Constant battle with me; for low dollar items, it's a battle I too often lose to Opportunity (when I really shouldn't since I then suffer from some post purchase guilt).

I've been wanting to buy a basic, relatively cheap truck (Toyota - Tacoma or Tundra w/ at least V6) for hauling use - getting / removing larger items that won't fit in the suv. Nothing too heavy, generally just bulky.

I think 2WD is probably sufficient but sticking to 4WD for rain and possible snow (unless hauling, I'd probably use the SUV but doesn't hurt to have a backup). No off pavement except for maybe the kayak trailer and boat ramps or lakeside (sand).

Anyway, looking for a basic Tundra / Tacoma with 4WD V6/V8. Very rare to find used in great condition w/ low miles.

Well, one popped up but the frugal side of me is putting up a good fight - telling me to wait another few years to get more settled in retirement funds and budget. It's not an emergency. And the little voice is saying another deal will come up when you're ready.

But the other little voice is telling me to buy - good opportunity is rare.

Decisions, decisions.

If you often have need for a truck it's really convenient having one. Having said that I imagine many 4x4 truck owners might be better off just having something like a Subaru along with a small utility trailer for the occasional times they need to haul bulky things.

One negative thing about used Tacomas is they generally command high resale value. Later model Tundras with V8's as well.

There have been some very serious engine issues with newer Tundras, 2022-23 for sure, maybe more. Don’t know how old if looking used. I think it’s mainly the V-6 ‘twin turbo’ engine.

What about a trailer?

Pragmatically speaking, you're right. And actually I'd probably be fine just renting a truck for a day. I'm only hauling something once every 2-3 months - but perhaps I'd do it more often if it was more convenient (ie - if I had a truck). Currently, I just store stuff until I accumulate enough to warrant a truck rental.

It's just a bit of a hassle renting a truck when I need one. I considered buying a trailer (could use suv then) but trailers are cumbersome at best at the dump (need to back into the dump spot which is more tedious when it's crowded) and for thrift store parking lots (which tend to be smaller, more crowded). Possible but cumbersome. One nice thing about trailer is the lift height - especially w/ a ramp, much more manageable than a truck bed. Also, don't really have space for a trailer except for the perhaps the yard which is unsightly. The only space I have is occupied by the kayak / kayak trailer.

$16K for basic 2012 Tundra 5.7L V8 4wd 4 doors w/ 60K miles in very nice condition. I'm sure another one will come up in a few years when I'm more financially ready. Right?

quote:

Originally posted by sourdough44:
There have been some very serious engine issues with newer Tundras, 2022-23 for sure, maybe more. Don’t know how old if looking used. I think it’s mainly the V-6 ‘twin turbo’ engine.

Good to know but I probably couldn't afford late model anyway. But I'll be suspicious if a nicely priced late model like this.

quote:

Originally posted by darthfuster:
What about a trailer?

I second this. I have a little 4x8 wood deck and sides trailer that’s gets used a ton for moving furniture, appliances, getting mulch, etc.

Mine was $75 from a friend, so kind of lucked into it. My brother has a 5x8 all metal one that he uses for the same stuff.

If I were buying, I’d look at FB marketplace or Craigslist for a good deal and pick it up.

Initial cost, Insurance, registration and tabs vs renting a truck occasionally. I wonder what the break even going is.

Add storage, maintenance, tires etc.

quote:

Originally posted by konata8
$16K for basic 2012 Tundra 5.7L V8 4wd 4 doors w/ 60K miles in very nice condition. I'm sure another one will come up in a few years when I'm more financially ready. Right?

16k for a used low mileage 2012 Tundra sounds like a good price providing the truck is really in good condition. Prices on trucks are only going to continue to rise so hoping to get a better deal in another year or two from now might be wishful thinking and you could end up paying more for a truck with more miles and worse condition. With all the issues with the Gen III Toyota engines failing the previous generation Tundras are more desirable and holding their value.

Id verify all the options on the 2012 as well as mileage and check the wholesale and trade-in value on the truck with KBB or NADA and if the numbers are in the same neighborhood the 2012 Tundra owner is asking Id cough up the cash and buy the truck today rather than waiting until next year hoping to find something better. If you do buy check the frame for rust, a known issue on some Tundras.

Used trailers for some reason are expensive around here. Even for off-brand, chicom contractor specials from places like HF. Even used, beaten up, EOL tires, questionable condition is about $1000. I'd probably opt for a new, name brand for $2000.

I'll reconsider a trailer but I think it's less than ideal other than financially.

quote:

Originally posted by calugo:

quote:

Originally posted by konata8
$16K for basic 2012 Tundra 5.7L V8 4wd 4 doors w/ 60K miles in very nice condition. I'm sure another one will come up in a few years when I'm more financially ready. Right?

16k for a used low mileage 2012 Tundra sounds like a good price providing the truck is really in good condition. Prices on trucks are only going to continue to rise so hoping to get a better deal in another year or two from now might be wishful thinking and you could end up paying more for a truck with more miles and worse condition. With all the issues with the Gen III Toyota engines failing the previous generation Tundras are more desirable and holding their value.

Id verify all the options on the 2012 as well as mileage and check the wholesale and trade-in value on the truck with KBB or NADA and if the numbers are in the same neighborhood the 2012 Tundra owner is asking Id cough up the cash and buy the truck today rather than waiting until next year hoping to find something better. If you do buy check the frame for rust, a known issue on some Tundras.

This is consistent w/ the one of the little voices that I'm trying to ignore. Prelim checking seems that the price is reasonable. I'd bring the truck to my shop to have it checked out for major issues.

rent a truck from uhaul or Home Depot when you need it, daily rentals are dirt cheap

quote:

Originally posted by braillediver:
Initial cost, Insurance, registration and tabs vs renting a truck occasionally. I wonder what the break even going is.

Add storage, maintenance, tires etc.

Agree. There is no break even. This is purely convenience expense. And it would have to replace my current daily driver (which is more than 20 years old) - truck not preferred as daily driver. But it is somewhat of a necessity - either rent or buy. Previously agreed to just rent as needed but it's a bit inconvenient. Especially when we need to bring something home (time critical) rather then get rid of something (generally not time critical and can be planned).

Trying to go as basic as possible; I'd consider 100K miles if the price were lower ($10K?). That would be better for my situation. But nothing generally available like this.

quote:

Originally posted by snwghst:
rent a truck from uhaul or Home Depot when you need it, daily rentals are dirt cheap

That's what I do now - either HD or Hertz. But truck is not always available. And it's a little inconvenient. At the very least, it's 3 hours just spent renting and returning the truck. Most times, I can be done w/ the task in an hour or two. So, a 1-2 hour job becomes 4-5 hours. Not that I don't have the time these days but....

I can keep doing it and it's an option. Just not entirely ideal. If only I had a friend w/ a truck. Or if I actually had a friend...

The Hilux is supposed to be available in the US this year, if you can wait a bit.

On the bright side your friends will know who to ask when they need something hauled.

I like the utility of trucks, but I rarely need it. Also, I like good mpg. Because of this, my plan was like others here of having a relatively fuel efficient SUV for a daily driver and a utility trailer for times of need.

Nowadays, I still don’t want a truck, but I don’t want to mess with a trailer, either. So, I was hoping my wife would be onboard with me getting a Kei truck for a hobby vehicle and for its utility.

Its use would be restricted, which would put many off, but for me in my rural/semi-rural setting, it would work for me. There are a couple of places around here with some on the lot, and I wit stop by soon to check them out.

The older we get the don't put off to tomorrow what you can do today is valid.
If you have lived your whole life to get to this point their is no valid reason not to do things if you have the means.

quote:

I considered buying a trailer (could use suv then) but trailers are cumbersome at best at the dump (need to back into the dump spot which is more tedious when it's crowded) and for thrift store parking lots (which tend to be smaller, more crowded). Possible but cumbersome. One nice thing about trailer is the lift height - especially w/ a ramp, much more manageable than a truck bed. Also, don't really have space for a trailer except for the perhaps the yard which is unsightly. The only space I have is occupied by the kayak / kayak trailer.

About 2014, my Dad sold his truck and began leasing a new SUV every 2 years. 360+ days a year, it better fits his needs than a truck and the rare time it doesn't he has an inexpensive utility trailer. The utility trailer doesn't take up much space either as it folds in half and has rollers that let him roll it to the back garage wall and store it vertically. With the SUV, he's been getting an extra 10 miles per gallon for 11 or 12 years now.

The 4'x8' trailers that fold in half and store vertically make a lot of sense for something used 2 to 5 times per year. There are stake pockets in them and he has wooden sides for it too. Harbor Freight, Northern Tool, etc. sell them.

quote:

Originally posted by braillediver:
On the bright side your friends will know who to ask when they need something hauled.

That’s one reason I suggest a trailer. If it’s just occasional hauling and your current vehicle has a towing package, it makes more sense since your expenses are far lower, the trailer will likely move more, you won’t have recurring costs, no truck payment nor maintenance costs and if your peeps want to borrow it, there’s less potential loss/inconvenience.

I bought a utility trailer years ago. It’s remarkable how much I used it. Turned out we used it for collecting and hauling refuse to the landfill several times a year. Which I hadn’t anticipated, but it became convenient.