2nd Gen Theft

Hey y'all. I'm about to buy a 2009 TRD OR and I'm just wondering how susceptible to theft they are? I live in a very high theft area, and older tacos/4runners get stolen often.

I think it would qualify as a fairly modern machine with power locks and all, but they are also very simple/utilitarian compared to say, our 2019 outback. Do I need to get a CLUB for the truck? Also concerned for the catalytic converter, which are getting stolen all over.

Just looking for some peace of mind. I'm spending $26k on the truck It will be parked in front of my house, but we do take weekend trips (in the outback) pretty often.

 

The only thief you need to worry about is the dealer who is about to rob you on a used sale.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld! BEFORE YOU BUY THAT '09 CHECK THE FRAME FOR RUST! Toyota had a huge recall on frames and 2009 wouldn't be covered any more so if yours looks bad or has holes that dealer might be screwing you. Get it inspected!

A Club device won't hurt as a deterrent. Search for "kill switch" on here to find ideas on how to make DIY anti-theft measures. This one is a good start: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/kill-switch-mod-write-up.88252/

If you are in an area with lots of catalytic converter theft might want to consider a set of skid plates that cover them up. Bonus - they are also good for offroading!

$26k does seem expensive for an '09 but heck I don't know what's real anymore. Crazy times for used cars now.

 

That does seem like an extremely high price for a 2009 model unless it has no miles and is in perfect condition. It might be very different where you are but KBB shows it should be closer to $15K-18K in good condition, even with todays inflated prices, and guessing it had about 130,000 miles.

 

The club will definitely help and it’s a pretty cheap investment. Just curious but how many miles does your Tacoma have?

 

I have thoroughly searched the (insane) market and I know it's expensive. So is every other truck. Old Ford Rangers are going for $18-20k.

It has 26,800 miles on it. It's a time capsule flawless one owner truck. I'd like to keep this thread on the topic if possible.

 

It’s just the way it is now, I know this YouTube channel called Gateway Connections they sell used diesel trucks from 90s and early 2000s with over 100k miles going for 40k and people buy them in a day or two. Crazy but same with home prices, a home use to sell for like 160k few years ago now that same house easily sells for 240k and people are buying them up quick. Been a headache for my wife and I to buy a home atm. Probably going to have to wait.

 

Let's see this truck!

 

”I live in a very high theft area, and oldertacos/4runners get stolen often.”

you don’t need us, you answered ur own question

 

I put a cat skid plate on my Tundra (theft deterrent). $300 peace-of-mind option if thats a concern.

I think they make them for Tacos as well. Wont stop the ravenous crackheads but will make them less apt to waste their time and sawsall blades.

 

I meant 80s and 90s toyota trucks and cars. I have a dozen friends with 2nd+3rd gens and none of them have had an issue. Just wondering if the club was an obvious choice. Part of me feels like tweakers that see the club might then think about taking the cat, like the trucks been sitting, where if there's no club they just keep creeping along elsewhere. Maybe I'm too paranoid. My main concerns with buying the truck in an overpriced market, is if anything does happen, it's "valued" at $20-22k, I'm extra f**ked.

 

OP....quit worrying.

Take the steps to make your truck a more difficult target than the neighbor's truck.

Get a club, use it.
Install a plate or expanded metal over the CATs.
Install a multi-step process to start the truck, ie kill switch, removing a critical fuse........
Make sure you lock it and remove any valuable items. Keep the cab void of personal stuff.

No, these won't prevent the theft, but they will make another truck an easier target. Remember, thieves want to get in and get out quickly. They don't want to spend time cutting a club, drilling key lock, cutting a steering wheel, removing a plate........sorting out a start sequence.....

Make sure your insurance has coverage for such situations.

 

Realistically, insurance would not give anywhere close to 20k if it was stolen. My 2015 TRD is valued at 22k.