The Golden Taco

Can anyone put their finger on the reason these things resale so well? I've seen 20 yr old Tacoma's with 300k mi. go for $6k or more and have wondered why they hold value so well. I think mine is the bee's knees but wouldn't have bought it if the miles were as high as a lot of them.

 

When I was in high school the 80's Toyota pickup where this rig to have. It seems like the early Taco's are doing the same. Still popular

 

Welcome to Tacomaworld

 

Thanks a bunch. I'm on here often lately it seems sign, so I figured I'd better join the club

 

From what I've heard, 1st gens are desirable because they're reliable, pretty simple (but not lacking in features), and just enough (but not too much) truck for most people. They're in a good niche as a daily driver truck and reliable enough that even 300k+ miles won't scare off too many buyers. It helps that they don't really have much competition as all of the current "smaller" trucks like the Ridgeline, Ranger, and current-generation Taco are all noticeably larger and heavier than the 1st gens.

I've received unsolicited offers for mine on a few occasions and the previous owner got similar offers. When I got mine off the car carrier after it was shipped cross-country, the tractor-trailer driver commented on how he was looking to get one as a beater and daily driver when he wasn't hauling trailers around. Their reputation seems to only grow as they get harder to find.

 

Yes well said. Good mileage, reliable, and generally good looking.

 

I think mine is the bee's knees

that's the answer!

Their reputation seems to only grow as they get harder to find.

There's a million of them around here.

-Mike "none on the lots though..."

 

yeah I recently did a NADA value on mine out of curiosity vs the same year 4Runner in same condition
all I have to say is
HFS
that 4Runner cost about $4k more than my truck MSRP
my truck is now 'worth' twice what that similar 4Runner is today (according to NADA table)
i need more fairy dust lol

 

with or without mechanical/electronic problems?

 

I just looked up my 98 NADA value. High retail is $13K and some odd change. I swear a couple years ago it was only around $8500 or so. I guess the demand for them is making the price go up. As mentioned before I get un-solicited offers to buy my pickup but I always shoot really high. "$20K dollars!" haha Because - it is the Bees Knees for sure!

 

besides whats been posted, still a lot of luv for the small truck market. trucks are mainstream now, soccer moms, yuppies, teenagers etc.. trucks aren't for work or 4wd anymore. PU's cost 30-60k new, so its a sellers market. soon as gas hits $4-$5gal watch'em fall like last recession... and watch dem 4 bangers X$$$!

 

did you compare the similar age/condition 4runner? that MSRP 4 or $5k higher than your truck was and has probably depreciated $20k in 21 years

 

There is a health benefit too. There is a rumor that 1st gen Tacomas may boost the testosterone levels of their owners. That's usually worth a lot of money. Ha!

 

WTH ... is a dosing of fairy dust included with that regimen lol

using my google university diploma: @jbrandt
Fairy Dust. Fairy dust, also known as pixie dust, is very important to the realm of fae. Tinker Bell uses this magical dust to give the power to fly, while other fairies use it to help plants grow, heal wounds, create special areas of protection, and most excitable, to make our wishes come true!

 

We'll have none of that around here.

 

because they're compact "trucks" with big driveline components on a solid steel frame
They just also happen to have very good motors, proven over time - what more could u ask for a practical, economical, reliable truck?

also you can't really get bank loans on them because for their age - imo this drives price up as they're sorta more selective in some ways, especially highly desired trim levels

 

I think the reason is that it's not trying to be all things to all people. It was built and evolved to address a specific market that was looking for off-road adventure over being in the category of "its a truck that drives like a car". It has a loyal following in a specific market that hasn't changed much over the years.

They remind me of Kubota tractors. You won't see those on sale at the nearest lawn, garden, lumber, furniture, plumbing, everything in the world stores.

Go try to buy a used Kubota tractor and compare the price to the original purchase price. You'll think those are made out of gold.

 

- they run forever
- you can't go out and buy a new compact truck anymore
- ones in nice shape are getting rare, especially in the rust belt states
- demand for them is High
- it's a Toyota

 

is that why the dealer new car salesguys keep wanting me to trade my truck in get me into a new tacoma
while i am only there shopping for new corolla hatchback, many come-a-calling, i have so many damned business cards now
if they are reading this right now, i know who you are!

 

I drive by a 98, limited 4 runner every day after work. On a dealer lot. Similar mileage but over 200K miles. Frame is slightly rusty but no holes. Even the same color as my PU. $2600!!! I swear - something must be wrong with it. I contemplate buying it because the 4rnr is a good rig too!