I need advice

After the loss of mt C5 corvette in hurricane Helene I was paid 18k. The wife thinks I should trade in my 2009 TRD off-road access cab taco for a new one since I’ve hit 140k miles. The trade in value of my taco combined with the 18k would not fully buy a new off-road package taco ( 54k as built on the Toyota website). That plus the fact they no longer make access cabs and I’m not a big fan of double cabs. Should I consider buying new or putting the 18k into my current taco (new paint, sound system etc)?

 

I wouldn’t put 18k into a 15 year old truck. And before I decided to put any money into it I would see how the frame looks. Shouldn’t need to throw that kinda money into an older Tacoma. Unless of course the frame is toast

 

Buy what you want, but don't expect the next vehicle to fill the void of the memories of the old vehicle. I've had a couple 4th gen ls1 Camaro's. I always liked the first one better.

Agree that 2009 and 140k miles is getting long in the tooth. A replacement vehicle should be on your list. You really need a new truck and a new fun car.

 

Look for a used 3g if you want, don't bother with a new one.

What does she mechanically need right now?

 

Currently my 2009 needs nothing. Everything works fine, the frame is excellent as I’m not in a snow region. The only thing of concern is the mileage.

 

It’s just broken in. Had 350k+ and 450k+ on old Toyotas in the past. Over 200k on newer ones. Plenty of folks with the same.

Don’t dump 18k into a depreciating vehicle, just keep it as a security blanket around for when anything comes up to avoid debt or invest it in some other investment or even hobby or whatever.

 

Was curious since you mentioned Helene but your location says Canada.

If you're looking at a solid frame and it needs nothing, just hold onto your cash and just keep on driving it. Enjoy the time not making a payment.

My 2010 has 143K, it was reframed in 2021. I'm hoping for 10 more years.

 

Yeah I own homes in Florida and Canada. My truck stays in Florida year round. I wasn’t planning on all 18k going into the truck but was trying to decide, if I keep it, on a new paint job or a wrap. Then a more modern stereo system.

 

18K in a 5% CD.

 

140k miles is nothing. Take care of it and you'll get 400-500k

 

I don't know....1 man's trash is another man's treasure . ...my friend bought his runner for $5k and put another $45k into it. Trucks engine purrs like a kitten.....just saying. Toyota Strong

 

If someone asked you for $100 to spend on crack would you give it to them
if an irresponsible person with 7 repos asked for you to cosign on something that you know they are going to drop the ball on with potential negative consequence to you, would you do it?

You do what you want.
But if you are asking me, I am not into aiding, supporting, condoning, or abetting bullshit activity.
And that is exactly what certain new vehicles are, as well as what buying them is.
Just like I am generally not interested in buying a vehicle that has red turn signals. They're supposed to be yellow. It's not that hard. You had one job. Can't get that basic thing right? Not interested.

Do I like the additional electricity in new vehicles? Absolutely.
I lived in my truck for a period of time and struggled to get the amount of electricity that I wanted. 100 to 500 watts.
Newer vehicles might offer around 1000.

Also, do I assume Toyota did everything right with the 4th gen? No.
1. they make things worse over time. Pickup had solid axle option. 1st gen made worse by deleting that. 2nd gen had some dumb shit added, that I experience in mine every day. 16-23 added more dumb shit to a 2nd gen and people call Turd Gen.
What do you think the 4th is going to be.
People already know, there are already youtube videos on this, discussing some of the stupidity found on the 4th gen, such as a tow hitch that is welded in instead of bolted.
Toyota also does not bring real proper Toyotas that anybody knowledgeable wants, to America.

There are a lot of vehicles you can get for that money, and they do not have to be new.
And there are a lot of upgrades you can do for that money.
When you spend all of your money on a stock vehicle, that's exactly what you get. A bullshit stock vehicle bare minimum off the assembly line.
FWIW, I have not heard of issues with the turbo Ford ranger motor.
We all have heard of the recent Toyota Tundra engine recall.

You can always make this decision later.

It's up to you to look at the truck you're thinking about, learn it
and see if you want it, and if it's worth it to you.

You said $54k. I doubt it's giving me $54k worth of shit. It probably has regular IFS and pencil shocks. That is not $54k, regardless of who writes what on the window trying to make money.

Paint? I want a non-gloss tan. Toyota does not offer that.
I want a nice audio system. Toyota does not offer that.
If you want an access cab, then you get an access cab.

Everyone is different. I'm personally curious how many miles I can get out of mine.
If I put a new A/C compressor, then my A/C compressor will be no less new than a new truck.

I would gladly sell my truck to switch over to a late model year 70 series LC troopy manual diesel. This is also not possible. They're not sold here.
Or an old 110 LR Defender troopy manual diesel. Same thing.
Maybe a couple of other things.

Paint (if even necessary) and audio is not $18k.
Not sure if other vehicles come with that better stock, to look at more options, and if you care about what holds value.
4th gen will depreciate.
mods on 2nd gen might not get money back for it.

 

Save the $$ for the next hurricane.

 

I like the thinking here. 5% CDs are still out there or in a money market account. As I've aged, I tended to keep my vehicles much longer as I dislike the thought of looking for vehicles, let alone dealing with dealers. I have money set aside in a money market account for what I anticipate to be the last vehicle I'll purchase. I no longer feel the need to have the latest and greatest, I just need the basics.

 

140k is nothing. I have a 2008 tacoma that just turned 449k. I use it for work hauling equipment, supplies and it has spent more time overloaded in city traffic than I would like. Since 370k miles I towed our 5x8 enclose trailer across country and back. Made two trips to Idaho and a couple more trips to California and back.
If your 2009 has the 4.0 motor, I would keep it. Keep the oil changed and other maintenance up. Do the things to it that will make it a more enjoyable truck for you to drive.
That’s my to cents worth.

 

If I had 54k to spend on a vehicle I'd be getting a luxury sedan that rides like a cloud.

 

If you took care of your Taco, 140 K is nothing for mileage...

 

Your truck has a ton of life left. Keep driving it and save money on top of the 18k for your future vehicle purchase

 

Keep it and drive it!!

 

140k, I’ll bet the cylinder walls still have the factory crosshatch machining.

Have you considered replacing the vette with another, or something similar?