Mike's truck adventures! Build Thread

Hi guys. I've been lurking and posting around the 3rd gen forums for awhile. I really do love the 3rd gen design and features and was set on a DCLB Quicksand. Welp... my frugal side tookover and decided it's better to go with a used (first) truck since I have a newborn and wife will be off work for awhile. After an exhausting search I finally landed one that I'm happy with. These things hold their value and deals are hard to come by in Southern California. They sell within days! Ended up with:

2006 DCLB TRD Sport
69k miles, mint intererior, good exterior besides a small dent on the rear corner bumper. mechanically sound.

It was one owner, he kept it parked in the garage for the first 8 years and just drove it around town and on trips. All maintenance was done at dealer on schedule. Always lived in Southern California. The guy asked $17,500 (right around kbb) and I got him down to $16,700. I'm happy with the deal and the low milage!

Can't wait to do some things to this. I already purchased a bed mat. Next up are seat covers and most likely a camper shell. Still haven't decided on the shell. Check out the pics and let me know what you think I should check on under the hood!

Also I'm looking to get bigger tires eventually and a small lift. Not for offroading just to look a bit more aggressive. i'm thinking 5100s and a spacer in the rear?

 

Nice truck! I'm in socal as well, and was in the used Tacoma market myself up until about a month ago. You're right, it's really tough to find a good deal on one out here and once you do, you have to jump on it or else it's gone. I was looking for a 4x4 which made it tougher as Prerunners are more prominent out here.

As for under the hood, if it was maintained meticulously then there shouldn't be anything to worry about. Maybe just check the manual for what kind of service is coming up for your mileage and compare it to what's been already done/needs doing. You could always add a TRD supercharger if you can get your hands on one

I'm a fan of the soft tops for camper shells, Bestop and Softtopper make quality ones. I'm not too savvy on lifts but from what I gather, AAL (add a leaf) is a good way to raise the rear if you're looking for an inch or so of lift. There's a plethora of suspension lift info on here though, I'm sure someone else will chime in on it. Good luck and welcome!

 

you look pretty young, congrats on getting such a nice truck while your still in school.

 

Welcome

 

Congrats from another SoCal member!

 

thanks for all the info! You're right I took the truck an hour after I saw it and another guy was calling pretty much arguing with the seller on speakerphone about why he sold it so fast and to let him see it first. The guy wanted to offer $18k.

Yeah the softopper looks cool. I would just use that for trips most likely. I'm just not sure if I want an actually hard shell on there for the rest of the time. I think it would make my truck a heck of a lot more useful for my daily needs. We'll see. Still getting used to having a truck it's only been a few days

Btw... did you end up finding a 4x4?

 

thanks!

funny guy! 3ft spacer lift on the seat is my next mod LOL

 

Sure did a 2004 4x4 with a supercharger, only 24,000 miles on the truck

 

wowee! good job man.

 

Thanks! I saw the listing on a Friday night and was at the dealership 3 hours away when they opened the next morning at 8am lol. Have to jump on these things quick out here.

 

yeah its pretty crazy out here. Now to decide what to do with my commuter car. I wanna make the truck my main vehicle but my matrix gets such good mileage and if I keep the Tacoma miles low I should get good resale in 3 years when 3rd gen have been properly updated

 

If it was me, I'd keep the commuter car...I want to get one myself as soon as I can afford to. I love driving my Tacoma, puts a smile on my face every time (I actually look forward to going to work in the mornings now lol) but I also want to keep the mileage down and save on gas money.

 

I feel the EXACT same way! Can't wait to drive it every day. Yeah I'm leaning towards your idea and driving the duo at least until I buy a brand new truck and decide to keep it 10+ years

 

I never had such a nice truck when I was 6 years old. Good on ya!

 

ahh man now you stole the joke @travistheone made! My little big kid is only 4 but he rumbles with the 6 year olds!

 

Great looking kid and great looking truck. Enjoy!

 

Welcome. Nice truck,looks like a good find. Long beds rule

 

thanks. Yep! Long bed was a must. Trying to decide on hard camper shell or soft topper now!

 

I'm saving my pennies for hard shell. To many A holes in Seattle.

 

Grats