first tacoma/general questions/price uncertainty/etc.

hey all,

first off, i'm new here, but i've been reading the forums pretty heavily for the past few weeks -- just want to thank everyone for the informative posts.

i'm still in the market for my first tacoma. with plenty of help from posters here, i've narrowed my search down to either the 2004 xtra cab v6 prerunner with trd package or the 2004 xtra cab 4x4 trd. since i haven't made the purchase yet, i just want to feel out your guys'/girls' thoughts on my uncertainties.

there are a few specific vehicles i'm looking at. i've noticed the 4x4s run about $2000 more than the prerunners on average. i'm fairly certain i want to spring for the 4x4, since gas mileage seems negligible with the v6s. & i'm sure it's nice to have if i need/want it. i'm wondering how much a difference there is performance wise between the prerunner with trd & the 4x4.

i've also noticed the 4x4 trds run more than a grand over fair market price at every dealer i've looked. at first i figured it was just some dealers being more expensive, but as my search is dragging on it's seeming like book value isn't considered so much as the public demand. i don't want to overpay just because i'm so anxious to purchase the truck. what do you all think? should i keep holding out for a 4x4 closer to fair market price or just resign myself to the fact that fair market price doesn't quite apply for this truck? fair market is something like 14500-15500 & what i've found actual market price to be is more like 16-17k.

i'm realizing this post is a lot less pointed than i originally thought it would be, but i am very curious to see what kind of input i can get. thanks in advance!

 

I say wait it out until you find exactly what you want (sounds like you want the TRD V6 4x4 which i think is the best option). It took me about 5 months to find mine which was exactly what I wanted and in my price range. Don't forget to look on craigslist! Have fun searching!

 

The only difference between the regular PreRunner and the TRD 4x4 is a rear locker and, of course, 4 wheel drive. I believe that's all. And dealers do tend to over price those trucks sadly. Everything depends on the condition of the truck. When you look at them, inspect for any rust on the frame, check for any accidents with it, and just give it a test drive.