Time for an upgrade

Well, the time has come to find a 2nd gen and replace my trusty 1st gen. I need a back seat that can fit car seats and I think I want to go all the way and get a DC, probably SB. I'm fine w/ 6spd or 5auto. Must be 4x4, don't care so much about TRD, but it looks like Sport is a better option than Off-Road if I found one as I basically never use my locker now. I want less than 200K on the clock. Probably try to nab one for <$10K.

Anyway, I've lurked for a while and it looks like the only year-year changes that might matter are legit LSD vs brake-actuated in 2009 and weak motor mounts in 2005-06. I know to look out for rust as I don't think I'll be covered in the replacement lawsuit (purchase after December 2nd?). Am I missing anything?

Any other buying advice? I hate there's not a nifty 2nd gen buyers guide sticky anywhere.

 

On 2012 the added a smog pump that is seeing failures. Also, 2012 there is a face lift that looks bazillion times better.

 

Mine took a shit around 50k right after the torque converter got replaced. Other than that my 2012 has been good to me. All the mentioned above was under warranty. Not fixing it myself if it's under warranty.

 

Don't be jelly mkay

 

youre right, double bazillion times is more accurate.

 

I do like the looks of the 2012, but I feel like my 2005 has that "classic" look

 

Nobody wants a classic tv. Why the hell would you want the classic (fancy word for old) front end.

 

You can tell thets just shit talking..because by that logic the 3rd gen is the best front end.

 

You mean the bottom feeder catfish mouth for a grille?

 

Hey yours is just the "classic" and in your words...

 

Just proof it's all personal opinion.

 

Not gonna happen.

 

Mine hasn't reached the classic point yet. Texas says it has to be 30 years old to be a classic. ( pretty sure that's right) not into old cars. They handle like crap and break all the time. We are comparing 2006-2011 to the 2012-2015. I don't think that's old enough to be called classic. Either way. All being biased aside, the 2012-2015 is the best looking one by far.

 

Don't be jelly mkay? Gonna have to send you to the jelly school.

 

I think one of the biggest benefits of the TRD offroad is the electric brake booster. I love the way my TRD-OR brakes feel. I'm sure some have a different opinion but I would say it is definitely worth it to test drive an Off-road versus everything else at least for that aspect. It also makes for even easier brake fluid changes when the time comes.

Other than that....on a sub $10k truck you are going to be looking at some high mileage so suspension isn't even worth talking about because they will all be relatively shot on the full gamut (Base all the way to TRD models)

And only other thing to add is sit in a base or SR5 seat versus TRD seats...some prefer one or the other.

 

Mine is the best because it's mine.

 

I agree it may be hard to find one for $10k. These things hold their value like they're plated in gold.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I accept the $10K is ambitious and I might budge a few grand but I think it's possible. I stalked Craigslist across about 8-10 states for a while and snatched my 1st gen up an hour after it was posted, driving through the night with cash in hand but I got a deal at $6100.