2k8 tacoma needing overhaul

I have a 2008 4.0 tacoma automatic. It runs, but certainly not like it used to. Also, it was maintained rather cheaply for the last 100k miles as, well, life happens and I did what I could. I have options now, (including buying a new gen 3) but I want to give consideration to having my current truck repaired. The truck has 250k miles on it, so it's reached about what you'd call life expectancy. Body/frame are in very good shape, engine (in my non-expert opinion) needs replaced to provide the level of reliability I would require from a daily driver with a fairly long daily commute. Trans has shown no sign of malfunction, but that's alot of miles. If I have this truck fixed I am willing to put significant money into the process, and I would want work to be done by someone who knows what the heck they're doing. (Not looking for budget work, rather a fair price for skilled work.) So with parts and labor for a 4.0l engine, possible transmission, and a fair amount of wear and tear parts including cv shafts, shock/struts, brakes, some rust prevention so it can stay as intact as it luckily remains, paint touch up and (very minor) rust repair to few small parts of body, and probably some unexpected surprises along the way, will I be able to make my truck a reliable daily driver, or am I into enough that buying a new or nearly new vehicle would be intelligent? Bear in mind I have a solid offer to buy my 08 in current condition for $7k.

 

Do you know the history/frequency of all of the past maintenance items for the truck? Oil, transmission fluid, differential, t-case, coolant, etc? If the basics were done at reasonable intervals, it wouldn't be too worried about some of the other things that need attention, especially the things you can see.

 

Sounds like you should be able to get a lot more miles out of it without doing anything. You're nowhere near the "life expectancy" of the truck. I wouldn't fix something until it broke.

My 07 is approaching 230,000 miles and is in similar shape. The paint is less than perfect, the seats and carpet are dirty from 15 years of honest use. But there is no rust, no major dents, and the engine/transmission still run like new. I'd drive it cross country tomorrow. I fully expect to get 400,000 miles out of mine.

But on the other hand, my Tacoma isn't my go-to vehicle when we go on longer trips anymore. I use it as a 3rd vehicle for mostly local commuting or shorter trips within 100 miles of home. I'd drive it farther if needed, but I have newer, more comfortable vehicles for longer trips.

You don't tell us much about the truck. $7000 seems like a fair price for a 2wd Access cab. A 4X4 Double Cab should be worth $2000-$3000 more. Not knowing about your family and financial situation makes it hard to give advice too.

Something I'd consider.

Keep the truck as is for those times you need a truck. Buy a small to mid-size car or crossover SUV for dependable daily driving and 30-35 mpg. You can get a used car for about what it will cost you to do a complete overhaul of the truck. Or a new one for a lot less than you'd pay out of pocket to trade the 08 Tacoma for a new truck

 

My 2006 has 303,### miles and I am just doing my 2nd transmission drain/fill and filter change. If you put some time into these trucks they will last forever. About all I do is abuse it and change the oil. She still climbs like a mountain goat and drives like a racecar! It is my most reliable vehicle and I trust it with my life.

(It likely doesn't need a new engine or trans)
My recommendation would be to get all the maintenance items caught up and learn to love it.

If you can't and won't be comfortable pass on it and leave it for someone who will love the truck, and by yourself brand new.

 

This is the critical nugget.




Does that mean it's lost power? Would you say a lot of power?

I'll go against the popular opinion. If you aren't both well versed in doing your own maintenance and can at least do minor diagnostics (know how to play the game of "what's that sound,") I would say maybe you would be better off with a newer vehicle. Older vehicles need more attention. That's just a fact of life. If you drive and treat them like they still have five figures on the odometer, they won't be nearly as dependable as people on here claim them to be.

 

It's going to be pretty hard for us to make a judgment over the internet. Take it to a mechanic (or two) and have an appraisal done. Avoid any place that offers to inspect it for free