Which of these two Tacomas should I buy?

Hopefully posting this in the right place...I have recently decided it is time to part ways with my 2001 XJ, too many headaches the last 6 months. I have wanted to upgrade to a Tacoma for some time, and started seriously looking a couple months ago. This week I came across two in my price range that look pretty sweet, but can't decide what is more practical, and how important the mileage difference is, so I was wondering what advice y'all might have. I'll be using the Taco for daily driving, getting to work up the mountain in the snow, camping trips etc. Off-roading will mostly be limited to getting to campsites and trailheads, no serious wheeling. I also rarely have passengers besides my girl and my dog, the seats in my XJ have been folded down for years. Anyway here are the two options:

2008 Tacoma Regular Cab, 2.7L I4, Manual, 4x4, Camper shell, 103,000 miles, $11,400 after dealer fees/taxes

2011 Tacoma Access Cab, 4.0L V6, Automatic, 4x4, 149,000 miles, $11,900 from private seller

 

I would be more interested in the 2011

 

2011

 

All I read was AC, go with that one!

 

I think the access cab and V6 are sweet, but I would have to spend some extra to throw a camper shell on it because I intend to sleep in the bed when camping. According to KBB (which I tend to disagree with), $11,900 is a pretty good deal, but am I wrong to think that is alot to spend on a truck with 149,000 on the clock?

 

acesss cab with the V6

 

The AC is going to be more practical for your uses it sounds like. Plus you'll enjoy the v6 going up the mountains. More space for camping gear and your dog. I love my AC v6

 

Just make sure you check the underside for rust. The most important part of inspection for these trucks.

 

If you live out west, like your TW handle states, theres a decent used market for camper shells. Buying one used is probably the single biggest hit or miss market. You can find them from $100(and get $100 worth of camper shell) to just short of "New" prices. If you keep your eyes peeled and are willing to drive a little way to pick one up, it shouldn't be that hard to come by. The east coast, on the other hand, they are much less common. Just food for thought.

 

I prefer the 2011 with the V6.

 

2011 V6 is the better choice.

 

After a frame/rust inspection, if they are equal I'd go with the 2011 Access Cab V6. A 46,000 mile difference is nothing to be concerned about. I camp with my Access Cab and I really appreciate the extra space inside. I have a cap and the 6' bed is great with a platform for sleeping. I don't take a tent. I will say my cap is level with the cab and with a platform it is a little cramped. I wish now I would have given a cap that is 4"-6" taller more consideration. In fact, if I had the $8K-$9k laying around I would go for a wedge pop-up camper.

 

I agree AC

Complete inspection (for sure rust/frame like BKinzey said)

V6 more power when you need it
AC more elbow room

 

I agree with everyone else on the recommendation.
Miles are fairly negligible. More room in the Access Cab for all three of you. Having the V6 in higher elevation is helpful.

That said, would you have any objections to seeking a Double Cab?

 

Without looking at NADA numbers just based on your information I would go with the v6 AC .

 

2011 all the way,and you can try and get the price down.

 

AC for sure.

 

The AC , just get it before it’s gone. Too many reasons to list. Also hard to haul your girl and dog around in a regular cab, the dog can ride in the back seat of the AC. ( I would not have my dog ride in the bed of the truck, bad idea and potential harm to the dog) . This is a no brainer, get the AC.

 

Yea put the gf in the bed

 

Went to check out the AC V6 this morning (it was closer to home) and it was in pretty good condition, but I discovered that while the owner did mention a damaged tailgate, he failed to mention that it resulted in a rebuilt title, and that is not something I want to deal with. I think everybody is right the extra space and V6 is the way to go, so I guess the search continues!