Thanks guys. I'll expand my search to include higher mileage but stick w/ Toyota. I've only ever bought Toyota for the past few decades and my shop only works on Toyota, Honda, Subaru.

I've only ever bought from dealership including used. I'll need to decide if this time around, I'm willing to buy from one of these fly by night dealerships (seems sketchy) or private seller.

I think if I allow for higher mileage, perhaps a dealer is better so I can purchase some kind of warranty? But that may diminish the cheaper price - why not just get a truck w/ less years / mileage?

In any case, I'll target a lower price and see what's available over the next few months. Maybe something good will come up.

Is a 6' bed considered short or long? I think the longest object I'll be hauling is probably a ca king bed (84"). I figure a 5.5-6.5' bed is sufficient (allow a little overhang)?

8' is considered a long bed. Remember, pay me know or pay me later. I am dealing with this in my consideration of buying a used Jeep. The more I research it, the less I like the idea.
I would put a mileage threshold on your search. Say something like 130k miles. Then if you find one. Dig through its condition and previous owner use, etc. Good luck.

Never seen a funeral procession where the hearse is pulling a trailer full of money. We take nothing when we leave here. It’s your life,your money . Don’t have regrets at the end of your life.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
Thanks guys. I'll expand my search to include higher mileage but stick w/ Toyota. I've only ever bought Toyota for the past few decades and my shop only works on Toyota, Honda, Subaru.

I've only ever bought from dealership including used. I'll need to decide if this time around, I'm willing to buy from one of these fly by night dealerships (seems sketchy) or private seller.

I think if I allow for higher mileage, perhaps a dealer is better so I can purchase some kind of warranty?

Bear in mind that most dealerships won't have higher milage trucks in their inventory

quote:

Originally posted by Imabmwnut:
Never seen a funeral procession where the hearse is pulling a trailer full of money. .

Remember that both Tundra and Tacoma frames of certain years rust out, and were subject to recall.

I suggest that you look for a simple American truck. It is much like “you will buy a Glock.”

A Tundra is like a Canik. Everyone knows they are engineered well. They look a bit different. Not everyone is comfortable buying one. They last longer than most. You can’t buy many accessories for them.

My 2013 GMC Sierra Denali 2500HD with 194K miles is worth far more than its book value.

It's because of threads like this...

I rarely need a truck any longer. I do have a need at times to haul lighter things around that don't fit in an SUV.

I bought a Ridgeline. Works for what I need.

I actually didn't know about Toyota trucks being subject to rust out. I'll look it up. That's a shame and unexpected - who would have thought that a truck would rust; aren't they built to withstand it more than cars?

I've never bought a truck in my life so I don't know anything about them - what to look for, which models are good, etc. I'm only going by brand at the moment (and which brands my shop services).

I'll consider an American truck if I can learn more about which models to seek out for reliability and safety. My dad had an S10(?) that seemed durable (engine) but didn't drive all that well. And the seats were uncomfortable for me - I think they designed for a different body shape.

If the hilux comes in at under $25K for a basic model - just for hauling - that might be ideal. I could wait until the end of the year for it.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:

....Is a 6' bed considered short or long? I think the longest object I'll be hauling is probably a ca king bed (84"). I figure a 5.5-6.5' bed is sufficient (allow a little overhang)?

On a midsize truck a 6' bed is considered long (most are 5'), on a full size it's considered short. The bed in my Ridgeline is 5'-3" so fairly short but with the tailgate down it's almost 7'. It's wider than midsize trucks (close to a full size) at over 4' between the wheel wells which is handy for carrying 4' x 8' panels. I would prefer an SUV or car over a truck but I just use the bed so often some kind of truck is almost a necessity. I wouldn't want to haul stuff like 20 gallons of used motor oil, cans of diesel, and bags of garbage (which inevitably leak something) in an SUV.