High Mileage 03 LTD V8 or 06 V8 w/half the miles twice the price?

Hey there, looking to possibly pick up a new daily and park my built 3rd gen Taco.

found a nice 03 Limited V8 locally with 225k miles; has had the timing belt and water pump recently replaced, and all other services up to date. Paint is a bit faded but they are only asking $5200.

On the other hand I have found a couple 06 Limited V8’s with 125-150k miles that are also up to date on the timing belt/water pump, but the asking prices are $12k+

Are the cosmetic upgrades and the VVTi really worth paying twice as much as an older model?

I really don’t plan on modding too much. Wheels/tires and maybe a budget lift kit.

My taco is the mall parking lot queen, I just need something better as a DD. My commute is ~90mi per day, M-F. And come July I’ll be hauling a 2yo and a new born.

Any insight would be appreciated.

 

I personally wouldn't be concerned about the mileage. I traded mine in ('03 V8) at 257K and it ran like new. I felt like I could have put another 2-300K on it.

If the overall condition is decent, I wouldn't hesitate to buy that '03.

Good luck with your purchase!

Post pics when you get it home!

 

Im not worried about miles either. I’ve put 90k on my taco in 4yrs since I bought it new.

Im leaning towards the 03, I gotta test drive it and make it everything is working correctly.

The only real flaw is that it’s the gold/champagne color

 

You're going to get spoiled by the torque! I still miss it sometimes.

 

My other half has a GX 460, that thing is smoooth as silk. I love how refined the v8's are compared to the minivan engine in my taco.

 

I'd love to put a GX drivetrain in mine! The Dual VVTI 1GR is actually pretty nice, though

 

A rule of thumb is to buy the newest and lowest mileage vehicle the budget allows. Does the newer vehicle fit your budget?

 

Hey, hey, hey...whats wrong with the Gold color??

 

Not if you're paying double for a few less miles. Remember, these are Toyotas.

Any vehicle that old is going to need some maintenance. You might as well save some money where you can.

 

I've got 218k on my '08 and it still runs really well. So I'd say it comes down to whether or not you like or want the changes they made in '06 and if it's worth the price premium. Double seems a bit ridiculous though, if you really want the '06+ changes then I'd look for one that's more reasonably priced even if you have to travel a little to get it.

 

Well the 03 was sold today before I could to look at it.

there is an 06 V6 Sport around for $8k still has 218k miles.

I can swing about $8-10k and prefer a 06+ V8 Limited or Sport. I’ll keep an eye out and wait for the right one to hit the market. Not in a big rush

 

You'll find the right one!

Post pics when you do

 

Get what feels most right for you! I searched a while for mine with 180k, single owner and was about 10k. Found one on autotrader for 14.9, 08 V8 with 49k miles!

 

miles don’t concern me as much as being in decent shape and has been maintained properly. Oh yeah, and no rust. Deal breaker.

 

Totally agree about the rust, I’ve been fortunate enough to live in states out of the rust belt! Although for the price of Toyotas in California might as well get a rusted one and replace the frame! Best of luck OP!!

 

Found a black 08 Limited V8 w/231k miles, in great shape. Timing belt and water pump changed at 180k...listed for $9k...gonna shoot for $8k OTD