What to look for when buying my first used truck?

Hello, I am wondering if anyone had any recommendations on which Tacoma I should buy for my first vehicle. I’m looking for a second gen (obviously) with a double cab. I’m looking to build this truck through out the years. My only concern was how much is a good price (I’m in the military and I don’t want to be one the guys that goes broke because of their car payments) and how much is to many miles is before I buy. I’m sorry if this is the wrong place to post this, I’m not really sure how this all works yet. Thank you for time and recommendations.

 

There are a lot of items to factor in. I would suggest posting up trucks you find on here. Take your time and don’t impulse buy.

 

And maybe look at some trucks that already have some of the mods your hoping to do in the future. It'll save you a bunch of money and I sure wish I did.

 

Are you a E-5 yet?
If yes. Start looking
If no. Wait till you are a E-5.

Don't be car poor.

 

05-06 had a head gasket issue.
05-10 have to check for excessive frame rust but has an extended warranty for frame treatment or replacement due to a recently settled lawsuit.
12 had an air pump issue, I think?????
So 07-11 and 13-15 are great options except for the rust issue stated above.

 

Not sure why that is 'obvious' unless because you posted in 2nd gen? 1st gens have double cabs too.

Good. Pacing yourself to build as you uncover needs is a good plan, rather than throwing stuff at it because someone else has.

Depends on the vehicle and a pile of factors around that.

Excellent! Good to see someone thinking ahead.

Again, depends on the vehicle and a pile of factors around that, as well as your DIY skills, your tool collection, time and place to work on it when needed.

Tell us more about what you think is a long time for ownership and how you anticipate using the vehicle 80% of the time, and we can get closer in answering a couple of those questions.

And thank you for your service!

 

Not a bad piece of advice at, I see where you’re coming from. I need a reliable daily driver though, I was thinking a Tacoma is a good option

 

You should buy the newest TRD off road 4wd that you can find for under $15,000. That's just my opinion though.

 

I said second gen because I posted it here, sorry for not clearing that up. But I’m not super worried about mods and things like that. Those will come with time, and like you said, pacing myself and all of that. But I plan on using the truck as a daily driver, the occasional (once every 3-4 months) 700 mile drive home and just looking good while doing it. Thank you!

 

I like that, that doesn’t sound bad at all. Thank you

 

The best option is a reliable vehicle that you can afford. If it's a Tacoma then go for it.

 

That’s why I’m here, looking for advice from people that have been there and done that. I appreciate your time and replies

 

I got my 05 with just over 100,000 and am almost at 200,000. I haven't really done anything but the usual maintenance and its been a great truck for me. Good luck and thank you for your service!!

 

My first transportation when I was a E-2 was a $1000 gsx750. A year later I bought a 80's jeep cj7 for $400 that had a seized engine. Towed it to the Hobby Shop on base and started to work on it rebuilt the engine transfer case Drive axles rebuilt the whole thing in 3 and 1/2 Weeks. I was either at work (night crew) or at the Hobby Shop working on the Jeep. In total I had less than 2k into it and ran like a top. It was great at the lake and the river and to go hunting in. When I promoted to E-5 I sold the bike and the Jeep and got a used 4runner. That was the first time I had a car payment (I didn't like it) I had avoided the car payment till I was 23. I payed the runner off and had it for many years payment free. I wanted a Tacoma but to pricy instead I bought a frontier that they missed priced $14800 instead of $18400. Payed cash for it (savings from no car payment) sold it two years later for 15k bought Tacoma for 17k.
The moral of the story is 20 years 3 house's and two kids latter I finally got my Tacoma payment free . My Tacoma is my Dd. This is my toy.

 

Thank you for that!

 

I see that EGA, Marine for life brother. But I agree, the Tacoma holds its value so well and it’s hard to find one in my budget. I love that toy you got there. Extremely badass! I’m going to keep what you said in mind, thank you

 

A marine that is asking before jumping into a 30% interest car loan?! That’s a new one

What’s your max monthly price point? Have you shopped around for a loan yet? What’s your current disposable income after everything’s paid off? That last one would be the deciding factor on how much car you can afford. Prices on these trucks have gone up considerably since I bought my 2011 new in 2010. I used the USAA car buying service and pitted 3 dealers against a 4th and got a hell of a deal. However, with the new ones going to an exhorbitant amount these days can’t recommend you going brand new (you haven’t told us current pay grade).

 

Semper Fi. You are young and have time to do it wright. Live within your means and it will come in time and without the stress of being house or car poor. Concentrate on your career and getting promoted quickly. Make a deal with yourself. Set a goal to get the Tacoma. When you reach that goal then reward yourself with it. Weather certain rank or down payment saved or both. Either way set yourself up for success.

 

LMAO at first statement.

 

Any deployments coming up? Waiting till you're an E-5 isn't bad advice but if you need a ride, you need a ride. If you're expecting extra income at some point soon (deployments, etc) I'd say get what you want and be determined to pay it off as soon as you can.