Where is the "high-mileage" point?

I'm still in the market for a 2nd gen Tacoma. I've done a lot of research online and been to several dealerships to drive as many configurations as possible.

I've determined that my favorite setups are below:

'05-'08 access cab 4-cyl 5-sp MT
'05-'10 double cab 6-cyl auto transm

Any truck I buy will need to have interior room (rules out the reg. cab), 4x4, and cruise. I would prefer a longer bed, but I DO NOT want the double cab with long bed. My ideal truck would be the first one listed.

That said, I've been looking at price points for a few months now, and I'm trying to determine the mileage that is too high for the price.

For example, there's a nice access cab just like I want on autotrader for $9,500 but it has 174k on it. Looks to be in fantastic shape, though. I've seen several of these in the '05-'10 range that seem in perfect shape but they have 175k+ miles. I'm hesitant to spend that much on a vehicle with that many miles, but it could be a great deal. Ya never know.

Opinions on saving $8k but getting a higher mileage truck? Should I just spend the significantly larger amount (looks like the $16k-18k range) for a lower mileage truck? Or maybe something in between, like spending $13k-15k on one with just under or over 100k mi?

 

got lucky up here in the north,,found a 2008/access cab 4cyl/auto with 130km,1st owner all receipts,good shape,picked up for 9800,no hesitation,,did all fluid services,hope to have for quite a while,,have 2003 santa fe with 265km at present.

 

Cool. It looks like the asking prices drop dramatically once they get over about 120-150k. I wasn't sure if that was a "safe" range to consider, especially if I could find one in good shape for right around $10k.

I'd prefer one with less than 150k on it, and it looks like those are fairly common, but some people still want $16k for ones with around 150k miles. I'll keep looking, but you gotta pull the trigger quick on them because they don't last long if they're in good shape!

Thanks for the info.

Edit: Just realized you said 130,000km, no miles. Haha....so that's about 80,000 miles. Got it.

 

my 08 came with 75k on it and there is no way to tell, other than the odo. if properly taken care of, they are great trucks.

as an ex 4 cyl guy, i do suggest the six in an access cab. aside from obvious benefits, it is overall a much smoother-running machine without much more fuel consumption. it is also known as super reliable. the 6 is the new 4.

you can lose the cruise and get a base model 6 for about the same price i think. i personally feel that toyota kinda dropped the ball in making the 4 cyl so that it drives. . . . nice. if you drive a 6 and then a 4 back to back you may see what im talking about. and im not saying that the 4 banger is an economy pos, just that they didn't put the effort into vibration/noise dampening. and the 5-speed shifter just really bugs me.

 

I'm hesitant to get the 6-sp MT. I've read they're not that great, but I've also never driven one.

I test drove a AC 4-cyl 5-sp the other day and it drove well, but then took a double cab V6 auto out and it was pretty sweet, too. I think I'm in the market for an AC because I want the bed space, and the interior space isn't a main priority at this time. And actually, I'd like to find one with a few miles on it for a little cheaper, because I'm the type of person who likes to have a few bumps and scratches on my truck, that way I don't have to baby it and feel like I can't use it for real work for fear of scratching it or something.

I like the fuel economy of the 4-cyl for sure, and the AC I drove had adequate power. It wasn't great, but it was better than my '86 4x4 reg cab!

I drive enough on the highway that the cruise is a must-have along with 4WD. I've read some threads on here where people suggested putting an aftermarket cruise is pretty easy, is that what you're saying I should do? I initially ruled the 6-cyl out, but after driving one (finally) its back on the list

 

for sure lol the 2.7 is a HUGE improvement over the 22r/22re that you and i apparently were once familiar with. but back then, the 22re was a no brainer compared to the 3.0. now, its kind of switched up a little. the current 6 is a very tough and viable option. the 4 cyl is still a bulletproof workhorse though with absolutely no mechanical issue that i know of

and dont let people scare you too much about the six speed tranny either. it doesnt shift like an acura, is about all it boils down to. the problem to me is that the motor hangs its revs up when you push in the clutch, so waiting a second for it to come down is all it takes to preserve synchro life. downshifting is rather simple and quick though, which may be why it does that.

driving either tacoma is nowhere near like the old pickups though. . . . . stupid plastic clutch pedals and stuff . . .

 

I gotcha. Yeah, both the V6 AT DC and the I4 MT AC that I drove the other day were an amazing difference from my tank-like '86. Both were a pleasure to drive. It basically comes down to which one I can find a good deal on locally.

 

I got my '08 with 88k on it with the 6sp MT and it's a dream to drive. Just find the one you like the most and enjoy it. There are a couple guys on here that have well over 275k miles; it's all about maintenance. Good luck with your shopping!!

 

Good info, thanks! Nice picture, btw. Where was that taken??? Seems like there are a lot of coasties on here.

 

If I remember correctly it was in the Yucatan or Florida straits on patrol. As for the number of Coasties.....we have good taste and like quality things we can rely on!

 

For reference, I just sold a 2007 Prerunner, DCLB Auto SR5 with tow and LSD for $17k. Truck had 65k miles and had been meticulously maintained with Mobil-1 since new. Probably could have gotten a little more for it but wanted a quick sale.

 

my 96 has 405,000 km on it. they are the AK47 of the truck industry. go forever.

 

Bought my 10 regular cab for 16900 in October..with 6500 miles..

 

I'd say that high mileage would be 120,000 miles. While these trucks last that long no problem, that's the range were things start to fail, especially on a used vehicle that you don't know the service records of...

 

Honestly, the '05-'08 range is my main area of focus, but every now and then I'll see a '09 or '10 drop down into my range. I like to keep my options open.

It seems that the truck I want is very rarely for sale. But I'v seen some base models that look to have a convenience package that includes power windows and cruise, but have the steel wheels. That looks to be my best bet for getting a 4-cyl MT AC with 4x4 for relatively cheap.

 

Meet the previous owner and ask them about the truck. If they seem like an enthusiast that maintains their stuff, I'd buy it. A high mileage Tacoma thats been maintained by someone who cares will last.

 

i would say 100,000 to 120,000 miles. the motor and drivetrain most likely will be fine if properly serviced, but you will start to run into other normal items that will start going (alternator, battery, belts, light bulbs, yada yada). But i wouldn't be scared of a Tacoma with 100,000.

o, and the 6spd is fine. people do complain about it, but look at what your driving, its a pickup not a Cobra Mustang with a T56.