Opinions Needed

[huntsonora]

Here is my current truck, a 1994 Dodge 2500 4x4 with the 12 valve.

I LOVE this truck but it isnt the most nimble vehicle out there. Its got 190K but I have tabbed the KDP and upgraded the 5th gear nut in the transmission. Recently I started blowing oil out the dipstick and this concerns me.

This is the truck I may buy tomorrow. Its a 2002 Tacoma DC trd with 81K. Its pretty damn clean and has low miles. What do you guys think about this truck for $13,500 and would you take this Tacoma over the 12 valve I currently own?

I use my trucks to guide hunts so I spend quite a bit of time off road but not out in anything thats too rough. It sucks to sit 3 adults in the Dodge but the Tacoma would be fairly cramped as well, at least we wouldnt be sitting in each others laps though.

I HATE these decisions!

 

[Rigged]

81k on an '02 for $13500 is a pretty good deal at least where I'm from. The few things that you mentioned about your current Dodge:

I LOVE this truck but it isnt the most nimble vehicle out there. Its got 190K but I have tabbed the KDP and upgraded the 5th gear nut in the transmission. Recently I started blowing oil out the dipstick and this concerns me

Doesn't make me feel to good. I say go for the Tacoma. From the pictures it looks to be in good shape, but if it comes down to it and you can't decide then stick with what you've got.

Keeping what you have feels much better then regretting what you just bought.

 

[laxtoy]

wow, if it's a 4wd (not a prerunner) i wouldn't hesitate. that same truck, in any of the three west coast states would likely go for at least $16,000 or more. i hunted for a few months and never found a truck that close to what i think you've got there, with the lid on back, trd (rear elocker) and a double cab, just about the perfect truck imo. my dad has a 97 cummins with almost 400k, great engine for sure, but 80k on a 04 v6 is pretty much just breaking it in

 

[huntsonora]

It is a 4x4 with the E-locker. It has a little wobble in the front end, I think it's just a tire issue, it's not too bad.

 

[Applejack]

Get that front end looked at by a professional and CARFAX it. Trust me on this one, it's worth the $35. If all is well, to me it's a good deal.

 

[keezer37]

I started blowing oil out the dipstick and this concerns me.

Perhaps cleaning or replacing your PCV valve.

 

[RU55ELL]

Perhaps cleaning or replacing your PCV valve.

Exactly what I was going to suggest. Personally, I wouldn't give up what you have for that Tacoma.

 

[RabidRover]

Is the Taco going to have a big enough payload for you? Going from your 3/4 ton to a Taco is a bit of a leap ... I am running stock springs on my '02 and find it is not that difficult to overload it. Just my .02 ... I love my Tacoma.

 

[hilux30]

If you getting blow by on a cummins then must dump $6-7K on an engine rebuild. I love 3/4 to 1 ton dodges with the cummins but they get expensive when the miles rack up. So for room, reliability, and better off road use, it's time to move on to tacos. If payload becomes an issue, do what I did and add a leaf... cheers

 

[laxtoy]

yeah, it is certainly something to consider, you will lose a lot of payload, that cummins with a dana 60 up front and the spicer 70 in back is a monster, and if you already did some transmission upgrades, the drivetrain should be pretty stout. just doesn't sound right to me, to see a diesel die with relatively low miles, those engines typically go for a hell of a lot longer than that. i would certainly get it looked at by a professional before you do or don't assume the worst, if you have time for that sort of thing, by this point you may already be in that taco, or have decided to pass. i certainly agree with applejack too, there seem to be a lot of tacos out there on lots with rebuilt titles or colision histories, certainly something to consider. i think what you get with the taco is a more car-like ride, a lot of capability off road, and for 4 adults i think you could ride comfortably. you said you guide hunting trips, so what kind of payload are we talking about? i wouldn't imagine it would be a huge amount of weight, and if you have to haul firewood or gravel or something, just take more trips

 

[huntsonora]

If you getting blow by on a cummins then must dump $6-7K on an engine rebuild. I love 3/4 to 1 ton dodges with the cummins but they get expensive when the miles rack up. So for room, reliability, and better off road use, it's time to move on to tacos. If payload becomes an issue, do what I did and add a leaf... cheers

UPDATE:

Turns out the blow by is a vacuum issue and easily resolved. Also, the o-ring on my dipstick was not good due to age so I dodged a bullet there!

I am going to keep the Dodge regardless of what happens with the Tacoma

As for the Tacoma, per a conversation I had with the salesman I made an offer of $13,400. He called me back and said that the sales mgr now says they have to have $13,900. I politely said thanks but no thanks and he tried to sell me on the fact that its "only $500" for a clean truck. I told him that that goes both ways and its "only $500" if they really wanted to sell it tonight. I'll let them marinate on it, I'm sure they would like to sell it before the end of the year which means tomorrow would be the day.

You guys think I'm just being too stubborn? I probably am but I would rather just drive the Dodge everywhere than have some sales mgr tell the salesman "I told ya so"

 

[FJR Colorado]

At $13,500 the Tacoma (if perfect) is an OK deal but certainly not a fantastic "must have" kind of deal...

After the sales rep said what he did about the price going up by $500 I'd never do biz w/them ever again.

Keep your options open. You'll find that if you have the luxury of taking your sweet time and keep your eyes open, extremely great deals will ultimately present themselves.

Based on your criteria, you might want to think about a Sequoia.... I bought one at a fantastic price recently and am blown away at the room and comfort. Nice add to my Toy farm...