Another new member

I am new as well. Hope to own either a Tacoma or Tundra very soon. Lost my truck to a head on collision with a 1200 lb cow back in February (06 Duramax CC) and have decided I would like to have a more responsive and capable off road vehicle as my daily driver.

I have since picked up a Cummins dually 4x4 ton truck for short money (meaning I need to replace the injection pump) to handle heavy towing, hauling so now I have a green light for this.

I drove an 07 6 speed manual Tacoma this morning with 168K miles on it, double cab, $14K. Frame was not done, not sure if it should have been or not. The underside was very clean, but I did see some level of rust up on the front gussets. I am not very knowledgeable in the years and issues so I am seeking your rapid advice. I know that pretty much all of them are solid, but in terms of buying going forward should I look for a >2010, less than xx miles, etc...

Not ruling out a Tundra but it seems overkill since the Taco will fit my family fine and I have the
other rig at home for other chores and the Taco has some unique size advantages.

My needs or wants are a double cab, 6 speed. I could drive an auto-seems like it would be more fun with a stick.

I have been driving my '72 Monte Carlo with no AC and no interior, no back seats since February: Translation - I am really ready for a change to a Tacoma. Any advice would help, I am looking in real time right now. Anything around Charlottesville, VA let me know.

Thanks,
Jim