Am I Crazy? Sell my 2020 for a 2006 1st Gen?

@Jim LE 1301 is looking for a 2nd gen SC

 

I’d do it OP. Good network of 1st Gen owners here who can help you out with an older truck.

look at it this way...if someone posted a thread in here asking about the wisdom of buying that 1st gen and said oh by the way the seller is offering a $5k incentive for purchasing, there’s not a soul on here who would tell you not to do it. That’s essentially what you’re looking at.

and like others have said, depreciation is going to be pretty minimal on a truck that age. If you change your mind in a year, sell it for about the same and buy your 2020 again after prices return to the realm of reason.

 

I don't know how much salt they use in Alaska, but you need to give that frame a very thorough inspection before you buy it. Frame rot has killed more 1st gen Tundra's than anything. There is an area right in front of the rear tire where the frame appears to overlap. It's actually a brace, but it's a great spot to trap moisture. Bring a flashlight and screwdriver so you can actually poke the frame. People have gotten creative with hiding rust to make it look fine until you poke it.

 

I would take into account how long you will keep either truck, and how fast you rack up miles. If I would only keep for less than 100k-200k miles, I would go first gen. If you plan on keeping truck a long time, owning a 3rd gen with one of the last years with a v8, keeping it might be appreciated in the years to come.

 

Or look at it like trading stocks...your 2020 is like a newer, trending upward stock that you bought “low” and now have an opportunity to sell “high”. That’s the name of the game.

And with those proceeds you can buy into a stock (the 06) with a long track record of performing well and being low risk. There will always be a market for trucks like that 1st Gen. you’ll be able to get back in the 3rd Gen or 4th Gen game any time you want. I see little downside.

 

My 06 was a better truck than my 17. Not even a hint of a question in my mind about that.

 

Forgot to say that I am only considering this myself because I have already received my own Crazy Offer for the truck!

 

How much?

 

The situation with chips and truck shortage is only going to get worse. Biden printing money isn’t helping. It’s not that your truck is now worth more than what you paid. It’s inflation: $1 today is less than it was 2 years ago. Personally, I’d look for a 2nd gen because the performance is the same. As a matter of fact I liked the way my 08 with 200k drove better than this 2018 with 40k. I never needed a pedal commander with my 2008. Also, do you know the owner of the 1st gen? You could be inheriting a ton of problems: rust issues, front end work, etc...

 

A lot more than I have in it after driving 20K for a year and a half too!

My main issue with the idea is really finding another one like it down the road at all? I searched for a long time to find this Unicorn and then jacked around tweaking it during the Pandemic and it really is ideal for me in so many ways but then cash is always in season too!

I also wonder if anyone here has actually sold to Vroom?
Not entirely sure how much I trust the whole process that they promise?

 

How much?

 

Keep your new Tundra, build a camp trailer and toss the van idea out the window. You'll have a better setup in the end.

 

Clearly I am not prepared to say at this time.

 

It’s interesting seeing all the different takes and opinions. There are very good points on both sides.

But there are two very important factors that are being overlooked...

1.) Future availability...yes it’s great that you can get more than what you paid however good luck finding another Tundra quickly or even reasonably priced (used).

2.) Toyota or no Toyota a 15 year old vehicle is just that. I love Toyota trucks as much as the next guy or gal on these forums but they are CONSUMABLE items and they really don’t last forever. Reality is reality and the older a vehicle gets the less reliable and safe as they become (Toyota being the best at slowing this process down).

 

The people want to know

 

I apparently had my head in the sand for a while. Just found out yesterday about the crazy resale values and looked up my truck and the KellyBB trade-in value is more than I paid for it 4 years ago. I mean, I'm not gay, but $40K is $40K. Really got into investing this year and this would be a nice infusion of cash for that purpose. I do wonder if people are really getting those values, so if anybody can chime in on that I would appreciate it.

OTOH, I freakin' love my truck! Decisions, decisions.....

 

I take it you don't need the capability of the bigger truck? It wouldn't work for me personally but I know not everyone needs a full size that can tow up to ~7000 lbs.

 

It's the equivalent of selling your house in the current market and renting until everything settles down. It sounds like you are comfortable doing it, go for it.

 

What would you drive if you sold your truck?

 

We have a third vehicle. It's not a truck, and I do have a boat but it rarely gets use. Other than that, my truck is sadly a pavement princess.

 

Maintenance is key, I have run Fords, yes Fords for 20 and 25 years and ran the dog piss out of the damn things too. Tools, experience, and parts go a long way. Think about the '29 T coupes running around, nothing wrong with old. Keep the rust away, rubber and seals fresh, bolts tight, fluid changed, and the gas full.

 

Hey hey we are a lot of things but not biased!

 

All great thoughts. Appreciate the input!

For those asking how I use my truck…I don’t really need the full towing power. I also have a utility trailer but only tow 4,000 - 5,000 lbs max. I had a Tacoma before this but sold it and got my Tundra because I liked a bit more interior room and larger bed. I’ve also toyed around getting a 4Runner recently but definitely think I’d wait until the 2023 comes out for better MPG.

Definitely would check their maintenance records for the typical Gen 1 needs and as far as salt goes…salt in Alaska isn’t as big of an issue as many lower 48 states because DOT uses a heavy mixture of sand and rocks (little salt by comparison).

I also have the wifey, a 6 year old and a dog with no more kids in the future.

Take my Vanagon/Eurovan out of the picture it comes down to:

A. Keep my 2020, have it paid off Dec 2022 and then in 2023+ use those same payments to upgrade it to a Overland/camping rig for a family of 3.

B. Sell high, get a good condition Gen 1 and put $20k in the bank with the ability for more camping options (van, RV, etc.).

 

Once again I agree...maintenance is key. However time is time. Would you take that 25 year old Ford cross country? Most likely not...which means it becomes a niche vehicle. Local tow vehicle, local grocery getter, weekend fun car, or a collectible. Nothing wrong with that but a high mileage daily driver...no thank you sir.

In regards to a 32’ Coupe...not many are original and how many are doing 15k miles a year?

Absolutely nothing wrong with using an older vehicle but it really depends on how you are going to use it...

 

The 4th Gen v8 4Runner is a gem, specifically the 06-09 refresh. Not the best looking 4Runner (i'd give that nod to the 3rd gen) but the best running gear of 4Runners to date IMO. We have put ours through nearly everything while also used as the daily family hauler and it does so without skipping a beat.

As for the Tundra, as much as I like the 1st gen, specifically the 4door, I would keep the 20.

 

Have an '18 4Runner here, very much, by far, best engineered vehicle I have ever owned.

 

Currently have a 4Runner and a Tundra. Both have their definite strong points, and you can’t go wrong with getting the 4R if you don’t need the pulling power. BTW, we get 19mpg on our TRD Pro 4R.

I know earlier I was against selling your 3rd gen for a 1st gen, but I there is route that I do think may work as well….

Selling your 2020, drive a first gen for a year or two, and then buy a redesigned 2023+.

 

I'll have your boat if you don't want it!

 

Buy it then come hang out in the first gen section. Where all the cool tundra owners hang out.