Educate me on trucks. please

[Jack]

My brother in law, is looking to buy a truck. He has his sights set on a 2012 Tacoma 4x4 4door (either access cab or double cab). The problem is that he only wants to spend around $22K and the Tacoma's run $27K+

He's not a car or truck guy. He's a typical immigrant construction worker, I've helped him and my sister locate and buy their previous cars.

Anyhow, I know nothing about trucks. Is the Tacoma a good truck? are there comparable/better trucks that cost less?

The reasons he likes the Tacoma: styling, Toyota reliability and it's not too big

Thanks in advance

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[PANDA]

I wouldn't buy a Toyota/Nissan/Honda truck.

I can't tell you reasons why not. I am just a Chevy/Ford truck guy.

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

The tacoma is the go to vehicle for a small reliable truck. Has been for years and years and used prices reflect that.

 

[Jack]

The tacoma is the go to vehicle for a small reliable truck. Has been for years and years and used prices reflect that.

That's what I was thinking.. the resale value on them is borderline rediculous

 

[Gav'sPurpleZ]

assuming he's looking for a 6 cylinder ?
i haven't had any real complaints with my Nissan Frontier ( other than the paint sucks )

My Dad had a new 2011 that he traded in with about 20k miles, V6 4wd and the dealer put it on the lot for 21,975 and the last time we saw an updated price, they dropped it to 19,975

 

[RICH17]

Does he NEED a truck?

 

[Jack]

Does he NEED a truck?

He works construction and is a outdoorsman, so it'd be kinda useful. He's been driving an '04 Trailblazer handed down from my dad, but it's beat to shit and overall a POS.

 

[ktraver97ss]

If he does construction I would think it would be beneficial to get a fullsize truck that he can fit a sheet of plywood or drywall in the bed. For me, I would only buy a used Chevy truck for something like that merely because I am familiar with their drivetrains and know issues. If I were to by a new truck with a warranty it would probably be a new ecoboost F150.

 

[RICH17]

Ah gotcha. I was going to suggest a CUV to try and keep it cheaper. But it sounds like he needs a truck now

 

[Jack]

If he does construction I would think it would be beneficial to get a fullsize truck that he can fit a sheet of plywood or drywall in the bed. For me, I would only buy a used Chevy truck for something like that merely because I am familiar with their drivetrains and know issues. If I were to by a new truck with a warranty it would probably be a new ecoboost F150.

A decently optioned 4x4 ecoboost approaches $40k.. he's looking to spend around $22k

 

[Chester Copperpot]

Used 04-06 Chevy 1500/2500. Cheap, they're Chevy's, /thread.

 

[Ear Rak]

Tacoma's are bad ass. Tell him to sack up and buy one. Dead reliable trucks and will hold their value.

 

[RICH17]

A decently optioned 4x4 ecoboost approaches $40k.. he's looking to spend around $22k

New colorados start at that. They have a decently option W/T package that's right around that. Its probally your best bet if he wants a warranty

 

[Jack]

Tacoma's are bad ass. Tell him to sack up and buy one. Dead reliable trucks and will hold their value.

Yeah, based on how well they hold their value.. I think I'm going to suggest he buy a new one or a 2014 left over (if there are any), and finance the difference between new purchase price and his $22k cash

 

[Ear Rak]

Yeah, based on how well they hold their value.. I think I'm going to suggest he buy a new one or a 2014 left over (if there are any), and finance the difference between new purchase price and his $22k cash

Tell him to get the 4.0L

The 2.7 4cyl requires synthetic but also needs 5k mile oil changes where as the 4.0L is also synthetic but does 10k mi oil changes. Plus, no one wants a gutless 4cyl.

Also, the SR5/Prerunner packages are worth it for the equipment but your TSS and TRD appearance packages are just that....stickers and wheels.

 

[Jack]

Tell him to get the 4.0L

The 2.7 4cyl requires synthetic but also needs 5k mile oil changes where as the 4.0L is also synthetic but does 10k mi oil changes. Plus, no one wants a gutless 4cyl.

Also, the SR5/Prerunner packages are worth it for the equipment but your TSS and TRD appearance packages are just that....stickers and wheels.

Agreed on the gutless 4 banger.

 

[Lead Pipe]

My Dad had 2 tacos and loved them but they were the old 22RE's and ran forever. If he's looking new I would at least take a look at the Colorado/Canyon.

 

[Bru]

2012 Midsize Shootout: Results - PickupTrucks.com Special Reports

 

[Ti28]

For $22k you can go find a nice newer used Chevy 1500.

4x4 and XCAB and a few dollars to spare.

2007 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT in Naperville, IL- 10678178 at carmax.com

 

[Gav'sPurpleZ]

2012 Midsize Shootout: Results - PickupTrucks.com Special Reports

frontier #2

 

[Frank Dukes]

For $22k you can go find a nice newer used Chevy 1500.

4x4 and XCAB and a few dollars to spare.

2007 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT in Naperville, IL- 10678178 at carmax.com

113k miles.

 

[Flyn]

Sounds like the new truck plus financing will make the guy happiest. Generous of you, too.

Just beware the potential for family troubles if you lend money.

 

[MikeyLikesIt]

I looked up my resale value recently on NADA and I couldn't believe it. It will be paid off soon I might trade it in.

 

[Yaj Yak]

i think all truck's resale values are going to hold super strong going forward since there are so few trucks coming out compared to ~10 years ago

not to mention the insane way that truck prices continue to jump now.

 

[Jack]

For $22k you can go find a nice newer used Chevy 1500.

4x4 and XCAB and a few dollars to spare.

2007 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT in Naperville, IL- 10678178 at carmax.com

An 8 year old full size pick up with 113K miles, not really what he's looking for.