Hunting truck suggestions.

[Coco]

Come on what about the sporttrac

Haha true, but the beds on those things are HIDIOUS!

 

[radjeeper]

Check out a 2000 to 2004 Tundra 4x4. I drive one and it has plenty of room for my 6'2" frame and is super dependable. I believe they all came with 4.7 V8 Power, Access Cab, Auto Trans., Super Strong Rear End, and 6' bed. If you just want to lift it and run bigger tires you can do that. If you want to do major modifications you can swap in a Waggy Dana 44 straight front axle (already 6 lug) or a custom built D60. For hard core hunting use you might want to install a flat bed. If you go the Tacoma route stay away from the 3.0 V6, they have head gasket problems. The 3.4 is a much better engine.

 

[iamsparticus]

come on brad you know mine will never die

 

[Caleb]

So....... if y'all were going to buy a used Tacoma up to a 2003 model what would you be looking for and why?

LT.

I went through this exact same thing when I bought mine (2003 TRD 4 Door). I would look for the TRD package for sure. It comes with the electric locker which is a very nice addition. I'd also look for the 4 door. The extra space is very nice. They do cost a little more up front, but you will always recoupe that extra on the back end when you sell. It's like a diesel, they cost more up front, but you will always get more for them when you re-sell. Even though the new Tacomas are quite a bit larger, I don't think there is much more room in them...they just added more fluff to all that extra space. As you found out, make sure it has the V6 (3.4L). The little 4-banger can get the job done, but it's running it's guts out the whole time.

Be sure to look in other markets. For some reason around SLC, they hold their value very well. When I was looking (a few years back), they were all over blue book by a couple thousand atleast, and they all had 100K-200K miles on them. I found mine in amazing shape, with 30K on it for WELL below blue book out of Vegas. Infact I bought mine 3 years ago for what I could sell it for now so look around. Check out TTORA as well, that's actually where I found mine.

I'm a picky bugger when it comes to vehicles. I used to be as bad as Greg, I'd buy a vehicle and within a year I'd be ready for a new vehicle and by the two year mark, you can guarantee I'd have a new vehicle. That is until I got my Tacoma. I haven't had single serious thought of selling it. I don't know if I'll ever sell it, just keep it as an extra vehicle when I'm ready to buy something else. Point is, they're sweet trucks

 

[LT.]

Thanks for all the thoughts y'all. A few reasoons I really don't like the crew cab models is becasue of the rear tire placement in the bed and the lack of a manual tranny. The rear wheel well opening goes right to the cab. There doesn't look like there is a lot of space for trimming back there. I think it looks a little goofy from the side with that tire so close to the cab. I don't know if anyone else knows what I am talking about but, this is my only gripe about them.

So, in general, it sounds like the crew cab with the 3.4l V-6 and TRD is the hot ticket. Does anyone know of anything to look out for on these models? Anyone modify one with a solid front axle yet?

LT.