Trading 2021 Taco for 2004 Taco

Both your 2nd and 1st gens are two of the nicest trucks I’ve ever seen.

 

Honestly first gens are pretty niche vehicles these days. There’s not really a rational reason to have one over a 2nd/3rd gen IMO, unless you want a trail beater or just want that 90s/early aughts cool factor. They're not much wider than a SxS, and are much lighter than most new 4x4s.

They can also make fun little DDs, but don't underestimate the amount of deferred repairs/maintenance they can present to a new owner. If you buy a ragged out one (regardless of the miles) for 5-10k, you'll be at that 18k mark in no time, especially if you rely on a mechanic. And that's assuming no rust. I'd say it could save you money in the long run to pay a premium for a truck with an immaculate service history.

 

I don’t want a payment even though I can afford one.

 

Me neither. A few hundred repair cost on top of a monthly payment is infuriating. I’ve been there and it sucks. I’ll never finance another used vehicle so long as I live.

 

VERY VERY RISKY?? please elaborate on how so?

 

The only way they break your heart is if you let the frame rust out. And if you can't wrench on these, you probably can't wrench on anything

 

You don’t know how the previous owner(s) treated it, especially over 19 years. That’s a long time for things to happen and for them to mistreat it.

Haven’t you read some of the threads on this site of people flooding their vehicles and not reporting it, shady maintenance and repairs, and overall carelessness. 19 years is a lot of time for all that stuff to occur.

Now if I had a vehicle and was the sole owner for 19 years, I would have full confidence in it.

 

I would recommend doing this only if you were in a financial situation to purchase the 04 with cash and KEEPING your 2021. I know most are not able to do this and it's a big ask. Your 2021 should be reliable for years to come. It's already purchased and you know what you have. If you were to purchase the 04 (with trading in the 2021) and decide down the road you miss the comfort and safety features of a newer vehicle, are you going to be able to sell the 04 for enough to offset the $18k plus whatever amount you put into it? Just my 2 cents. Good luck on your decision!

 

That would be sweet, but I don’t have $18k in play money. This “trade” would result in me getting the 2004 in exchange for the 2021 AND about $14k cash. So essentially I’d be getting about $32k for my 2021 and “buying” the 2004 for about $19k after taxes and fees.

I’ve gotten the 2004 inspected and it appears to have been pretty well cared for. The engine just has slightly leaky valve covers, the front end suspension has been replaced, no rust anywhere, and the interior is very nice.

 

Those are all fair points, but if I'm spending 18k on a 19 y.o. vehicle I'm going to scour service records and inspect it thoroughly. If you do that, not sure how flood damage or general vehicle abuse is going to get missed. If you're someone who doesn't know what to look for upon said inspection, then yea you're taking a significant risk (and should pay for a PPI).

But when you said "very, very risky", that read to me like you're saying any used Tacoma that's 19 years old (or older), is a very high risk purchase. If that were the case, this forum wouldn't have nearly the membership and amount of content it does.

 

Would suck to get the 1st gen only to develop problems soon down the line that will whittle away at your 14k. Shop labor is no joke this day and age. I hope you're good with a wrench. With the 3rd gen, at least you have a warranty. I personally like the 1st gen more than the 3rd gen but I think you're paying wayyyy more than you should. I don't even believe you have lockers on that 1st gen.

 

I have a friend (from my Boeing Days) we nickname, BBD -- Bigger Better Deal.

This sounds similar to his personality. (No offense)

Historically, I've always been long-term ownership regardless if a dealership wants to give me more than what I paid for it.

I have another friend who is a Medical Product Rep (who has money coming out the wazzu!) tell me stories of dealerships basically paying his truck off to get HIM into another newer vehicle.

This is just my honest opinion but I'm not one to second guess a BIG purchase.

The vehicles I've purchased are reliable automakers: Isuzu/Honda/Hyundai/Toyota.

OP, do what you feel...if you're good with it, so are we.

 

I work from home and put on less than $10k/year. Even daily driving is light since I live in a city.

 

Not a smart move. Wrap your head round the fact that the 2004 is "19" years old. Are you going to carry theft and collision on it ? Insurance company would give you practically nothing if it were totaled or stolen. Keep the 2021, it s the better decision for a litany of reasons.

 

That’s a fair point. What do you think the top dollar on a non-trd is then, if it’s in great shape?

 

Value is in the eye of the beholder but given that it's not a double cab and only 4x4...I personally would not pay a cent over 14k California dollars. That's assuming that the truck really is as mint as you say and that it doesn't have any underlying issues and will provide many years of uninterrupted service life. That's just me personally.

 

My buddy just bought a mint stock double cab TRD with 206k with a nice camper shell on it in Vallejo for only 11k.

And yes, it’s getting Won Tons and Fo D’s

 

That is a steal. Same as mine, miles and color. I paid WAY more and searched multiple states for nearly a month. I was in a rental, so I couldn’t wait forever.

 

I just sold my 21 back to dealer with 13000 miles, loved the truck 2wd, hated the payment. I could afford it but it left little money left over for "life". I used the 7000 i got back and bought a 2001 ram 4x4 with 360 for playing offroad and tomorrow i am buying a 1996 tacoma 2.4 for fuel economy. Yes i miss my 21 but dont miss the payment. Now i have a 4x4 that i can hit the trails and mudholes and not care if I scrape it agaist trees and bushes. I drive one while fixing the other and vice-versa, and no monthly payment.