Hopeful Tacoma owner, but am I priced out of the market?!

Wow!

That is surprising! in 2013 I was in the market for one but had a $8-$10K budget. That almost did it in the SoCal/AZ/NM/WestTX corridor and I looked at a couple around $11K that were just out of reach.

I saw a few for <$10K but had weird mods I did not want. At the time I "settled" on a 2000 4Runner Ltd for $7K and that thing was great! I loved it! A buddy who had Jeeps all his life had gotten one and was blown away with it! Only reason I traded out to a Tacoma was it needed some minor work that added up and my current living situation prohibits working on vehicles on the property so it had to go. (Just needed shocks, and a knock sensor mostly...real PITA jobs on those though!)

My nephew sold his 2000 TRD 4x4 with ~150K miles for $5k a few years ago so they're out there!

Good luck!

W

 

I looked for awhile as well. I'd agree with most and say you are priced low for the setup you want. I initially wanted a similar setup that you are looking for about a year or two ago, and wanted around 18k. I would just go on auto trader and select the options I wanted and set the distance to any. After a few months I found the TRD I was looking for and contacted the dealer to talk about flying up and driving home. Truck was priced low for the options and I thought I got lucky. I looked at the pics again before booking flight and realized the bed was slightly crooked (I'm sure the thread is still around). Figured out the truck was wrecked and dealer wouldn't admit. So I passed and continued my search. I decided I really didn't need a TRD and the markup associated with them since I could always add better components later to equal the TRD add ons. I expanded my search to any white V6 4x4 and came across a base model (Which I like the looks of better) that fit all my wants. Even better it was about 4-5k cheaper.

I called the owner and got them to send more pics, especially of the frame/under side. Found out it was a "service" truck the owner of the business would use to drive to jobs for quotes and whatnot. All miles were highway and minus a couple blemishes/nicks, the truck was in great shape. Went onto toyota website and even tracked the maintenance log, and it was meticulously maintained by the owner. All oil changes and services done on time, if not prior to. They agreed to knock $500 off to cover my airfare, and I flew up. They met me at the airport in the truck and to the bank we went. Ended up getting my 2010 with just over 100k miles for around 14k. I've added a few things since, and am still under what I would of paid for a TRD and couldn't be happier.

Biggest things I'd recommend are checking its maintenance logs on toyota website, getting lots of pics if the vehicle will require a flight, and finding a compromise with yourself on options to meet your price point.

 

my 2009 trd sport dclb with 94,000 miles is valued at about 18k. it was listed at 19k at the dealership. 4x4 under 110k isnt going to happen

 

For a 2nd gen Tacoma you're out of the price range and mileage. Now for 1st Gen Tacoma you could find plenty in that price and mileage...just gotta shop around :thumbsup.

Same goes for a 4Runner or FJ.

 

I've been looking for MONTHS. I only wanted a TRD DCSB 4x4...best deal I found was a 2008 w 186k miles for 14500. So I bought it. Cleanest interior I've seen from a used Tacoma.

 

4runners are easier to come by and much cheaper

 

http://pensacola.craigslist.org/cto/5953713016.html

 

http://dothan.craigslist.org/cto/5936761285.html

 

We have a bunch of Tacomas in ND if you're willing to travel.


https://www.bismanonline.com/conten...poC=&ao_12=&poR=&=&app_track=com-AutoSearch35

 

Completely depends on your market. Definitely cheaper.

I live in the Phoenix area and I looked for months for either a 3rd Gen 4Runner with e-lockers or a Tacoma TRD OR... There are hardly ANY decent 4Runners out here and if there are, they get snapped up immediately. My preference was for the 4Runner but after test driving a couple Tacomas (that were TWICE the price of the 4Runners I was looking at), I decided to get a newer vehicle in the '06 DCSB TRD OR with 165K miles.

Don't be so scared of the higher miles. If the vehicle has been maintained, it should be fine.
Make sure you have a mechanic inspect the rig before putting an offer on it. Could save you... headaches down the line. Ask me how I know...

 

Yeah high miles are a little scary but it's a Tacoma!

 

Saw two of my dream trucks in the bay area in your price range.

Gen 1 double cab tacomas, 3.4L 4x4- one had 62,000 miles at $16K and the other had I think shy over 80K and was around that same price. I know, its a lot for an older vehicle, but they are the best gen and will last you over 300K easily if you do your maintenance.

 

Toyota prices in general seem inflated in the PNW. Tacomas especially, they are crazy popular on the peninsula.

 

I have my 06 for sale.
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/5904528940.html

 

Thank you so much everyone!! This was super, super helpful. So many great suggestions/links/purchasing tips/etc...now I really want a taco, so I can be a legit part of TW I'm going to look at both 1st and 2nd gens, broaden my search (to include basically the entire U.S. hah), consider compromising on a few things to stay within my range, and look at 4Runners as well. Will try my best to stay under 18K, would rather put $$ into making the truck what I want and/or investing in other toys for playing outside. You all rock, thanks again for all the help. Hopefully I'll be sharing pictures of my rad taco soon.

 

Are there certain years you recommend over others for 1st gen? I'm sure I can dig around on the 1st gen forums and find a ton, but figured I'd ask here too!

 

Keep an eye on the b/s thread most are willing to negotiate if coming from tacomworld

 

Awesome, didn't think of this, thank you! So helpful.

Rad, thanks. Years you recommend for 1st gen?

Aubi1414 thank you!!! Awesome finds. Will reach out.

 

now THIS is a truck I would check out. Looks really good and has a great price. If only it was a long bed.

 

Looking nationwide or reasonable distance is a good idea depending on your location.
I purchased my current 2012 Taco in Nebraska and had it shipped to Dearborn. Not many Taco's in Metro Detroit, but a lot of domestic choices....F-150, Ram....