagle River a lot when I dated this girl up there... dont go much anymore haha.

I did a local search, there's a few 2010+ v6 4x4 that look decently clean with average miles. As I recall I dont remember seeing too many Toyota's up there, a lot of Chevy's and Fords so I am not sure what the used market might be like. Sounds like you dont mind driving, maybe if you cant find anything up there an option could be to find something in the NW and drive it back up? Just spit-balling.

 

You can check down south in BC as well. Vancouver Craigslist and buysell. There's alot of pavment princesses down here. 25000$ usd could go a long way, not sure if non-residents pay taxes on vehicles or not.

Edit: scratch that forgot you said loan.

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to the TW family! You should be able to find something a few years old in that price range.

 

After searching. I bought a 2015 with lower miles. It’s was two years ago and my budget was a touch higher. But couldn’t be happier. I’ve changed her a bit and she goes anywhere . Try and find a 2012-15 would be my advice . Add a rear diff breather and the tires you need. You are on your way!

 

There's unit I'm looking at tonight: 2012 4L ex cab 65,000 miles with 2010 Four Wheel popup. Together $37,000. Seems steep. But Im going to have a look-see because, as I posted in thread start, I'm interested that sort of combo. Just window shopping for now. Ideally I'd like to buy a truck alone. Then decide on pop-up or small travel trailer.

 

For 37K I’d buy new.

 

A new sr5 is cheaper. Without camper, of course. Also, without miles.