In 2012 I bought a new Tacoma for 25k.
I paid it off in 2015, and still drive it with 270k miles on it.
I put a total of about 4k repairs of work into it over the years.
Its a grat truck.
In Feb of this year, just out of curiosity I went to see what a new Tacoma...basically the same thing I have now but a 2024 would cost.
It came in at about 50k.
The price of the vehicle basically doubled in 13 years.
I know my salary hasn’t doubled in 13 years.
For me, the price of new cars now are unacceptable.
You’re telling me. I just bought the 24 Tacoma with manual transmission. It drives great. Prices won’t be coming down any time soon.
I bought a low miles, well maintained, one owner 2013 Tacoma last year. The late 2nd generation Tacomas are the high point of the model imo. There is an issue of frame rust in areas of snow and salt, but this was a New Mexico truck.
I also have a 2012 V6 Double cab long bed 4WD Tacoma. $30K brand new invoice price. It now has 110m miles. It is the best quality vehicle I have ever owned. Better than the tow previous Tacoma/Toyota 4WD pick ups.
I understand the new ones do not have a V6 option anymore. Just a turbo charged 4 cylinder.
I also hate this new start/stop turn off the engine every time you come to a stop on so many new vehicles. My wife and son both have a Honda CRV. The wife’s is about 5 years old. You can turn that “ECO Drive” OFF. Which she did. My son has a 2022 CRV. It also has the ECO drive. Except you have to turn it off every time you get in the car. That is a STUPID Idea. It has to be bad for your starter.
We’ve bought used cars for a long time. In 2016, I bought my 2014 Ford Expedition with 24k on the clock. Saved a bundle. It was the last year they put V8s in Expeditions (the V6 feels anemic and always struggling).
My wife bought her 2014 Mercedes GLK in 2015 from the dealer. It was a dealer demonstrator with about 6k on the clock.
They’ve both been good, reliable cars. The only problem (that we knew about going in) is the regular maintenance costs on the Mercedes. Yikes! But it really isn’t much worse than the Expedition. A recent major service interval on the Expedition at 100k was about $3,000. But I skipped the 60k service and this one took the place of the 60k and 90k services.
That’s what the WEF and the left want. They don’t want people driving in 2019. First make it expensive then take away the fuel.
Unless you’re a politician...I don’t know how regular folk make it work these days.
The price of new ICE vehicles reflects the loss the manufacturers take on EVs. EV cost shifting...you’re paying for someone else’s car too.
Testimonies just like yours are the reason why I bought my 2023 Tacoma TRD Off-Road brand spanking new in Feb. 2023. Loaded to the gills, V-6 24 valve VVT. Lunar Rock color. Paid cash for it.
Fixed the shifting complaints with an OTT Tune, lifted the truck 3" and am driving it EVERYWHERE. Love it. I personally know someone with almost 500k on theirs and it's still their daily driver. His only complaint was having to have the frame replaced (covered by Toyota) due to rust issues. Beyond that, loves his truck and maintains it himself.
AFAIK, this is the last vehicle I'll ever buy myself (I'm 62) and it's my first new vehicle FOR ME in almost 40 years. I'm gonna drive it until I die or the wheels come off, which ever happens first.