Should I... Tacoma

I have always been a jeep guy..(hold the hate) I have been thinking of changing to Toyotas for some time. Recently my xj cherokee got pushed into a light pole by a woman with no insurance. And my policy somehow didn't have uninsured motorist. I have been thinking a tundra then decided I want a tacoma. The 2nd gen seem to be what sparks my interest after driving a friends 07. I came across a 2005 TRD Sport double cab (unsure if it 4x4 at the moment ) with 215k miles on it. Allegedly from a travel ball coach. It has a paint issue on the roof from what I understand some tend to have this problem and I have a good paint gun. I'm just wondering if it's something I should purchase. Price would be $8-9k plus trade on my repairable jeep. I take good care of my vehicles with regular oil changes and always add Lucas oil stabilizer, and on this I would use only synthetic. I have always had jeeps and have of course with any had to replace pulleys and small motors for function ,spark plugs etc. if I have to spend 3 grand on a new motor in say 4 years I would gladly and then drive it till the wheels fall off. I'm just curious if many people have brought a 8-10 year old Toyota and we're able to keep it going long after. I have other interest in 4runners 2004 and up but the taco is really pulling me in. I don't have a lot of use for a truck and don't plan on pulling boats and things but merely as a river rider and for regular family use.

 

There is a reason Ford and Dodge gave up their mid size pickups and Chevy is on the ropeswith their Canyon and that other one I can't remember the name of. And neither can anyone else, and their sales reflect that. As far as coming over from the Jeep side hey man variety is the spice of life don't be afraid to try something new. Of course I'm obviously biased, but don't take my word for it go test drive one they're fun to drive and highly competent off road. Even stock.

 

I don't know if you're in the rust belt or not but make sure to go over every inch of the frame. Any really questionable spots on it run. I know most people would say that this is a good price but it would be better at 6-7k. Make a list of everything you can find wrong with it and try to talk them down abit. Some people have gotten over 300,000 miles on their trucks but not everyone gets that kind of mileage. Good luck.

 

Op, I've been around the jeep world a good bit and love jeeps. If you are looking for a change a taco is deffinantly the way to go. While they are not a jeep they are right up there it terms of off road capability. My taco is stock and I took it on a trail popular to jeeps and I had little trouble. On that trail a jeep running same tire size go stuck on an obstacle that I breezed over but that is probably my due to longer wheel base on that particular obstacle. Point being is these trucks can easily satisfy your off road itch. Like stated search some of the rust threads to find the things to look for.