Should I buy this taco?

I want to upgrade from my regular cab because I got a dog, he’s the size of an adult hound. I have the opportunity to buy my dad’s truck for $10,000. Question is whether the access cab is enough of an upgrade for a dog this size? Truck will be used to commute and take the dog around, plus camping etc. a handful of times a year. How does everyone do with a big dog in the access cab, should I get a double cab lb or sb instead? Is this too good of a deal to pass up? We sleep under the cap when camping so long bed is something I want to keep, though I do want a manual gearbox which is not available on DCLB!

My 2006 base 4x4 2.7 5 Speed, 200k miles, owed $3k on loan, frame replaced:
Considering 2009 SR5 4x4 2.7 5 Speed, 100k miles, $10k, frame replaced:

The freeloader, catahoula/Rhodesian ridgeback mix, 1.5 yrs, $???:

 

Most adults I’ve had in the back of my access cab, didn’t volunteer to sit back there if they didn’t have to. Even my brother kids (I have none) didn’t like riding back there.

It’s add storage, that’s it.

 

Good for the dog probably and some storage. I'd pull the seats out and open up some more storage with a platform or something. The 2.7 is a little anemic IMO for the bigger truck.

 

Everybody's different, but all my dogs, forever, just jump in the bed when I let the tailgate down. I never thought of letting them ride in the cab. Give him a chance & I'll bet he will love it. By the way, you've got a Great looking little Reg. cab. congrats.

 

That dog may be too large for the access cab. Many states like Florida it’s illegal to put a dog in the bed unless it has a cap and also contains water so go for the double cab instead.

 

So if they ride up front they don't have to have water?

I understand the good intentions but really, I see so many abused animals in yards it sounds silly.

 

Sounds like a law it not thought to it.
I assume the water is to keep the dog cool in the back.
Up front, you would have A/C or heat? Hopefully. And not left inside alone.

What ever the reason for that law? It doesn’t make much sense if it’s stated that way.

 

Ah I know man, I wasn't wanting you to make sense of it. We just always make laws on top of laws. People would pitch a fit if myself from the '80s drove up with dogs in the back now. The dogs loved it though Would have froze in terror inside.

I vote since you have a cap, the dog will be more comfortable in the bed. Throw an old comforter back there. I know ya'lls summers get hot but isn't it comfortable for a dog most of the year?

edit for clarity: The rear of a Access cab is pretty small.

 

I know what you are saying.
BTW, I’m not the one asking the question.
I have an Access Cab. I consider it storage.
It works for passengers in a pinch. But it’s not ideal.

 

Dogs in an access cab, sure (though if they they could speak they would say no thanks. Adults, hell no. Father in law has an access cab, the rear seat is useless. Storage they are great, the quick ride with friends is doable, but that is about it.

 

My friend has a 06 access and a rather large husky who rides in the cab with her, no issues. Go for it.

 

Since it's your dads truck you must have access to it. Give it a try with the dog before you commit. See if it's going to work out or if you really need something bigger. IMO dog should be fine in AC especially if you ditch the seats for a carpeted platform.

 

No the water portion is a dog can not be kept anywhere without fresh water available to it. So bed, cab, house, yard boat whatever. Has to have water at all times.

 

I’ll have to do a test drive for sure, engine isn’t too bad on those trucks with smaller stock tires. I would definitely do a platform for the pup, and probably not have him travel in the truck bed.

What do you think about the price/miles, and should I spend more for something newer if I’m looking to keep it for another 100k?

 

That's a fair price anyway, plus you know the honest history of the vehicle so I wouldn't pass it up. Not at all unusual to hit 200K especially since you know the frame is replaced. I'm in MA and know a couple of people who hit 200..my wife's 96 was at 170K when Toyota bought it back

 

Yes!!!!!! Put those sport rims & tires from your truck on the new 2 u 09 SR5! THATS the pic I wanna see! The SR5 has a Leer Shell & Thule rack too. Those Leer/Thule legs look like they have locks & keys - those lock cores are even more expensive. Totally worth it if that shell is included & with the sport rims/wheels! If it's a Leer 100R those shell windows slide open 1/2 way!!

 

My 3 doggies ride in the back seat's of my double cab, seats folded down. However I don't camp in the bed, so short bed is fine. I do tow a 26 ft RV to sleep in. Oh, it has water and AC too...

 

No ,get a 4 door with a v-6.

 

Mine is a crew and wouldn't buy an access because I wanted passenger space (don't have a dog).

Advantages for you

you know the truck
new frame
half the miles
more room for now (meets your needs for you and your dog)
matching topper
long box
deal is great to me

I'd say done deal

That's my 95 cents worth

 

I have a 4-door 2012 access cab 4x4 2.7L. For many years my large 100lb German Shepherd rode in the back access area. I placed either boxes or luggage (when traveling) behind the drivers & passenger seats level with the folded down rear jump seats. Laid a large pad down over top and away we went! Never an issue and he could still do a 360 if need be. When I retire next year will get another German Shepherd (original guy passed 3yr ago) and he or she will ride with me again in this Tacoma.