Tacoma Pricing

[bocephus33]

Long time reader rare poster.....I'm about to dive into the market looking for a '01-'05 Tacoma or a 3rd-early 4th gen 4Runner no more than $12k and looking at Autotrader and Craigslist in my local area which is Atlanta, I am amazed at how much over Kbb value some Tacomas are being listed for. I've seen a '01 Access Cab, 4wd, 140,000k, bone stock other than a camper shell listed at $14,500 which is over $3,000 over Kbb or a '98 Access Cab, 4wd, over 100k for $11,500. Those are a couple of the many.

Is this what I can expect in my search? I've found very few Tacos that look like deals but the 4Runners seem to be more reasonably priced.

Anyway just wondering as I would prefer a Taco but would swing a 4Runner if the better deal was offered.

 

[deadbeat son]

Tacoma resale values border on the absurd. I was able to buy mine new in 2009 for about $2000 more than a comparably equipped used truck with 40k miles.

They don't seem to sell for book around here.

 

[bocephus33]

I'm starting to think the same thing...I sold a '05 Tacoma DC Prerunner with 120k fully loaded for $14k back in 2010 which makes me think alot more now the guy I sold it to got a helluva deal.

 

[YotaPilot]

I recently found a great deal for a 2001 Double cab with 130,000 miles from the original owner for $10,500. I bought as soon as I saw because I knew it wouldn't last long. It is the least expensive I have seen. Everything I saw was in the $13,000 range.

My Dad is also trying to find a 1st gen Taco extended cab and has been looking religiously for about 2 month in Northern California. He also can't find anything for less than $13,000 in good condition. I guess it's a sellers market. These Tacos hold their value.

 

[Clutch]

With them holding their value, means you won't loose too much money if you decide to sell it either.

You should look at first gen Tundras, can get a better deal on those, mostly over looked, and usually owned by old farts that never take them in the dirt.
The 4.7 V8 is an awfully nice engine, only down fall no manual transmission option with the V8's, but that can be swapped in.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I think the problem is not that Tacomas are overpriced, the problem is the KBB is extremely inaccurate. I noticed the same thing shopping for both Xterras and 4runners on the internet - the Edmunds.com "average retail price" amount was $2000 - $4000 lower than anybody was asking, which simply shows that the "blue book" is becoming less and less relevant as a means of determining "value."

In the days of eBay, autotrader and craigslist, it's pretty easy to find out what a given vehicle is selling for in your area (and even assuming that most people ask for more than they think they'll get, the asking price will still give you a working range that is more accurate because it represents what people are actually doing.)

My advice is to ignore the likes of KBB and Edmunds anyway, look at CL, eBay and the various auto sales web sites.

There was a discussion about this a few months ago but prices on used cars have gone up quite a bit in the last few years. I think it's mostly related to the economy: When the economy was going great, lots of people were buying new cars and selling their old ones, which created a glut on the used car market and depressed prices. Then when the economy hit the skids, people couldn't afford to buy new so all of a sudden there is a much larger demand for used vehicles, expecially late-model, low mileage vehicles (and these days, "low mileage" means under 100,000.)

The final factor is what I call the 'buzz factor.' Internet communities like this one (and many others) often create a "buzz" around certain vehicles, which stimulates interest. Interest then stimulates sales and that drives prices up because there are more people demanding certain vehicles. And when you're talking about an out-of-production vehicle (like the 1st gen Taco or the 3rd gen 4runner), there is a fixed supply, and fixed supply + rising demand = rising prices.

 

[RIDEALL]

Sold my 2001 2.7 Tacoma for $1800 Above 'KBB' early this year.
Wanted to get Double cab of same vintage, but couldn't currently afford / want to spend the $12-15k.
Bought a 2000 4Runner in very good condition for $8k.
Still want double cab, but $4-5k is a lot of money for close to the same vehicle!! Plus 4Runner is working out nicely with the new Family.
Good luck!!

 

[shmabs]

Some great points made above.

So its not just northern california! The prices for used first gen tacoma's is outrageous out here. A four door TRD with around 100k will list and sell for 15k at a dealer, while private party is closer to 13k. My buddy even sold his 2009 with 40k on it for 29,000!!! Toyota's have an amazing reputation around here, first gen taco's and 3rd gen 4runners bring good money, and early trucks with the 22re command quite a price too....

For various reasons i tend to be the person people come to at work when they are trying to buy/sell cars, and as of recent i have found that kbb/nada etc hold little weight anymore. I agree with saying "kbb never actually bought a car". Another huge factor is location; where i live is pretty isolated and therefore the supply of vehicles in the local area is very limited. With an area like atlanta this shouldn't be such a large factor though, you have a much larger market and supply of vehicles. Either way, it can be very frustrating, especially if you are looking to finance the total purchase price of the vehicle. I have been told that most banks still use kbb or nada value, which can be a lot less than the price of a truck.

Mike

 

[deadbeat son]

My buddy even sold his 2009 with 40k on it for 29,000!!!

Wow, I only paid $28,500 for my 09 DC TRD with the auto and JBL package new!

 

[Clutch]

I never "lost" any money on any of my old Toyotas that I have sold...


There is a used dealer lot here, he usually has a few Tacomas and 4Runners in n stock.

http://www.gotucsonauto.com/

 

[southpier]

2011 SR 5

so next march when i sell my 6 cylinder automatic access cab with about 43k, how much should i ask? i'll toss in the leer cap.

 

[bocephus33]

I haven't thought about the first gen Tundras. I definitely like the Taco better but that would be an alternative to consider because I think I really would prefer a truck over an SUV.

 

[MidnightRider]

It's nice to get offered the same amont of $$$ that you paid for your truck, 4-5 years after you bought and paid it off. Gotta love Tacomas.

 

[Clutch]

I haven't thought about the first gen Tundras. I definitely like the Taco better but that would be an alternative to consider because I think I really would prefer a truck over an SUV.

I don't really care for their interiors, but you get suicide door access on the extra cab. Which is a plus over the 1st gen Tacomas. The exteriors are so-so too, but they are growing on me. With the right amount of lift & tire/wheel combo...you can disguise the "old man look" of it.

The crew cab is a nice option too, the ability to haul people, plus have a pickup bed...albeit a bit long on the wheelbase.