Big Decision???? (need help)

ghmtchl · 10-19-2003, 08:37 PM

Hey guys,
Newbie here, faced with a tough decision. I've always loved Tacoma's and I'm about to take the plunge and buy one. LUckly I'm a salesman at a Toyota Dealership, so I'm looking at some decent prices. My problem is that we have two used tacomas that I'm interested in. We have a 1995, ext cab, 6cyl, 4x4, 5sp, sunroof, GEORGOUS truck...for $14,700 (Canadian funds). We also have a 2002, ext cab, 4x4, 5sp, 6cyl, for $25,500 (can) Which one do you all feel is the better investment. I know the 2002 will last me longer, is it worth for me to spend the extra 10 grand???? It seems like it is a no brainer for me to buy the 2002. Just asking for any insight from some tacoma owners. thanks guys

'03DC3.4TRD4X4 · 10-20-2003, 07:39 PM

I'd go for the '95 if the miles are decent and condition is as you say. I got my '03 because I need the warranty because I am building up my '95 4Runner. I just needed a safe, reliable, functional vehicle for my wife to drive and to take on family vacations. I bought my '95 new so I have spent a lot of money on it so far. Saving for two axles now for a front SAS swap and rear leaf swap.

ghmtchl · 10-21-2003, 06:46 AM

THanks buddy, the 95 has great KM on it. It's only got 120Km. I think that's probably about 75 miles. It's a great looking truck, I';m just worried about spending that kind of money on a 9 year old truck. When for pretty well 10 grand more, I can get a truck that might last me longer. Also, is the TRD package essential for offroad driving? what is included in it?

big_archer · 10-27-2003, 07:19 PM

your a salesman at a Toyota dealership and your asking others what's included in the TRD package???

ghmtchl · 10-27-2003, 07:55 PM

haha seems pretty funny doesn't it. I'm actually a salesman for a GM dealership, but The owner also owns a Toyota Dealership, and I get discounts on them as well. So my knowledge of the TRD packages are fairly limited.

'03DC3.4TRD4X4 · 10-31-2003, 09:08 AM

The rear electrically actuated locker is the main advantage. The suspension upgrades (spring rates and Bilstein shocks) and lower gear ratios (numerically higher at 4.11:1) are also included and so the package is a no brainer for anyone who will even occasionally venture off road--particularly those with less off road driving experience.
But, all of these things can easily be added to your '95 and you get the advantage of buying the highest quality to start with. Even the new truck will need major suspension changes for serious off roading so you are going to spend money on it anyway. So you can see the '95 is looking better all the time.

tacomer21 · 11-04-2003, 10:37 AM

I personally would go for the 2002 i think thats that it is. If you drive anything like me and keep a car that long. Parts are going to be around on a 2002 while they might be harder to find for a 95 in a few years. I think they only have to keep parts in stock for cars that are 10 years or younger and the 95 is about to hit that 10 yr mark.

Good luck on what ever you do!!

'03DC3.4TRD4X4 · 11-10-2003, 04:28 PM

What parts are you worried about finding. It has the same motor as the 2002 and virtually all parts can be mixed and matched. Plus Marlin (of Marlin Crawler) can hook virtually any motor up to any trans/t- case.
Clutches will never be a problem, nor will brake parts of drivetrain. The '95 even shares the same body. What parts are you talking about?

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