Hopefully something like this. The best (reasonably priced) Tacoma on Seattle CL IMHO. 6 cylinders. 5 manually shifted gears. 4 driven wheels. 3 pedals. 2 previous owners, and 1 of the coolest toppers out there. $6000 obo.
Bonus points because my highschool girlfriend was gifted a pristine 2002 Tacoma from her dad and threw a fit because, and I quote-
*sob*
“It’s gold! it’s so ugly dad! Do you hate me?! I’m never driving it! I hate you! I don’t want a truck! People will think I’m poor”
*sob*
Option 2: Rebuilt title, with a replaced bed is how you find one of these for under 4k. I’d risk it. The Miata is at or near 400k on a rebuilt title with zero issues (despite my best efforts) and.... oh. confirmation bias is a bitch... this taco still looks pretty good. People don’t normally take cars to Stew’s Self Service Garage if the cars aren’t cared for.
Option 3: That rusty firewall worries me. And this is another rebuilt title, buuuuuuut but but- It’s the proper transmission, the good engine, a good color and one of the best trims. In other words... $$$$
After owning two Rangers though, I’d prefer to try Toyota.
Option 4: I’ll preface this by saying I know nothing about Astro Vans, but after seeing a mint one at Fred Meyer recently... I took a liking to them. Provided they have the awesome 3 part doors in the back!
Option 5: Someday I’ll make a stealth camper van. why not... someday soon? rip out everything from the previous owner, give it a deep clean, replace windows with pop in panels... I like the heater idea but I’d be curious to see if there’s a stealthier way to do it.
Option 6: I assumed these Express vans would be cheap and plentiful. I was half right, there are a TON for sale. pretty spendy though, both new and used. This was the cheapest one I could find that didn’t look like it had been parked in a neighborhood known for meth.
*the Miata will be replaced with something like the above, AND a bike. If I hold off long enough I might buy both at once. More likely the bike will come in the coming months and the utility vehicle will be picked up before the rainy season starts up again.
Having money saved up for a vehicle is dangerous, because it makes all of these fantasies potential realities. I dread the day I wake up and realize I just imported a JDM Land Cruiser to go along with my 90's 4-cylinder 250cc superbike found on CL. Or something to that effect...