Need some feedback, which one is the better deal?

[liljlandon]

I've been looking at purchasing a tacoma for a while and should have spent more time researching them, because now that i have found two within price, I have no idea what im getting myself into...

My only stipluations where under 15k, 4wd, more than 2 seats, v6.

So, which one would be the better deal and why?
2003 Toyota Tacoma TRD off road Automatic Silver
2005 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab V6 Manual 4WD

Im liking the silver one, but i've driven both the 3.4 auto and 4.0 auto, both have more power than my little 2.4... But how is the 6speed behind the 4.0?
Is there some preventative maintance that needs to take place? Timing Belt, water pump, etc?

Sorry, Im a 22R guy finding himself in a big, new world.

 

[raydouble]

I've been looking at purchasing a tacoma for a while and should have spent more time researching them, because now that i have found two within price, I have no idea what im getting myself into...

My only stipluations where under 15k, 4wd, more than 2 seats, v6.

So, which one would be the better deal and why?
2003 Toyota Tacoma TRD off road Automatic Silver
2005 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab V6 Manual 4WD

Im liking the silver one, but i've driven both the 3.4 auto and 4.0 auto, both have more power than my little 2.4... But how is the 6speed behind the 4.0?
Is there some preventative maintance that needs to take place? Timing Belt, water pump, etc?

Sorry, Im a 22R guy finding himself in a big, new world.

Hopefully someone who has driven both can give you some feedback.

5VZ 3.4L - timing belt
1GR 4.0L - timing chain

I'll think of more to add later.....

 

[Duane]

If you need to pull more get the 4.0. I would be taking an auto first.
At any rate that double cab 03 will hold it's value, is far more versatile with it's 4 doors and I would take the old style hands down

 

[raydouble]

Shouldn't have to worry about most anything until about 30,000 miles. (5VZ sparks) Can't remember if the 1GR is 30 or 60 k for sparks...... and I'm too lazy to look.

 

[liljlandon]

If you need to pull more get the 4.0. I would be taking an auto first.
At any rate that double cab 03 will hold it's value, is far more versatile with it's 4 doors and I would take the old style hands down

Im really leaning towards that one. If i can talk him to 11k ill go for it, maybe 12k if proof of good PM by the PO is given... Whats the Tow Rating on one of these bad boys?

 

[liljlandon]

Well, I called the guy to make sure the double cab was still available before I drove to look it over, guy said yes... Get a call when I'm about 15min away and he had sold it... Went to look at the 05 anyway, the guy rotated the tires (I assume) so the ones on the rear had some crazy weird wear pattern, which im assuming meant an alignment was needed. Also had some major scratches on the front, the front passenger fender was cracked underneath. Im assuming it was wrecked mildly and no one reported it. Needless to say, I would have taken the Double Cab home... Sweet deal. 05, not so much.

 

[Happy Trails]

Sorry to hear that, be patient, another will come come up. I say keep looking for a an 02 or 03.

 

[liljlandon]

Found an 02 TRD Double cab (4x4) with 91k. He wants 14900, but my bank will only loan 12.5k on the truck... I have a decent savings account with more than the difference, but i was planning on paying the taxes, title fees, etc. with it... What should I offer? im thinking Ill walk if he wont take 13.5, but ill start the 'negotiations' at 12? should I go lower?

 

[Happy Trails]

Found an 02 TRD Double cab (4x4) with 91k. He wants 14900, but my bank will only loan 12.5k on the truck... I have a decent savings account with more than the difference, but i was planning on paying the taxes, title fees, etc. with it... What should I offer? im thinking Ill walk if he wont take 13.5, but ill start the 'negotiations' at 12? should I go lower?

Seems too high...he is a fool if he doesn't take 13 IMO.

 

[liljlandon]

Im going to see it tomorrow, luckily i was the first to call him so i have "first dibs". Is 12000 to high to start with?