Sell or Build my 05 21K miles Pre-Runner

My 2005 dbl cab Pre-Runner with 21K original miles - has never been in the rain. Always garaged or in a carport with a cover on it. Overall, I could put it on a showroom floor. However there are a couple of things I don't like.

I have a daily driver VW that should be worth about $5k roughly - it gets about 38 MPG - this cash can be easily spent on the Taco if sold.

1. The 2005 front end sux in my opinion - just looks off. I know I could buy a new bumper, hood, grill lights and various parts (not exactly a quick ordeal I guess but a project).
2. Seats suck - I do have a new set of Katskinz leather however I need on 2009 front seat to install (not the worst problem in the world).
3. MPG (not exactly the best fuel economy as I know you all know) but my insurance on my daily is about $60 a month and I only need to go into work (highway 30 minutes each way) twice a week. With elimination of the daily driver upkeep, insurance taxes and car care it will be easily a wash.

I would want to do a very mild lift, I do like the off road look / tires wheels etc. I am looking for forged wheels (I want to keep it light on it's feet). Would like the auto hideaway steps (this will be a highway queen - I don't have a need for a true "off road" vehicle. If I did I would have bought a 4x4.

My dilemma is should I just sell this thing and find a 2015? To change everything out will / can be a real pain. Yes it will be more or less mine, however the journey maybe more than I want to take. Any real world practical examples of changing out he hood / bumper etc?

Really just want to get my head around this project - and seeking some wisdom as I know many have gone down this path.

So should I sell and find another truck or build this thing? What are your thoughts?

 

I don’t like any stock tacos. Custom just looks sooo much better!! I would keep it and mod it. Here’s mine for reference of a mild front end mod, 2.5” lift, custom wheels, and tires.

 

Keep it 100%!!!!!

 

I second keeping it. If you get it how you like it you can drive it til you die and leave it to a grandkid.

You can actually swap the early 2nd gen front ends over to 3rd gen face if that's your jam - hood/fenders/bumper/headlights. Should be no problem matching that Superwhite since it's so clean and had been covered.

Or, leave it - in 20 years that thing will be a head turning time capsule.

 

I definitely vote for keeping the truck and doing a build. That sounds like a really cool project.

 

Personally, I would trade for a 2015.

 

You don't sound that excited to take on the build,,, trade it in for the 2015.


I would 100% keep it and build it out. Definitely a sense of pride having something built not bought.

 

What!!! Only 21k !

You could probably get top dollar for it. You don't sound too excited about building it.

05 does end up with a head gasket leak eventually... But usually around 150k