Looking to buy a truck because I'm tired of stuffing crap into an X1. I'll be selling my TL eventually so this will essentially be my own means of transport. I'd like to keep it under $8k.
Requirements:
-4x4
-Reliability
-Good aftermarket support
-Easy to work on (I can do timing belts and the exterior work but don't want to rebuild engines or swap them). I can handle suspension work.
-Will start in -30.
Situation - I walk to work in the summer and winter for now, unless we decide to buy something but even then it'll be a 10min drive max. Fuel economy and towing capacity is not really important, i won't be pulling trailers or hauling tones of stuff. Maybe the odd dump run or moving house holds. Truck will stay within the city 95% of the time as we mainly drive the X1 on road trips. Again I know nothing about trucks, nor have I owned one, so I need some suggestions.
So far there is a 98 Tacoma w/ 129k on the clock. Wants $8.2k for it. Drove really nice and pretty much as I expected. Lifted slow go-cart. The frame went through the rust recall and there weren't any leaks or surprises underneath. Timing belt done @ 120k. Some of the bushings looked worn, but then again its a 1998. Engine bay looked mint.
Tomorrow I'm going to look at a 2005 Tundra SR5, w/ 290k. Asking $7k. Tones of "front end" work and other recent maintenance. I'd say the two are on-par for recent work done.
I know these are two completely different trucks, but besides the obvious size difference, should I go with one over the other? Any other brand/model I should look at?