Thoughts on the future of my 2012 DC

Hi all,

I've lurked here for years and just joined. I’m in a dilemma with my 2012 DC Grade 5.7 4x4, and figured I’d post here in case anyone has any thoughts or relevant advice.

Background: My truck has just over 281K and is in great shape for the age and mileage. I can post some pics later. In the last 6 months I have replaced front wheel bearings, front calipers + rotors, AC condenser and compressor, and spark plugs. I also put a set of Wildpeak AT3s on about 15K ago.

The dilemma: do I keep this truck and invest in some of the other things it needs/that I want (front skid has served valiantly but is about done, tonneau needs replaced, drivers seat badly needs reupholstered, etc), or do I cut bait and sell her toward a lower mileage 2.5 gen? How much is too much to put into an old truck?

Wild card: the new Land Cruiser 1958 looks pretty sweet…

 

280k is just broken in for the engine. I personally like the body style of the 2nd gen truck the best. That alone would be deciding factor if it was me. And at least you know the history on your truck if you keep it. So basically if you don’t have any sentimental value in it then go for the newer model

 

Sounds more like you want a new a vehicle, as opposed to needing a new vehicle. The 2/2.5 gen Tundras are arguably the most reliable 1/2 ton trucks ever made. If it were me I'd gladly dump several thousand into your current truck (on things it needs), and send it for another decade or more. You'll still be 10's of thousands ahead financially over getting anything newer.

 

New trucks are $55k+. That makes the used ones also $$$. If you are handy and will be doing the maintenance and repairs on your 2012, it makes sense to keep it. If you're having to pay someone else to do the work, labor is $$$ and will eat at you when the repairs come calling. There is a thread going here about a truck like yours that needs a starter. Quote is $1200-2000 to have replaced. Likely a $250 part.

 

I'm flirting with 300k currently, have some random issues here and there, but I've done most of the maintenance myself. I say most, since at the beginning of my ownership the stealership took care of most of the issues. Starter is down to $200, I'd be happy to replace it once again. I do want a newer Sequoia, but may settle for a Sienna, once prices come down from stupid, which may be a couple more years

 

Thanks for the replies so far. I really love my truck, and honestly don’t particularly want a “new” one just for the heck of it. I feel like mine’s going strong, but I guess I’m worried that I’ll put $$ into what it needs now and then end up facing a huge repair before much longer.

To the point KNABORES makes, I’m handy to a point. I paid a shop to do the wheel bearings and AC. More basic stuff I can do. But yikes, over $1200 for a starter?! Hope I could manage that one, lol

 

With the 3rd gen shenanigans going on, I would hold on to yours without a second thought. As long as it doesn't have any terminal rust, much better idea than dumping a lot of money on a new/newer one.

 

I think you will be good what ever direction you go in.

Sorry I can't be better help. I am in the middle of a 38 gallon G.T swap. My new to me engine will be thirsty going to Yellowstone this labor day week. I only have 220K miles

Good Luck

 

Yeah, I want no part in a 3rd gen!

Part of the goal of switching to a 2.5 would be to get that 38 gallon tank. And heated seats for my wife

I think y’all have helped me feel more confident in keeping what I have. Anyone know if manual seats from any 2/2.5 gen would bolt in? Is it possible to update the fronts to power?

 

Keep the DC and get the Landcruiser as well!

 

I faced the same dilemma with my 02' Tacoma @300k mi. I ended up in my Tundra.

Based on your choices, the Landcruiser is nice. Otherwise I'd keep/maintain/mod your DC.

They'll be classics in their own regard one day.

 

I like the way you think! I do need a pickup in the fleet regardless…

 

A couple quick shots of the old girl.