many repairs needs, keep the it or get new?

My truck has 325000 miles on it and need multiple repairs. I am trying to decide if it's worth repairing or just getting a new vehicle. Front arm bushings, front boot is split open. also shocks on rear are leaking. any thoughts are appreciated. I will be getting a garage to do it. I really love my truck but not sure what to do here.

 

I'm not an expert but the cost of repairs is probably less than the cost of replacement.

 

Fix it.

 

I see $800 max, premium quality parts. The labor isn't that tough and can be done on your driveway if you're slightly handy.

 

I live in Sacramento CA and prices for a garage are super high. I don't think I am handy enough for these repairs. I changed my spark plugs and it took me about 5 hours. How handy do you mean? i have only very basic tools. thanks

 

Time to replace the key. I don't think you'll regret it.

 

It’s always cheaper to keep her.

It’s not always as convenient to keep her.

 

Those seem like quick and cheap repairs. If it works mechanically then I don't see the need to sell it and buy another, especially in this market. If you need another more "dependable" vehicle, because this one might not be very mechanically sound, then maybe consider fixing it little by little and getting another car or truck for daily driving. Then again, in this market is when you might get the most for your truck, who knows.

 

How's the frame?

 

I had a 2007 Tacoma. Now I am driving a 2014. I'm an engineer. I can fix anything; just ask me. What I lack in ability I make up in confidence. But I just didn't want to have to depend on a high mileage daily driver or my ability to repair it whenever the need presents itself. So when the 2007 hit 200K miles I started looking for a replacement.

Over 300K miles on any vehicle is a lot. That's not to say that depending on its condition it couldn't last another 300K miles. The fact that you don't enjoy doing any of your own maintenance work isn't necessarily a problem. A lot of people don't work on their vehicles in todays world. In my opinion though, the fact that you aren't saying I know my truck, I've looked at all of its operational systems, and I know its OVERALL condition is worth putting a fair amount of money into a few needed repairs is "the issue". Again, this is not saying that there is anything wrong with your knowledge and experience being in areas other than vehicles. It just might be a reason for not "depending" on a daily drive with over 300K miles.

If you are okay with knowing you could put $800 in your truck today and tomorrow it could either be another $800 or $2800; or, you may be able to drive it another 7 or 8 trouble free years, then keep it. If that potential reality doesn't suit your lifestyle than agree that your current truck doesn't owe you anything and get another Gen 2 or Gen 3. Toyota has demonstrated to you taht if you do your part their product will last...

BTW, welcome to TacomaWorld and congrats on owning a 2007 Tacoma with over 300K miles!

 

It is totally your call. No one can decide for you. It depends on so many things - your budget, your comfort level with an older vehicle, what it means to you, etc.

Oh... and how's the frame ;-)

 

You have 2 things working against you.
1) current outrageous used car market prices if you are a buyer
2) 325k miles will scare off majority of buyers

I would fix those minor things and drive it until the motor goes out or when the market levels back down for you to look for a replacement. Either way, I would still keep this one around as a spare if it is mechanically sound.

 

A set of metric wrenches, set of sockets, a good torque wrench, and some PB Blaster. Start with the rear shocks to get a feel for it. YouTube is your friend and will get you through this.

 

Front arm bushing? Easy to do. Rear shocks. I can swap those in about 40 mins. Not sure what you mean about your boot ripped open. I’m guessing axle?

I’m in Sacramento as well. I’m willing to help out. I have all the tools needed.

 

If you have some handy friends or take up some help from people here and YouTube... I bet you will be happy saving a ton of money by repairing your truck instead of getting something else. The things you listed aren't exactly super tough. Replacing the axle boot is a bit of a pain because it is messy, but you can also replace the whole axle which is easier but more money. Unless you're talking about the steering rack boot... in that case its a very simple fix to replace that. Rear shocks are also quite simple on these. Bushings can be a bit annoying in my experience but its nothing too crazy even with basic mechanical knowledge and some help. Before I bought a kit from Harbor Freight, the bushing/balljoint c-clamp kits you can rent from Autozone, O'Reillys etc are good enough for the job and saves you from having to buy the tools.

Obviously it is your vehicle, your money, your choice. Good luck.