Need help deciding on a used Tacoma for off roading

After reading the posts here and doing research on the net, I have decided on a 2022 or 2023 Tacoma TRD Off-Road.
Depending on the mileage, condition, and included options, I see prices around $38k to $42k.
I'll get a V6 without a turbo. I'd like to get the truck with the optional off-road premium package and advanced technology
package. That would be icing on the cake. Trying to find a Tacoma with those options and a color I like will take some
searching.

Yesterday I got new A/T tires for my 2003 SR5 Tacoma. Today it's in a shop and I'm having the mechanic go through
the truck and doing preventive maintenance. Soon It will be a gift to my nephew.

 

I see that I started my thread in the wrong forum. Perhaps the moderator can move it to an appropriate forum. Thanks.

 

What part of the country are you in? Prices can vary significantly but if you have a flexible schedule and can widen the search it makes finding exactly what you want much easier. I was set on a DCLB off-road in lunar rock and found a 2022 with very few miles halfway across the country so I flew out to buy it and drove it home. Hadn't been able to find a single one on the west coast but by traveling I not only got exactly what I wanted but found it at a dealership for $10k less than similar trucks were going for in California.

 

Supplies of the later 3rd gens seem to be dwindling though as dealerships are finally completely out of old stock and a lot of people would rather have a 3rd gen than a 4th gen. Kind of crazy that they sell for more used than they did new but it seems to be the new normal.

 

If you have room to park it, I would keep the 03. My dad has one and the low tailgate height is awesome when moving awkward or heavy items. Very easy to pick up stuff and put in the bed with those models.

 

I live in the suburbs of Los Angeles and it seems that prices are high here. I may have to do some traveling. Another option is looking for a 2023 TRD Pro,
which has all the features that a Off Road with the premium package & tech package has. But Pros are hard to find.

 

I agree, having the low tailgate is handy. I love the small size of the 2003. But it's time to move on and it will be a gift for a nephew.

 

I'd spend $10K on a 2nd gen and $10K-$20K rebuilding it with better than factory parts. You'll have a better truck and spend less money.

 

As someone who's been bushwacking the backwoods of Oretucky for my whole life, and has also built several mudding rigs over the years, I can state with some confidence that this is the best advice in this thread.

There's no need to drop $40k on an 'overland' themed 4x4. Just get out there in an old beater $5k 4x4 and figure if you even like it. Not everyone likes popping a squat in the woods 20 miles from the nearest road, regardless of what the Instalanders might lead you to believe lol