Need shopping advice

[BrightAg13]

I'm new to the board, and I am looking for a solid, reliable truck. Based on research and family/friends experiences, I'm narrowed it down to Toyotas. I planned on getting a 2014 4runner after I graduated from college and had a job lined up, but my current car is dying faster than expected and I'm now looking at used 4runners and Tacomas under 25k.

I'm from Texas and there seems to be a lot more Tacomas on the market than there are 4runners. I was wondering why that was so. Is the reliability of Tacoma and a 4runner about the same?

I'm also new to the dealership aspect. The past experiences with private dealers haven't turned out so well. That could probably be because the cars that I bought were cheap, unreliable cars (it is a Volvo). Should I look at certified trucks when buying used? And is it alright to buy a Toyota from a non-Toyota dealership?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Footofgod]

Get a solid 3rd gen with 100k for less than $10k.

 

[BrightAg13]

Is there something inherently wrong with the 4th gen? I would like less than 100k miles.

 

[Thai]

I'm new to the board, and I am looking for a solid, reliable truck. Based on research and family/friends experiences, I'm narrowed it down to Toyotas. I planned on getting a 2014 4runner after I graduated from college and had a job lined up, but my current car is dying faster than expected and I'm now looking at used 4runners and Tacomas under 25k.

I'm from Texas and there seems to be a lot more Tacomas on the market than there are 4runners. I was wondering why that was so. Is the reliability of Tacoma and a 4runner about the same?

I'm also new to the dealership aspect. The past experiences with private dealers haven't turned out so well. That could probably be because the cars that I bought were cheap, unreliable cars (it is a Volvo). Should I look at certified trucks when buying used? And is it alright to buy a Toyota from a non-Toyota dealership?

Any help is appreciated.

Why do you need a truck? If you're a college student, then why not get a cheapo commuter car, which saves on insurance, maintenance, and gasoline bills? Even if your parents are helping out, then I would still get a cheapo commuter car. Corolla, Civics, or even Camrys.

Save up now (by not getting more loans or waste more of your parents money or from your part-time job) so that you can enjoy later! That way, once you graduate, you can give yourself a nice gift...a QUALITY gift. A used Volvo or any European cars for that matter is a horrible choice for college student...as you found out the hard way.

Easier said than done I know, but have patience...wait till you finish school. For college and graduate school, I drove a 3-cyl Chevrolet Sprint base model without AC and power steering in hot Florida with traffic jam galore!!! The difference was that the Chevy was bought new and maintenance was up to date...it ran fabulously until I gave it away to Goodwill at the end of my graduate school.

 

[BrightAg13]

I was still looking at trucks because I graduate in December and I will be constantly moving, from my house to an apartment, and then from that apartment to whereever I get a job. I thought it would be very handy. I used to have an old F150, and I miss having it. I appreciate the response, but it didn't answer the questions I asked.

 

[JohnnyT]

You may see more Tacomas available simply because their target market is much smaller.

A certified 4th gen is a smart, prudent choice. Certified and buying from a Toyota dealership is not 100% essential (I bought mine from a Nissan dealer with no warranty) but it is nice. You can buy an extended warranty after the fact if you like from any Toyota dealership and shop around if this is important and makes sense to you.

Within your budget you can get one with 40-75k miles and with proper care and maintenance it will retain excellent value and last you a very, very long time.

It is a very safe, smart purchase. Test drive (definitely try a v8 if you can find one), be attuned to the small details, have a pro check it out if you can, find one you like, negotiate with confidence, and make your decision.

Good luck.

 

[Thai]

I was still looking at trucks because I graduate in December and I will be constantly moving, from my house to an apartment, and then from that apartment to whereever I get a job. I thought it would be very handy. I used to have an old F150, and I miss having it. I appreciate the response, but it didn't answer the questions I asked.

Another option that you may want to consider is the Nissan Frontier. IMHO, it is a sleeper. No one knows about it...but is in fact just as reliable and durable as Tacoma, has fully boxed frame head to toe, rear disc brakes, same safety benefits, and is cheaper.

 

[BrightAg13]

Thanks everyone, my car has since gone into "limp" mode