1st May 2017, 16:11
Hello, original poster here.
The truck just rolled over 160k miles.
In the past year I have had three inquiries as to the sale of the truck.
This is next to a track prepped NA Miata with matching hard top as well as a WRX wagon with probably somewhere along the lines of 7k USD in performance parts, wheels, suspension and power modifications.
Still hear "Hey, want to sell that truck?"
"What will you take for it?"
1st May 2017, 20:47
Considering that checking even just one site (www.cargurus.com) finds over 300 2003 Tacomas for sale nationwide right now, starting at $2995, they're not that hard to find. The possible reasons that strangers would be hitting you up for yours would be either that they are too lazy to go looking for a nice one themselves or (more likely) they optimistically hope that you'll be willing to sell it for a song.
2nd May 2017, 14:14
A friend of mine always carries a grand with him in case there's a car or truck to grab cheap. Especially with one sitting in a yard. Anyone can pay retail.
2nd May 2017, 19:31
Why would someone who doesn't own a full sized truck, who intentionally bought a non-full sized truck, buy a full sized truck? That's like me asking you why you don't sell your full sized truck and buy a station wagon...
3rd May 2017, 13:29
Another commenter. I bought 2 new small ones. Then did some thinking. Then here's the logic. You are paying insurance on a new truck with severe limitations. You buy a truck for utility. Carry and tow. You don't want to mess up a car interior. It opened up way more opportunities. I buy a lot off Craigs List and estate sales. Often large items I couldn't transport. I had to pay annual dock fee or high and dry for my boat. We now tow it and save a lot.
Gas mileage on many full sizes isn't bad today. But that wasn't a big deal anyway. It's versatility. My big savings is doubling what I could barely do before. At a moment's notice I can pick up some high end things from people on CL. And no limitations or setbacks missing out. The savings more than pays for itself. I can run a car most other times with more comfort etc. Once you have one, I cannot ever see smaller again. Feels good when paying insurance as a big reason alone. My family borrows mine at times. I get to use their in ground pool! All great reasons.
8th May 2017, 22:34
Original poster here.
The Tacoma in question has recently started laying golden eggs after each 1 hour commute to work and back. At the end of the year I plan to retire at 30. In addition it has started taking care of my dirty laundry and started smelling of lavender in the interior.
This proves that this truck is better, more capable, more fuel efficient, aesthetically attractive, and reliable than a full size truck of the same vintage.
None of this is true. It still runs great and I stayed at a Holiday Express this past weekend. Getting ready to cross over 170k miles.
9th May 2017, 07:46
We have 230000 on a 2WD 2003 Silverado 2500 HD. Drivetrain untouched. Just routine maintenance to date. It does its job and does it extremely well. No need for embellishments, lodging needs, fanfare and BS. You may fare better at the pump. This fares far better with maximum utility. It is a truck option for those considering any truck vs just small. This a relevant comparison. Maybe one of each? Small for running around town vs a car.
11th May 2017, 11:03
I think you guys should actually rush and out buy one. Seem really enamored over this engine a great deal on many posts. Maybe sell a Tacoma? Full size was given credence as an available alternative, less though the type of engine in it. There is a great deal more utility for going to a full size. It's up to you if you wish to pony up more cash to acquire and fuel one. The point also was if well cared for, it can also provide years of more than satisfactory service. And a nicer ride. Give the engines a break.
15th May 2017, 17:13
And again - what does a totally unrelated full size truck of any kind have to do with a Tacoma? Some here seem just outright flabbergasted that someone would buy a smaller truck. There are of course reasons why, but mostly because of preference.
My Dad came with my mom to visit my wife and I a few weeks ago, and he brought his newer Tundra, which these days is more or less the same size as all the other full size trucks on the market. We live in a major metro area and I didn't like driving his truck around here: The streets are often fairly narrow and often times people park on the streets too. I felt like I was going to hit the cars on either side. Just not an enjoyable experience. But for those of you who likely live out in the sticks, the burbs or whatever, sure - it's not a big deal to drive a big truck wherever.
Honestly I wish the auto companies would start making actual small trucks again. None of the ones offered today like the Colorado or Tacoma are small anymore. This has caused the price of used small trucks to shoot through the roof. I find notes on my old Tacoma every other month asking if I want to sell it.
16th May 2017, 10:43
It was only mentioned as a practical consideration. It could be any small truck, not just a Tacoma... We owned 2 small trucks and went full size. You weigh out any purchase. If you can make a lot of money on a high mileage small truck, it may be an option as well. Our point is you pay insurance. Truck insurance is higher than our cars! Why not get the biggest bang per buck with 100 percent utility. A lot of my friends drive cars more than their truck. Go out with the family, go to dinner etc a car is easier. And it rides better. I think in your case, and not speaking with you as an expert, your truck is sentimental. Are you really selling it as there are other late model, low mileage Tacomas out there. There's sentiment and practical options for other buyers on here. They may see a viable option. Our small trucks started us off small. Meaning a few uses. We opened up a lot more functional uses going larger. Hope you get it now. We are talking trucks.
30th Mar 2017, 15:09
Absolutely. I have been babysitting these plates for years, moving car to car when sold or flipped. The family sentimentality could buy a nice home at the beach. I agree with you. Cars as well. I had a relative that parked a 30s coupe behind a barn. Was like a member of the family. Rotted into the ground and didn't fix it. So what good is it now? Sentimentality isn't always the way. Nice thing with a brand new one owner is you create new memories. Even if a year or 2 older, it was someone else's with unknown history and usage.