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Need a starting point

Discussion in 'Toyota Trucks & SUVs' started by ScootARoot, Jan 20, 2020.

  1. Jan 20, 2020 at 5:37 AM
    #1
    ScootARoot

    ScootARoot [OP] Where's my keys

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2020
    Member:
    #316665
    Messages:
    346
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    TJ
    Georgia
    Vehicle:
    '21 DCSB OR Black
    Hello everyone! This is my first post (also a long post - so thanks for your time in reading this), so I am not sure if this is the correct place to post this or not. If not, I can move to the right place.

    I'm looking to start something new for our family. We've been camping several times. I've grown up camping, tent camping and when I was younger drunk camping. Young couple, married 3 years, no children (yet), little 6lb yorkie that goes with us everywhere - camping, beach, you name it, he loves the outdoors.

    So my question is this. Where do I start? I'm looking for a Tacoma - do I start with an access cab that can fit us comfortably, or do I start with double cab to give us room to grow as a family? I don't want something too cheap where I will have to take a shop with me every time in case of a breakdown; motor crap out, fuel issues. I want something reliable I can travel across the country with my family and not worry about making it 1,500+ miles round trip - I live in Georgia an really would like to take them to some nice sites to the Rockies - beautiful area.

    I'm going to buy a used one. I really don't want to go over $10,000 for the truck, if I buy a stock one - I can build and mod as needed - I consider one like this stock - a starting point: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1998-toyota-tacoma-limited-manual-4wd.646447/.

    I am willing to go a little over this as buying one already built is way cheaper. I want to have something like this as an end result - maybe not to this level, but that is what I'm going to plan my build upon: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/california-adventure-taco-2016-tacoma-trd-offroad-4x4.640128/

    Also, do I buy one to build? - Cheaper up front, but more costly in the long run. Or buy one that already has some modifications: small lift/suspension, tires (maybe wheels), skid plates, shell - I like the idea of having gear inside and toss tent on top of shell or tent on ground.

    Thanks again for your time. Any insight or advice is greatly appreciated!
     
    Taco critter likes this.
  2. Jan 20, 2020 at 5:51 AM
    #2
    Gerard6778

    Gerard6778 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2018
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    First Name:
    Gerard
    Vehicle:
    2015 TRD Sport
    Welcome! I strongly recommend a double cab, these trucks aren't very big in any configuration. Although, their size is ideal for off fun.
     
    Taco critter and ScootARoot[OP] like this.
  3. Jan 20, 2020 at 5:57 AM
    #3
    destin_meeks

    destin_meeks I used to fix people's crappy stereos

    Joined:
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    Destin
    Tuscaloosa, AL
    Vehicle:
    2017 SSM DoubleCab TRD Off-Road 4x4
    yeah i 2nd the double cab. especially if you're looking in that price range, you'll be getting older trucks. and the older trucks are even smaller than the new ones. even the double cab is small.

    i personally prefer to go stock and build it from there. when buying already built you dont have much info to go on. just gotta cross your fingers and hope everything was done right. but if you find a shop that you trust, have them do your work and you'll know everything is done well and you'll have a place to go when things go wrong.
     
  4. Jan 20, 2020 at 5:58 AM
    #4
    Ccrames2018

    Ccrames2018 Jack of some trades.

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2018
    Member:
    #246573
    Messages:
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    Gender:
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    First Name:
    Caden
    Nor Cal
    Vehicle:
    07 AC 4x4 V6 6MT
    -Bilstein 5100s @1.75" -16x8 SCS Ray10s with 305/70R16 General Grabber AT -CMC -URD Short Throw Shifter -Bed stiffeners -Bed mat -Aftermarket head unit -AFE Rebel exhaust -ME-SO Customs dome/map lights -Window tint with eyebrow -OEM LED 2015 tail lights -GTR Lighting headlight bulbs -Husky floor liners -Camper shell -Sumo Springs -Air intake -Aftermarket Volkswagen key fob -Aftermarket A/C knobs -Aftermarket LED license plate lights -Console organizer -JBA High Caster UCAs
    Welcome! As far as built vs bought, definitely get the stock truck and build on it. You want be surprised that you don't actually have to do much modification to be able to do some fairly hardcore wheeling with these trucks. They're the mountain goats of the truck world haha.

    Being more expensive to build it I'd say really depends on whether or not you're mechanically inclined. I'm 22 years old and haven't let a shop touch my truck for anything except oil changes and my A/C compressor. That alone has saved me a substantial amount of money. I would say you should drive it stock for a while, take it off road and see what you think, and base your modifications off of what you feel you need in your specific situation. You could end up spending less money overall because you might realize you don't need a lot of stuff that may come on a pre-built truck.

    One more thing to consider: If the truck has been heavily modified, it's much more likely that it has been heavily wheeled and driven hard. You could just be inheriting someone's problems that they are tired of trying to fix and just want it gone.

    In your case, I would get a double cab. It would suck to build up a nice truck and have to sell it because you want the space for a car seat to sit safely in the rear. The access cab rear seats are tiny on anything older than 04, and still really small on anything 05+. I have one and if it wasn't for the price I would've bought the double cab because the access cab isn't as convenient. It's basically a 1 passenger vehicle except for very short drives.

    No matter what, check the frame thoroughly for rust. That's really the only big issue with most of these trucks.

    Good luck, and enjoy the truck!
     
    Taco critter and ScootARoot[OP] like this.
  5. Jan 20, 2020 at 6:40 AM
    #5
    ScootARoot

    ScootARoot [OP] Where's my keys

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2020
    Member:
    #316665
    Messages:
    346
    Gender:
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    First Name:
    TJ
    Georgia
    Vehicle:
    '21 DCSB OR Black

    Thanks for the reply and input Caden! I'm a bit better than average mechanically inclined - I built one in high school - had an 87 cab, 81 engine, 79 frame, keg as a gas tank. very fun build! Should be able to see it in the attachment. Sold it when I went to college though :(

    YES to checking the rust! I've broke a frame in half that was rusted over.

    You're right about taking on someone else's problematic truck. I'm skeptical of used ATV's, so there is no reason a truck to not be the same.

    So a good starting point would be find a decent double cab - maybe one already with a shell to save that expense; then over time add-on here and there. It's a project that never really ends, so I know what to expect - one thing at a time and have fun.

    On buying one, would you recommend looking on here, facebook market place, local, travel to buy one? Any input there?

    20160107_164908.jpg
     
  6. Jan 20, 2020 at 6:47 AM
    #6
    ScootARoot

    ScootARoot [OP] Where's my keys

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2020
    Member:
    #316665
    Messages:
    346
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    TJ
    Georgia
    Vehicle:
    '21 DCSB OR Black
    Thanks, Destin! I believe that the stock route is the best way to go. I get to add what I want, as well as know the integrity of all the parts. Really make it my own.
     
  7. Jan 20, 2020 at 7:27 AM
    #7
    Ccrames2018

    Ccrames2018 Jack of some trades.

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2018
    Member:
    #246573
    Messages:
    1,477
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Caden
    Nor Cal
    Vehicle:
    07 AC 4x4 V6 6MT
    -Bilstein 5100s @1.75" -16x8 SCS Ray10s with 305/70R16 General Grabber AT -CMC -URD Short Throw Shifter -Bed stiffeners -Bed mat -Aftermarket head unit -AFE Rebel exhaust -ME-SO Customs dome/map lights -Window tint with eyebrow -OEM LED 2015 tail lights -GTR Lighting headlight bulbs -Husky floor liners -Camper shell -Sumo Springs -Air intake -Aftermarket Volkswagen key fob -Aftermarket A/C knobs -Aftermarket LED license plate lights -Console organizer -JBA High Caster UCAs
    Sweet truck! Looks like you should be able to build it to your liking a good bit cheaper since you can save on labor costs then. I'd look here, Craigslist, FB marketplace, and if you find one you really like there's nothing wrong with traveling a bit. Most that you find for sale here will be modded a bit but the benefit is you can see what questions or problems they've had based on the threads they posted. I bought mine off Craigslist and drove a few hours. Well worth it.
     

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