Potential of First Gen Appreciation of Value

Been wondering about this recently. The potential of first gen values going up over the future. Basically these trucks actually being investment assets

 

Only as long as they keep pumping oil out of the ground

 

A first gen may hold its current value better than a new 2025 F150. However it's not something that is an investment asset. Maybe a 2010 Porsche 911.

 

Perfect condition extremely low mileage aside, they won’t appreciate in value very much

 

Tacomas are not investments, no matter the mileage, model or year.

 

I don't think it be a particularly good investment, even a <10k mile showroom quality example, you'd be better off investing basically anywhere else I'm sure.
They're value bottomed out ~5-10 years ago, and has been creeping up since, but much slower than any standard investment.
They're a great way to not lose a ton money on a vehicle, since they won't depreciate outside of from mileage/wear/mods.

 

I have made a little money on every 1st gen Tacoma and 3rd gen 4Runner I have sold but I do much better in the stock market, much better.

 

Been seeing them getting cheaper in the last year and a half compared to say, 2020-2022.

 

1st gens are a dying breed...I dont hardly ever see any down here

 

Investing in a vehicle is a bad idea 99/100. You need to buy and sell at the right time. There's no cost averaging. One crash and your investment is now scrap metal. Vehicles cost money to insure and maintain. As someone else said, it's a better investment than a 2025 F150, but that doesn't say much.

 

Mine was $18K new and it's not stock, so the only real value in it is driving it until it dies, and that's fine with me. They made a ton of these and they are available, outside of one that is in like new condition they just aren't worth "investing" in. Buy a Ferrari and sit on it for 40 years for an investment.

 

I wouldn’t buy one as an investment or to make money. They are really only valuable to people like us on here. I beat mine up and will drive it until it dies. They are great trucks to be able to work on/mod and learn stuff on since they are pretty simple but I doubt there are big car collectors seeking 1st gen’s that will pay an insane amount. I’d def buy another but would look for the cheapest price I can get it. The real value is that they will outlast most vehicles and I see a lot around Colorado still.

 

NSX, MKIV-TT, and RX7 are investments. The Tacoma is like a Civic, dime and dozen, an eyesore because they’re so common which makes them worthless. If you bought a Tacoma to turn it into an investment, I’m truly worried.

 

Think it’s hit its peak. The people with nostalgia for these are aging out of the market and the frames are rotting away. Still sweet trucks but I wouldn’t buy many if any cars/trucks as an investment hoping for gains. Better off putting that money in the market or towards a down payment on a home or rental property.

 

If I invested all of my money in 1st gens this year instead of my 401k, I’d be better off. My employer wont do a match on 1st gen investments though.

 

Never invest in anything that eats or needs painting.

 

Maybe a little? Like, my truck was $8K - would probably have been worth $10K with working AC. Maybe I could sell it for $10,500 once I finish fixing the AC. Maybe. Very maybe. At which point I'd basically be out gas and insurance, probably net up $500 which is not such a horrible place to be. On the other hand, if I'd dumped that $8K into the stock market, even with the dive recently I'd still be up ~$500-600, and it would continue to appreciate over the years and decades to come, and even pay out enough dividends for an occasional nice dinner out.

Or I could have dumped that into my mortgage and saved a ton on interest payments.

Point is, as a financial/investment decision, there are a lot of better options.

But you don't buy a vehicle as an investment. It's like all those finance bros that whine about new vehicles losing X% of their value the second you drive it off the lot - okay, but the purpose of a vehicle is to be used. It's like a hammer - yeah, selling a used hammer is not worth what a new one is, but who gives a shit? Maybe if you get a good deal on the hammer, you'll sell it for ~what you paid for it.

 

Depends on condition. Nice ones can and will appreciate but still not at the level of “investment”. You’ll always do better putting your money in the SP500 over a vehicle, on long term.

That said look at the values of ‘80s era Toyota trucks. Nice ones are hitting $50k. Showroom original first gen’s will hit $50k in a decade but still not a good investment considering todays purchase price for those trucks and what an investment can earn elsewhere.

 

Over what time period? Maybe day trading.

Know the old 'buy low sell high' phrase for stock?

That's the opportunity that's there now.

Don't run scared, buy more. Or at least keep buying at whatever rate you're doing now.

 

Lay down with a cold rag on your head till the 'wondering' passes.