New member, wanting some purchasing advice.

Yeah, so I'm looking for my first Taco and would like some advice on what to get. Thankfully I have some ideas on what criteria I want or would like to have, and am inclined to go after a used 3rd Gen, and most likely the SR5.

I want a 4WD as a just in case. I don't think I will often ever need it, but the towing capacity and the capability when getting into the more rough stuff in my area sounds like a good idea. (My town roads are TERRIBLE. Recent, constant, heavy rains here in Texas has not helped them at all.)
I don't drive a lot of highway miles, or at least do not expect to do so with a truck. I have a Chevy Equinox right now and that will be the one to mainly go on the highway.
The biggest thing is that I plan to keep this for a long while, while also trying to do some DIY maintenance on it to keep costs down. I also hope to add some accessories down the line to spruce it up.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome aboard!

Ask a dozen people for buying advice, and you'll get a dozen different answers. But depending on where you are in Texas, be on the lookout for a couple of things in particular. If you live somewhere that sees regular snow, carefully inspect the frame for signs of rust. If you live somewhere prone to flooding, look for evidence of high water. Good luck on your search!

 

Fair enough. Here's a good question for me to ask, which year model would be the most accessible for DIY maintenance? Also, advice on things to really expect. Last truck I drove and had was a 95 Dakota and it was traded away over 10 years ago.

 

Recommend you watch The Car Care Nut on youtube. He has a playlist dedicated to the 3rd gen tacoma, as well as a video of common issues on the second gen. Good way to get briefed on common problems and what to look out for during your search.

Here is a video on the second gen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8IR6Y9_wOQ&ab_channel=TheCarCareNut

Here is a video on the third gen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6t...SiT50RyVAkC_JIHXw318&ab_channel=TheCarCareNut

Word of caution, don't let "common problems" dissuade you from buying -only a small percentage of trucks will experience these.

 

I just found that channel this afternoon. Thanks for the 2nd opinion about this guy.