OPINIONS - What can I get for my son?

Criteria
1. 2nd Gen Tacoma
2. 4x4
3. Access Cabs only
4. Prefer no mods (or at least very few)
5. Prefer the New England States but would fly one-way for the right truck
What is the newest I can get for around $10k?
I'm a serious buyer realtime
Thanks!

 

Eek... 10k you're probably looking at a 1st gen or a 2nd gen with close to 300k miles... Anything decent 2nd gen would run you at least 14k-18k

Might be better off with a lease or something if it is only for his college years. Safer too as it has all the TSS stuff on it and I keep seeing these crazy cheap 200-300 a month leases.

Edit: I take that back I mean 250k miles but it looks pretty nice

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2006-toyota-tacoma-4x4.628906/

 

Get him a job and make him pay for his own vehicle.

 

He has been working his ass off and has save a ton of money. Thank you for you comment

 

^ That will be the hard part.

Be careful with 2005 and early 2006 tacos due to the head gasket issues. These were resolved late 2006.

2007 or 2008 will probably be about as new as you can find for around 10k but realistically you're probably in the 12k-14k range for a good 2nd gen. There are deals out there if you're patient, search regularly, and jump at a good deal.
Sub 10k you might be able to find a 1st gen taco that fits the bill.

Be sure to inspect the frame for rust.


edit: after reading some replies I realize my pricing thoughts are skewed because - California. Looks like there are some within budget for OP on the east coast

 

I got my 05 4x4 access cab for 10k with 130k miles! It’s a lot easier said than done, but if you look hard enough, they’re out there! The only mods mine had were bigger tires after market wheels, and wheel spacers.

edit: I’m currently sitting on 165k and have had 0 engine problems! I’ve only needed to replace the starter. Everything else I’ve done has been preventative maintenance, and aesthetics/performance upgrades.

 

It will be doable with $10k but you might be buying a truck that needs some TLC or is 10-15 years old.

You could probably get a 4x4 first gen with around 180k - 200k for that price depending on the area. Keep in mind to look for frame rust especially if you come across any 'too good to be true' deals...a lot of people try to paint over rust when selling to attempt to hide it.

 

It's not that hard to find one for around $10k, it will just be a bit higher miles.

After a 5 minute search here's a few in your area.

2006 for $7.7k
https://hartford.craigslist.org/ctd/d/hartford-2006-toyota-tacoma/6997288065.html

2008 for $12.5k
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ctd/d/east-brunswick-2008-toyota-tacoma-ext/6986337175.html

2005 for $9k
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/d/chaptico-2005-toyota-tacoma-prerunner/6995451236.html

And my personal favorite- a 2008 with only 95k miles for $10.5k
https://newyork.craigslist.org/que/cto/d/astoria-2008-toyota-tacoma-for-sale/6996616003.html

 

Looking in Quebec on kijiji and saw this
2005 with 140,000 miles for $9000 USD.
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camio...-c/1463244745?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
Don’t let the French language scare you.

 

Sadly 10k in Tacomaland aint much. Need about another 6-8k or so

 

That last one would be a good choice

 

Sidponcho, to be honest I would not want to look on the Eastern Seaboard, all your going to find is rust buckets...My kid just turned 16 and we are doing the same search and we have looked at a number of trucks (We have a couple of buddies that are used car brokers who have been looking too). Based on my years of looking at, buying and selling a number of used cars/trucks, your best bet is to look in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Southern Colorado, Southern Utah and Southern Oklahoma...You are less likely to run in to Salt/Snow/Rust problems in those places and the dryer climates ensure the vehicles have not sat in humid wet conditions for very long. Just my two cents...

 

I vote for the 2008 for $12,500. Although it a little over budget, that's the asking price. It has a new frame. It's a TRD sport, so it has a real limited slip rear, and it will have a higher resale value down the road. It also looks like it has the factory tow package.

 

Most of these are probably going to have a new frame under them to be perfectly honest. Toyota has been changing them out like crazy around here.

 

Hardo alert

 

Look for the newest 2nd gen with the lowest mileage put your 10k as a down payment have him make payments for the balance and it will help him build credit, have a vehicle that will be there for him for many years ahead, better resale potential and more reliable. Just like college plan and take action for long term benefits. Last thing he needs is something that might nickel and dime him. Work with a credit union not a bank or a dealership for a loan then buy from a private seller. Just my .02

 

10K you get much for that.Better too look for some other brand that doesnt have super high resale value.

 

Picked up my DCSB trd OR for 5.5k CAN had Toyota check the frame they replaced it about 278km on it 175k miles I think. Now I have a pretty clean truck that runs strong absolute no issues you can find what your looking for just have to be patient

 

Ludicrous. Florida is on the eastern seaboard as has ZERO rust issues. Our frames look like an arizona frame.

 

I lived in Florida for 20 years and most of the trucks I saw on the road that were 10 years or older had lots of body rust...so...good luck...I'll stick with dry hot states...