Been lurking for awhile, really close to pulling the trigger but need some advice...

Hi all,

I have a 2016 Forester XT that I originally bought for camping, offroading, road trips, etc. However, while its a great car I feel like I might have gone the wrong route in that regard and wish I had gotten a Tacoma that I could modify into an overlander. I'm looking at 2012-2015 Tacomas and the ones in my price range have anywhere from 50-90k miles on them already while my XT only has 45k. But I know the Tacoma is supposed to have that legendary Toyota reliability, and my plan would be to keep the truck as long as possible, especially since I'm sure the Tacoma ultimately would be cheaper to repair and maintain in the long run (especially since the Subie has a turbo) I also know that having an offroading vehicle as a daily isn't ideal, but I'm not using it to rock crawl or anything really extreme.

So am I having reasonable thoughts, or am I being dumb in trading my newer vehicle with fewer miles for an older Tacoma with more miles??

 

I DD my Tacoma, 30k on the odometer and no issues. Toyota made the Tacoma for your average joe who drives to work and maybe wants to take the less traveled road on the weekends. You won’t do any harm by DD’ing it every day. The Tacoma wasn’t created with a market aim at your avid off-roaders. The Tacoma could be slowly modified over time to your liking and will more than likely prove more useful. Get the truck, you won’t regret it. What year are you looking at? You can’t go wrong with any really, just curious.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

You can’t go wrong with a Tacoma. They are great trucks with a proven track record for reliability. I say buy one and enjoy it!

 

I'm looking at 2012-2015. I'm not really concerned with DDing it generally, I'm more concerned with it post modification with high mileage. But if these are the tanks they're made out to be, that typically shouldn't be an issue. Thinking about my current car making it to like 150k with a turbo in it makes me a bit nervous.

 

Thanks man. I hope to be in one by the end of the month!

 

Welcome to TW

 

Depends on your needs. Your Forester will go most places a Taco will. Keep the Forester. If, like you say your XT only has 45k, enjoy it. Theres a long way to 150K. I own both a 17 Subaru Forester and a 17 Tacoma. I have owned 3 Tacomas over the years. If one had to go, it would be the taco.
Welcome to TW!

 

Interesting. Why is that?

Do you think the Forester XT would hypothetically have the same longevity as a Tacoma? I feel like in the long run the expenses would be much higher for repairs (definitely not including modifications I'd want to do)

 

Thanks dude

 

Forester is a great reliable vehicle. Unpretentious, capable with great gas mileage comparable to the Tacoma. Your worrying about the turbo giving out... which is fair. However, I traded my XT in with 128k with no mechanical issues at all. Actually, I regret that now. Seeing how slow the 17 is.
Tacomas have had their share of issues of the years. Through all 3 gens...You can find out most of them on here.

Just thought I would offer my opinion based owning both vehicles.
Goodluck regardless on which decision you come to.

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

This is an interesting idea, though my only concern is I travel a lot and rack up miles pretty quickly.

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Welcome to the forum, get one and you won't regret it just check the frames for rust before you buy. 2nd gens have a recall for that I believe.

They are durable as hell. Sick and twisted as it is, even ISIS prefers Tacomas because they are so reliable and the Arabian desert terrain is much harsher than what you'll likely be putting it through on a daily basis. Your mpg will take a hit, but that's something you'll have to expect when you get any pickup. (The ridgeline isn't a true pickup, made on a car chassis, not a truck frame). Good luck with your purchase!

 

Wont they still charge me extra because of it? Sorry, I'm pretty unfamiliar with how leasing works.

 

My current Forester is lifted with ko2s and between that plus the premium gas the Tacoma only ends up being slightly more expensive in that regard. This is something I'd want to keep as long as humanly possible, so that's what I like to hear.

 

I didn't read all these so might have been said . Tacoma's hold their value but if you search a lot you can find a deal . They are out there .

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Toyota's reliability speaks for itself in resale value. That said Subaru's are no slouches in the reliability department either, but dont share quite the same level of value retention. I'd go Tacoma all day, but im biased.