Help me out with my small truck purchase, please.

In My Humble Opinion
1

After a couple of years of hauling the band’s PA system around in the back of my Cadillac, I’ve decided it’s time for me to get a small truck. I’ve fidgeted around with the family budget and determined I can spend $4000 - $4500 for a used truck.

Today I was independent lot-hopping when I came across a 1989 Toyota King Cab. 4 cylinder, 3 spd automatic, bed shell, and carpeting in the back.

Problem that I can see is 194,000 miles. The guy will take $3500 for it, I’m going to offer him $3200 after my mechanic checks it. Retail Kelly blue book is $4200.

All other trucks I’ve seen are above my budget by at least $500.

What do you think? Anyone have experience with Toyota trucks? I hear once they hit 150,000 miles they’ll run forever. Advice, please?

2

Toyota makes the best trucks available, at least from the standpoint of durability. If you are worried about comfort, handling, the best styling, and a host of other possible concerns, then you might want to consider other makes.

Personally, I have had Chevy, Ford, GMC, and Datsun (Nisson) trucks over the years. Now I drive a Toyota Tundra 2WD extended cab, and if I could buy any make without concern for price, I would still get a Toyota…either another Tundra or a Tacoma. Automatic, extended cab version.