Thoughts on Craigslist 2009 Taco

https://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/6086044250.html

Joined this forum because I planned on replacing my 10 year old Subaru with a Taco or 4Runner and wanted to research before I bought. I had planned on buying a new one but my wife and I moved 6 months ago (bigger mortgage payment/higher utility costs/pool maintenance/etc) and its not really a good time to be taking $35k out of savings/investments or having two car loans and her 2015 Highlander still has one more year of payments. Really trying to hold off until hers is paid off but my Forester is at 175k and starting to develop some minor issues like a slow head gasket oil leak and some noise from the back that I assume is either a bad wheel bearing or the rear diff. Luckily I'm only driving it about 5 miles to work and back every day at 35-45 mph.

So lately I've been kicking around the idea of getting a 2nd gen taco or 4th gen 4runner that I can pay cash for and then pass it on to my boys who are 6 years away from driving. Was thinking if I got something like this, I could still use it for work or hauling shit and camping trips with the guys even if I do get a new 4runner in a few years, which I've been leaning towards unless they move to a unibody design.

Another option would be pay off her Highlander and then buy me something new but I really like having something that is broken in so i don't have to freak out about every little ding or scratch. I would rather wait until hers is about 5 years old, but I don't really think my car will last 3 more years without putting some money into it. I'm familiar with the frame rust issues (shouldn't be a concern in our climate unless this guy bought it from up north or moved) but I'm curious to hear how other Taco owners would feel about a truck that is 8 years old and has 116k miles.

 

116k miles is nothing. Check the frame anyways. If it checks out and you're cool with paying the price, then go for it.

 

Last year I paid $17k for an '08 Access Cab 4x4 V6 SR5 with 65k miles. I think the extra miles on that one wouldn't hurt and you get the TRD package so probably a fair price.