Im considering buying a Tacoma need suggetsions

Hey guys. Well I currently own a 08 Civic coupe. Ive had a 05 Silverado in the past. Anyway I work as a maintenance tech at an apartment complex and we have to use our personal vehicle to get around. Having a car doesnt really help. I was considering to get a truck at the time I got the Civic but at the time the Civic was the best deal. Also I got it to replace my stolen car. I woke up January 2 2012 and my car was gone but that same day I got another car. Didnt really research or look around but at the time I wanted either a Civic or Tacoma. We are about to pay off my wife's Corolla S in the next few months so credit should be even better now. May trade in my Civic and get a truck more specifically a newer Tacoma I dont wanna get into a new one I'd rather stay around $12000 price range. What should I be looking for when Im getting a Tacoma.
As in:
What years
What options
Stay away from certain years
Certain years have better performance.
What submodels have better factory amenities

Im not much of an off roader but then again with a truck who knows. I would like a crew cab and because of MPG is an I4 and V6 a big difference. Also dont mind a manual transmission either although city driving (what I mainly do) traffic here, rush hour isnt fun in a manual. The Civic is a manual. I dont foresee doing alot of towing but then again with a truck who knows. When I had the Silverado we traded it in because MPG was killing us and this was back in 06 I had gotten it brand new. I didnt do anything with it other than get to point A and B back. So anything you guys can tell me would be helpful. Thanks in advance from a potential Tacoma owner.

 

A used Tacoma for around $12K is going to be pretty rough. From what i've seen, anything newer that's in decent shape is still well over $20K.

 

Yeah, going to be hard to find a "newer" Tacoma for 12k. If you do it will be high mileage. Also not to discourage you from a Tacoma, they're great trucks, but don't expect better mileage than that of the Silverado. And the 4 and 6 cylinders don't get much difference in mpgs from my understanding.

 

You might want to call this person.....this add is either false advertising or they're on some good drugs. This truck KBB's for around $25K!

http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/ctd/3536345961.html

 

That shit is SPAM!!!!

 

I know, it's kind of funny though. I bet a lot of people fall for those kind of things.

 

Oh I'm sure they do. That format picture and goofy price is a dead give away though.

 

Maybe it was just a misprint?

 

I would suggest a 2005 tacoma either a single cab or access cab depending on your need for the little extra cab room. get the 4 cyl manual you will average about 23 miles to the gallon and still have enough power for what you want to do with it. you will most likely have to pay a little more than 12k probably close to 14 or 15k. if you dont want to spend that you'll most likely have to settle for an older model.

 

I'm inclined to say that for the money you're looking to spend - I'd say stick with a 5 lug 5 speed base model 2wd.

Good, basic, reliable, economical. - It'll last on gas and basic maintenance for as long as you want to keep it. That'll also have the best gas mileage by far.

But if you look around, you might come up with a V6 double cab pre runner that's a little older and sporting half-again as many miles. For example:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/ctd/3529146413.html

But it'll be a bit more expensive to maintain the V6, and keep gas in it the V6 pre-runner.

 

Alright thats sorta info I was looking for. My Civic gets 25 on average and I tend to do my share of "spirited" driving.

Yea Ima have to say spam all the way.

I have noticed these trucks dont lose value. My reasoning behind the price cap I dont wanna be paying on it too long.

I wasnt primarily considering a 4x4. I would prefer a Toyota since they are known for reliability. Income refund season is upon us so there may be more trade-ins that I might be able to captialize on. Why is a V6 more expensive to maintain??? Are parts more expensive or just the addition of the 2 cylinders as in 2 more spark plugs and wires???

I would like to pay off the truck in 3 years (or less if possible). Hopefully once we pay off my wifes Corolla in 3 months my credit score will improve enough to where I can get a great rate and get more truck if that makes sense.

 

A "pre-runner" isn't a 4x4. It just sits a little higher because it has the 4x4 suspension.

 

I have a 2005 prerunner access cab I'm selling for $10,950. Check seattle craigslist.

 

Just for an idea for you, I was at my local dealer today. While waiting for my Toyota care oil change, I walked the lot. They had a 2003 DC pre-runner with 146K. They were asking 12999.00. Which was marked down according to the window from 13999.00.

 

These things hold there value. Most of the few decent ones I found were only a couple grand less than a new one. With the lower interest rate on new, my monthly payments were less than used. I purchased new, and never looked back.

 

I was unaware of that.

Im in San Antonio

I am starting to lean that way but gotta wait till wifes Corolla S is paid off in 3 months, then I'll see where I stand and make a decision then. Hopefully with help from this forum I'll be able to make a better informed decision.