Any other Toyota Models you’d recommend?

Any other Toyotas you’d recommend?

My partner and I are looking for a 2nd car. I unfortunately had to sell my 03’ Tacoma this past summer, and now am considering getting another vehicle.

Although, the absurd prices for Tacomas are certainly a barrier to re-entry. While I’ve pondered getting my ‘dream spec’, which would be a manual, access cab, in great condition, spending half my savings on a grocery getter doesn’t seem smart right now. I also have a Tundra that scratches that itch. We’d even love a 2WD 2.7l, but people seem to think they’re worth their weight in gold as well.

So my question is, what other Toyota Vehicles, or just any car in general, offers the reliability of a Tacoma? I personally love old Corollas, and have heard Siennas and Camry’s are good as well. I’m personally just looking at older cars, where we’d be happy getting the most reliable vehicle for the least amount of money. Cool and fun are not high on the priority list. I’d always rather spend the money upfront on a well maintained vehicle than spending $$$ at the mechanic.

edit: my ideal budget is “as cheap as possible”, but ideally around 6k. If I was to spend 10-12k, I’d just find a nice Tacoma.

 

Older Corolla, Camry, Rav4 are always a good bet if well cared for, especially the older tech.

 

Depending on what your budget is, you can still get late 90s 5spd base 4runner with the 2.7l, under 100k miles, for ~15-18k (crazy, I know!!!). Otherwise, I loved the 2000's era corolla/matrix plaform with a soft spot for the AWD Matrix. Just don't forget about the GEO Prizms or the other partnerships Toyota has had (a Pontiac Vibe could probably be had for cheap). We love our new Sienna which is the same platform for the past 5-6 years, and I remember them being almost as enjoyable to drive 10+ years ago. Styling is much better today, but functionality and reliability, they were great back then.

I think you're just going to find that the real answer is any if pre-pandemic

 

4.0 V-6 5th gen 4Runner, great vehicle, depends on physical size of occupants though, so beware of that. Better engineering and build quality than my Tundra for sure.

 

Stumbled upon this a few minutes ago...

https://www.bidspotter.com/en-us/au...0186/lot-a173a7a3-2c3a-442d-b6ca-b256000f748b

 

Updated post with budget.

I like those specs you mentioned for a Tacoma, and definitely see plenty of that variety of 10-12.5k, but I think that’s insanely goofy for the lowest spec of a Tacoma. I think 4Runners are cool but I’d never own one. My friend had a 2000 4Runner that got like 10mpg, but I imagine it had an issue to make it that bad. The Tundra in my profile pic gets like 12-16mpg.

 

I don’t think I’d ever hear the end of it if I got a project car as a daily driver haha

 

my 98 4runner, base, 4wd, 5spd with 16" wheels (came with factory 4.56 gearing), 2.7 got 21mpg from 62k until 223k when I sold it. love that 3rz motor and it is still my most favorite vehicle i've ever owned. Swap in some leather "limited" seats and it was a perfect vehicle.

 

My 5th gen 4Runner gets about 17 with heavy shoes on the rims and a very heavy shoe on the pedal. That said, good luck with your search!

 

Good luck of finding an older Toyota in that price range. Thanks to the absolute garbage they have been putting out starting with the new Tundra, the price of everything older Toyota is skyrocketing. Hell, I took my 2021 Tundra in for the transmission service in January, and it had just over 60,000 miles and the dealership I bought it from wanted to give me $56,000 for it. I paid $48,880 3 1/2 years ago brand new!

With that said, I am eyeing a 2021 LX 570 to add to my fleet. Why Lexus? They're ironically cheaper than the Toyotas. The Land Cruiser is $10,000-$15,000 more than an equivalent Lexus. I have noticed across the board Lexus is about 5%-15% cheaper.

 

I recently picked up a great little 09 Corolla on the cheap, I'm doing a little maintenance and flipping for a ridiculous profit.

 

Rav4
Corolla
Matrix/Pontiac Vibe

 

Yaris and Scions are within that budget. All made in japan

 

Scions seem to have a discount for sure vs the same vintage Toyota, good place for a 6k$ option, also some older Lexus are in that range, otherwise it’s Corolla time! Toyota SUV or truck of any type I almost never see below 10k$ now. My 2007 FJ with 190k miles was a “steal” at 12k$ private party.

 

Older Lexus RX is the answer. Usually owned by older, well off people so dealer serviced and never abused.

 

My 2014 Camry has been stellar. Purchased it with 102k now at 262k. Water pump, tensioner & belt, alternator are the only repairs I've made. Otherwise, oil changes, spark plugs and tires. 30mpg all day long at 75mph.

 

Used ravs and siennas over 150k go cheap around me. I’ve seen them around $3k in good condition, and actually condition varies more than price…so you have to check them out. Both platforms have life beyond that, especially as a run-around vehicle.