New parts in a used car are often a good sign. On a vehicle like today’s Nice Price or No Dice Tacoma, they come as something of a surprise, given the model’s renowned build quality and reliability. Let’s see what this neat truck could actually be worth.
Mountain Dew, a citrus-flavored soda owned by PepsiCo, is a textbook example of successful rebranding. Debuting in the 1950s, Mountain Dew was originally positioned as the drink of choice for hillbillies, bumpkins, and rubes. In the 1990s, the company launched a new marketing campaign to promote Mountain Dew as a refreshing power-up for both gaming and video gamers, encouraging them and their wannabe followers to “Do the Dew”.
General Motors attempted a similar rebrand of the Oldsmobile brand in the 1980s and 90s, but was unfortunately less successful. That brand’s tagline, “Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile”, simultaneously angered existing customers and confused potential Victory customers, because it conveys what the brand is all about. was notIt failed to explain briefly what it is Was. The 1990 Olds Trofeo we saw on Wednesday was one of the products GM released to take advantage of this new Brio, but it proved to be the wrong car then and at $9,995 proves to be the wrong car now. Based on your comments, it sparked neither interest nor a stir. As a result, it fell to a 76% ‘No Dice’ loss.
What is in a name?
Speaking of marketing, are you old enough to remember when plain-wrap products were a big thing in the 1980s? The so-called money-saving store brands were so prevalent in popular culture that they were parodied in the alt-punk film “Repo Man”. It’s impossible to say where Toyota attributed this formulary, but calling an 80s pickup a nondescript “Toyota truck” was extremely complimentary.
This may have proven limiting for the marque, because when it came time to refresh the model for the 1995 model year, the company bestowed it with a new moniker, creating the now-iconic Tacoma line of compact trucks.
The styling of Tacoma trucks over the years has remained largely nondescript, to the extent that it has become difficult to distinguish one generation from another. This changed with the latest version, which featured aggressively extroverted styling. It is perhaps most notable for the teardrop-shaped fake grilles below the headlamps, which are reminiscent of prison convicts when they walk away from someone.
For anyone looking for a little less aggression in their life, but also needs a compact truck with a fantastic reputation for build quality and durability, we have today’s truck. 2003 Toyota Tacoma 4X4.
New parts and old parts
Not only does this Tacoma appear to have held up quite well over two decades of use and 185,000 miles, but it’s also had some recent work done to keep it running.
According to the seller, this included a new clutch for the five-speed manual, new ball joints for the front suspension, Bilstein shocks, fresh fluids all around, and a new set of strangely named PRINX tires. The ad claims the job totaled $3,700 in parts and labor, with invoices confirming the sale.
The remaining mechanics appear to be in good condition. Power is provided by Toyota’s 2.7-liter inline-four, which produced 150 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque when new. Behind it is the aforementioned five-speed manual, as well as a two-speed transfer case for 4WD. The front suspension is independent, while the rear has the requisite live axle on leaf springs. Braking is accomplished by discs at the front and force-holding drums at the rear. A pop under the hood reveals an immaculate engine bay that reflects the truck’s age and mileage. It all appears to be stock and free of any monkey bars.
that old sun
In fact, the only sign of this truck’s age is the still failing clear coat over the beautiful Impulse Red Pearl paint. Eventually it will need re-spraying, but for now, it’s just a sad reminder that the sun isn’t always our friend. No such issues affect the bed, which has been coated with a shot-on coat of rugged liner and seems free of dents or scratches. Those funky tires are mounted on factory alloys that look great, unaffected by curb dings or brake dust scratches.
The heavy color on the windows has helped the cloth upholstery stay in play. There is some obvious wear on the hard plastics in the cabin, but it’s fairly minor. It’s an extended cab, so there’s plenty of room behind the two bucket seats for lockable storage. Other additions to the cabin include a sliding rear window and an aftermarket stereo. The downside is that window winders are manual, so children may be confused as to how they work.
According to the seller, the truck will come with a clean title and has already passed its smog test, making it easy for the next owner to turn in at the DMV.
A solid deal?
Like Mazda’s Miata, the Toyota pickup, no matter the generation, is almost always a sensible choice. I say almost always because there are outliers like $49,997 Dealer offered 2000 Standard Cab. Holy crap, right?
Luckily, the price of our Tacoma is not for crazy people. At $12,500 it’s arguably more reasonable, at least compared to that single example of the competition. However, is it a good deal?
What do you think about this Tacoma and its $12,500 asking price? Does it make you want to, in the parlance of Mountain Dew marketers, “tap the tack”? Or is it too much when miles and clear coats waving white flags are taken into account?
You decide!
Los Angeles, California, CraigslistOr go here if the ad disappears.
Hat tip to Jim Brush for the hookup!
Help me with good price or no dice. Contact me at robemslie@gmail.com and send a fixed price tip. Remember to include your commenter handle.
