Would you make this trade?

[poriggity]

So, I am looking for something more fitting for expedition travel, and I came across this Tacoma DC... Here are the specs:

- 2001 Double-cab (4-door) toyota tacoma
- 3.4L V6
- SR5
- TRD package (better CV's, shocks, springs, e-locker).
- Auto Tranny just got flushed, super strong and reliable
- power windows, locks, and mirrors
- 177k miles young (these 3.4's go 350k + without any major work)
- elocker
- New NITRO 4.88s professionally installed by sixstates
- 35" BFG KM2s
- icon 2.5" coilover front shocks
- alcan 2.5" rear lift springs
- tubbed firewall so the 35s don't rub
- bedliner
- CB in ash tray
- usb/AUX kenwood cd-deck
- bedbar w/hi-lift mount and cb antenna
- allpro rear bumper
- allpro sliders
- budbuilt skidplate.
and a couple pics:

I was THINKING about trading my 2004 Dodge Ram CTD with 65k miles for it.. it's bone stock iwth 65k miles on it, with gauges and a straight pipe as the only mods.. I can probably get him to toss in a couple grand on top of the truck in trade... Here is my truck:

Part of me says go for it, to get something smaller for expedition travel, the other part of me says, I could get more cash if I were to sell it outright, and then buy something else... so, what say you?
Scott

 

[Caduceus]

Looks good from the outside. The 1st gen Taco's have a lot of frame rust issues, so I'd check that out. My cousin has one very similar and loves the darned thing.

Not the best payload though - it IS a small truck. Make sure it'll handle the weight you plan on putting in to it.

 

[Humvette]

Sell your truck out right then go buy exactly what you want! Trades are almost alway compromised. What does the other guy want to sell his for? Your truck gets better mpg...
Thx,
M

 

[poriggity]

His original asking price was 16k.. after some bumps on another forum, he's now down to 13k... I'm thinking I might be getting the short end, but I don't really know the worth of Tacoma's, which is why I came here with this. As much as I love my Dodge, it is LOOOONG, and might not make the best overlanding vehicle.
Scott

 

[RusM]

That would be a good trade, for both of you. The Taco has had lot's of money put into it recently and is ready to go. If that is what you are looking for, then go for it! You'd better get on it quick though, he's thinking about trading the Taco for a Ford. You're not getting the short end if that's what you want, you'd end up spending more than your truck is worth to get the same truck.

 

[poriggity]

Thanks Russ.. Realistically, I need to ask the wife about it.. I just paid it off a couple months ago, so I don't know how she'd feel about me getting rid of it, but heck... It's worth a shot.. it is a NICE taco.

 

[Box Rocket]

I've seen this one for sale for a while (it's local). So here's my .02 cents....

I don't have any firsthand knowledge of this Tacoma, other than I've known it's been for sale for a while. I don't know the owner either. So whatever I say isn't an endorsement or a condemnation of him or his truck, just a gut feeling.

It seems like the work that he's done on the truck has been done pretty well. I think the firewall tubbing was done by the owner and from the pics I had seen it looks like he did an ok job on it, but I haven't seen it in person. The mods are quality items. I'm not sure where you are located, but if you're here in Utah too, one thing to consider is the Icon coilovers (any adjustable coilovers for that matter) have a hard time holding up to the salt and other winter elements here in Utah and need to be rebuilt on a somewhat regular basis, maybe once a year, or you might get two years out of it if you are lucky. But otherwise they are quality coilovers. Just keep in mind there is some recurring maintenance/cost involved with that setup.

Additionally, I picked up my 2003 Tacoma last February for $14K. Granted it was essentially stock with the exception of aftermarket wheels/tires and a small spacer lift. But it only had 83K miles on it. I know these are reliable trucks but that was nearly 100K miles less than this truck for essentially the same $. And I know there is some value in modifications, but I'm sorry, you just cannot plan to recoup all your costs in modifications when you sell a truck.

So personally I think that given the miles, this particular truck is still priced on the high side. But in the end, a truck is worth what a buyer is willing to pay. If you like it and you think it is worth what he's asking, then I can't argue that.

Back to your original question, if I were you, I would not trade the Dodge for it unless you are very confident that you are getting a very good deal with the trade. Otherwise I would just sell the Dodge outright on your own first, then use the cash to purchase the Tacoma.

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

you're going to trade a Cummins Ram w/ 65K miles for a Taco with 177K miles?? Sounds like a good deal for the Tacoma owner.

That Tacoma is nicely setup and great truck but I think your Dodge is better for camping- much more space and it's brand new.

Has the wheelbase been limiting you on trips?

 

[poriggity]

Honestly, it hasn't been on many trips other than local fire roads, and it hasn't limited me. I don't plan to go CRAZY with it either, taking it places it shouldn't go. I guess in reality, I ought to take it out a few times to see if I am comfortable with the size of it, and go from there....

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

I've seen some nice, well thought out lifts for the Ram if you are looking for ground clearance.

If you are into extended camping and exploring and you have a diesel Ram... well I can't think of much better to start with!
solid axles, cummins diesel, manual, clean, low mileage... you are basically at the holy grail of what everyone talks about in this place.

Seriously, if you like the Ram and wheelbase is your only concern, even that is not a big issue with a little modification!
I could think of some pretty cool things to do to your truck bed to make it camping friendly!

 

[RockyMtnFamily]

The seller of that truck just lowered the price to $11,000. I think it is a nice truck and would go for it, although I would do some more haggling due to the higher miles (which are not a big concern for that drivetrain).

 

[poriggity]

I've seen some nice, well thought out lifts for the Ram if you are looking for ground clearance.

If you are into extended camping and exploring and you have a diesel Ram... well I can't think of much better to start with!
solid axles, cummins diesel, manual, clean, low mileage... you are basically at the holy grail of what everyone talks about in this place.

Seriously, if you like the Ram and wheelbase is your only concern, even that is not a big issue with a little modification!
I could think of some pretty cool things to do to your truck bed to make it camping friendly!

Suspension will probably be one of the FIRST major purchases.. I am already looking at Carli/Thuren stuff.. I know it works from seeing what the guys in the diesel world say about the stuff... First things first though, I need to get it setup with the essentials.. Radio, recovery gear, and the like..
Scott

 

[shawkins]

That is a really bad trade for you!

Yes, that 3.4L drivetrain will last forever, but that chassis wont especially with those 35's on there. You can expect all the bushings, ball joints and TRE's probably need replaced as most people don't do that type of maintenance. thats roughly $1K for all of that.

That Taco is probably overkill. Unless you're out running tough trails where you need the extra clearance that 35's provide they are kinda pointless. They wear everything in the front end out faster and the CV's arent really strong enough for them either.

Keep the Dodge, it should last you literally forever! I would try to find a nice, clean low mileage Taco to start out with and build the way you want.

 

[ttora4runner]

I know the owner and truck.

Go for it.

 

[poriggity]

That is a really bad trade for you!

Yes, that 3.4L drivetrain will last forever, but that chassis wont especially with those 35's on there. You can expect all the bushings, ball joints and TRE's probably need replaced as most people don't do that type of maintenance. thats roughly $1K for all of that.

That Taco is probably overkill. Unless you're out running tough trails where you need the extra clearance that 35's provide they are kinda pointless. They wear everything in the front end out faster and the CV's arent really strong enough for them either.

Keep the Dodge, it should last you literally forever! I would try to find a nice, clean low mileage Taco to start out with and build the way you want.

Thanks Bro.. I think I may keep the dodge for a while, take it on a few runs and see if it will fit my bill of overland exploring, and go from there. I can't say that it's not going to work for me, if I hadn't ever taken it out right?
Scott