Need to Vent - Purchase Another Taco?

I’ve put away money in savings and I’ve been itching to spend money. I know, I probably need to shake it.

I own a 2004 Double Cab SR5 w/140K.


Local to me, there is a 2004 Double Cab TRD w/44K for sale. They are asking $18,500. If I sold my Tacoma for 11K, talked them down to 16K out the door, I “feel” like I’m paying 5K to remove 100K miles off my truck and also gain the locking diff.


I checked it out in person yesterday. It quickly lost its luster after I saw that the weather seals around the windows were worn and cracking (maybe shot?) unlike mine are still good. It still had a few quarks like mine (passenger door required more force to open). Also inside each door jam was a lot of dirt. Doors creaked. The last owner only put 4K on it in 4 years, so I got the feeling it just sat on dirt in the sun for 4 years, which is probably why the seals looked so bad. Previous owner also lived in Temecula, get’s hot in the summers. But other than that, the engine bay was extremely clean, underneath was extremely clean, it definitely only had 44K.


Pro’s - engine/trans may last longer (44k), locking diff (always wish I had).


Con’s – weather seals outside need replacing, sitting on dealer lot (don’t know history other than clean car fax and 2 owner), pass door not easy to open, more have more wear from sitting in the sun in hot climate.


I feel so stupid for thinking this, but I’m on the fence if I should buy it and sell mine. Totally not a necessity. But I’m itching. Can anyway talk sense into me whether this is a good or bad idea.

 

BUY it. Lower miles + more equipment is WINWIN

People trade their women in for lower mileage all the time. Why not for the truck

Plus it has locker

Best of both worlds

 

way too expensive in my opinion. This is a pre-runner with locking diff, correct? I personally would not pay that premium for a truck that sat, not garaged, that is not even 4x4. Just be patient. Low miles aren't always a great thing, it depends more on how it was maintained. I'd rather have a very well maintained 100,000 taco than a 44,000 taco that sat in the sun most of its life.

 

The devil you know vs the devil you don't!
The fact you're questioning yourself, means "walk away"!
I'd say hold off...

 

People pay that much for them there? HOly crap. No freakin way. Isn't NADA on it about $15K or so?

 

I've got 140k-ish on my 2004 TRD 4x4, and I have no intention on trading it in for a lower mileage truck - ever.

140k is just getting broken in.

For (probably) a grand you could find a trd locked rear axle at a wrecking yard, or even better, get an ARB air locker. The TRD lockers are nice, but not paying $5000 just to get one nice.

All the things "wrong" with the trd are easy fixes, but if you have money burning a whole in your pocket, get your current rig some needed TLC with a full tuneup (all new plugs, wires, fluids, filters, etc...), then get 33's, a lift, some bumpers, a winch, and maybe an All-Pro rack and roof top tent, too. And still have money left over to take your lady friend out for a nice steak dinner.

Also, I'd take a properly maintained truck with 200k before I would one with 40k and unknown history. These are Toyotas, they last a LONG time.

 

Seems like way to much money .

But if your to the point you hate driving your Truck !

Might be better to sell your current truck to a good home so you can spend money fixing this one up.

 

I would not buy it.Your taco will last a long time with 140k+. Use the money to upgrade yours or look for a better deal

 

Agree on the mileage. Just rolled 310,000 on my Taco and it still going strong. Upgrade yours and save some money.

 

You'd have to assume anything rubber is toast. Visible or not. That could get really expensive and ugly.

You know your truck's history. And you could get and ARB air locker setup for less than 5K, or as others said, hunt down an e-locker setup. My 01 at 150k was humming like a top, and I only sold it reluctantly.

 

I'm second owner, and have taken very good care of my truck.

I've spent this last year saving money and have exceeded my expectations, and I'm slowing being overpowered by desires to spend money. I love my truck and my initial thought was, wow, factory refresh to 44K miles for 5K?

But I am thankful for the helpful feedback. I couldn't agree more. Just need prospective sometimes when you get tunnel vision

 

If you have the extra why sell the one you have?? Just buy it and be done

Must be nice to be debt free I know I enjoy it

 

I heard dat, the peace of mind and lack of stressing over finances from being debt free truly is priceless. I know it's not the 'American Way', but damn, it sure is nice. And not because of income, but because of lack of expenses. Save up and do it the hard way. Worth it.

 

What do you have saved for retirement, anything? Do you have much of a savings (and I'm not talking about savings account and your checking account)? I'm talking long term savings - the thing that will make it so you won't have to work when you're 85.

What about other things you are dreaming about buying (that you DON'T already have)? House? Beanie Baby collection? A Russian Bride?

Don't go blowing money on something you essentially already have if you don't also have a long term plan in action.