Good morning! We’re back after a three-day weekend with a couple of trucks from Hawaii. Some good friends of ours recently moved there, and it made me curious about the used car market, so I took a look and found two good damn-near-indestructible trucks.
On Friday, I asked you to pick a car from all of last week’s choices to buy for a friend – or an enemy. The overwhelming majority of you picked the cool stickshift Volvo turbo, which makes me wonder if some of you weren’t shopping for yourselves. Oh well, we’ve all done it; who hasn’t come home from holiday shopping with a “gift” for ourselves?
Over at Opposite Lock, there was a different view: member Shop-Teacher threatened to buy the funny car for a friend who goes by the name Derp, just to see the look on their face. This is the sort of shenanigans I wholeheartedly endorse, and it’s one of the reasons I enjoy that community so much. If you haven’t yet checked it out, do so.
In the underrated rom-com Six Days Seven Nights, Harrison Ford grumbles, “It’s an island, babe. If you didn’t bring it here, you won’t find it here.” He’s talking about romance, but it’s sound advice no matter what you’re talking about. If you spend time in a place surrounded by water, where everything has to be shipped or flown in, you’d better make sure you get good stuff, because it costs a ton to get it there regardless of quality. And if you’re going to spend money on a vehicle in such a place, it should be something that can earn its keep, like a truck. So today, we’re going to check out two trucks on different islands in Hawaii, and you can determine which one is a better buy for island life.
2000 Toyota Tacoma 4WD – $6,000
Engine/drivetrain: 3.4 liter dual overhead cam V6, five-speed manual, part-time 4WD
Location: Kahului, Maui, HI
Odometer reading: 243,000 miles
Operational status: Runs and drives well
When it comes to small to midsized trucks, the Toyota Tacoma is the truck, and has been for about three decades now. There are plenty of other choices, and I personally like some of them better, but there’s no denying that you won’t go far wrong choosing a Tacoma. They’re known for racking up an extraordinary number of miles, with few problems to report. Its only natural predator is the tin worm.
This Tacoma is in a configuration you don’t see too often anymore: It’s a two-door extended cab, with a standard six-foot bed, with 4WD and a manual transmission. You can still get a Tacoma with a stick, but they’re by no means common, and nearly all the ones you see these days are the four-door “Double Cab” style. This one is powered by a 3.4 liter V6, and the seller says it runs and drives just fine. It has had a lot of recent work done, including the clutch, timing belt, water pump, and more. Despite showing nearly a quarter-million miles on its odometer, this truck sounds like it’s ready for years of faithful service.
Like a lot of old Toyotas, it doesn’t show its age apart from a little normal wear and tear. But looks can be deceiving. The interior looks good, but I bet the cushion in that driver’s seat has had it. And while they may run virtually forever, Toyotas of this age do start to feel really tired after a while.
Outside, it’s clean and straight for the most part, and Midwesterners will be jealous of its lack of rust. Cars in Hawaii do rust – all that salt air takes its toll – but they aren’t bombarded by dirty slushy brine half the year. It’s worth checking all the nooks and crannies underneath to make sure it’s solid, but it does look good.
2003 GMC Sierra SLE – $6,900
Engine/drivetrain: 4.8 liter overhead valve V8, four-speed automatic, RWD
Location: Honolulu, Oahu, HI
Odometer reading: 145,000 miles
Operational status: Runs and drives well
Speaking of trucks that last forever, let me introduce the GMT800-chassis GMC Sierra 1500. More refined and comfortable than the earlier GMT400 trucks, the GMT800s were every bit as solidly built. They’re not the same sort of reliable and durable as the Toyota trucks; instead of running flawlessly until they rust apart, the GM trucks are built a little “loose.” Parts are expected to wear out, but they’re cheap and easy to replace. Ancillary systems may fail here and there, but with proper maintenance, the mechanical core of these trucks may just outlast us all.
The heart of that durability is the famed LS-based “Vortec” V8 engine, here displacing 4.8 liters. It’s backed by GM’s ubiquitous 4L60-E overdrive automatic, which also can pile on the miles if maintained properly. This one reportedly runs and drives great, and like the Toyota, has had some recent work done. It also sports a hundred thousand fewer miles than the Toyota, so it has even more to give.
Its only flaw – and it’s not an insignificant one in a place like Honolulu – is that the air conditioning recently went out. The seller claims it’s a “minor fix,” but if that’s the case, why not just take care of it before listing it for sale? It’s fully functional otherwise, and nicely equipped for a basic 2WD truck. And having just completed 3,000 miles in a GMC Yukon of this era, I can tell you those seats are mighty comfy.
Outside, it’s just nicely seasoned for a truck that’s old enough to drink. Scrapes, dings, and even a little rust around the third brake light are just character lines on this old short-bed GMC.
Bombing around island roads in a pickup truck is a delight. I spent ten days once in Curaçao behind the wheel of a Toyota Hilux diesel, and loved it. Both Oahu and Maui are bigger islands than Curaçao, which means even more roads to enjoy. And either of these trucks has a lot more island miles left to go. And yes, they’re both more expensive than they would be on the mainland, but it’s not like you can shop around. So what’ll it be – the 4×4 Toyota, or the shortbed V8 GMC?
(Image credits: Craigslist sellers)
I’ll take the To”yoda” “Taco”ma despite the high miles. I just like those better, plus it’s a stick,etc. This was a hard one since both trucks are good but in this situation I’ll take the taco
OK, I haven’t looked in a minute but is that an incredible price for that Tacoma (assuming the frame isn’t swiss cheese)? Especially for Hawaii…
UPDATE: I just had a chance to do a quick AutoTempest search for first gen Tacomas. There was one outlier at $2999 but then jumped to one at $6995 then up to $26,000 (yeah, there may be some crack involved with that price). The most of them seemed to be clustered around the $9-10,000 range.
I’ll admit, I have a first gen and there’s no way in hell I’d pay 5 figures for a 25-30 year old truck but it is what it is. Not looking to comment on how reasonable the price is, just looking at comps.
I genuinely would like either one,but 4wd and a/c is probably the best buy in this case.
Both trucks seem like decent prices actually. Those era GM trucks are going up in value, believe it or not the shortbox/single cab is actually highly sought after.
I’d prefer it be a 5.3/4wd, but I still rally like the GMC.
I really like the Toyota too, but (and I know this is sacrilege) the manual is a negative for me.
I usually vote manual, but in HI, you want an automatic. Traffic is everywhere and the speed limits are low.
Toyota for several reasons, but mainly for that much-needed interior space behind the front seats
The Toyota is exactly my default vehicle, “older stickshift compact pickup” and 4WD seems appropriate since, if I were buying a vehicle in Hawaii it would be because I’d resigned myself to a life as a rural beach bum living in a converted chicken coop.
Voted Toyota. 4WD and manual. I was born there and there are a lot of the islands where you really appreciate the 4WD esp. Maui going away from Lahaina.
The GMC is not bad, probably pretty comfy and low enough miles if properly maintained. The A/C “just stopped working/minor fix” bugs me. Too often it is not a minor fix and the seller already knows that. And if minor, then fix the damn thing. The humidity gets a little old there. And the judgement of a guy who was going “do rims tires and lowering kit” is confusing. Why? To make it less useful. If you’re leaving Honolulu, it’s not going to be much fun on some of those roads. Taco all the way pending a peak underneath.
Toyota for me… as long as the PPI shows the frame isn’t rusted to shit.
I like the GMT 800 trucks and I’m aware they’ve gone up in value. They are also the most comfortable full size trucks of their era and their powertrains are peak GM reliability. Although I think an auto is the right transmission for these, 2WD and non-working A?C break the deal for me.
The Tacoma wins it for me this time with 4WD, working A/C, a 5spd manual and an extended cab for extra storage
Both ads mention a little rust, but the GMC only has it around the rear cab light. The GMC ad is awfully detailed about a lot of things, up to and including the seller’s initial plans to lower it, so I’m thinking they may very well know what’s wrong with the air conditioner. I’d want to know how much seat travel there is in that regular cab – I’m short and still had the seat in my dad’s S-10 Sonoma all the way back (although maybe there was a toolbox or something behind the seat.) I’d rather have an extended cab anyway, but a hundred thousand more miles is a lot, and I don’t drive off road voluntarily.. Fix the GMC’s A/C, get a friend in Seattle to mail me a new and undamaged dash cover, and I’m in. Since it’s in Honolulu, the automatic might be a plus in that traffic.
If I’d noticed the Red Bull can in the GMC’s console before I voted, I would have had to ding it another couple points.
I’m 5’10 and had plenty of legroom in a 70’s vintage GM fullsize pickup, so I’m sure this is fine. The Sonoma is a much smaller truck.
The GMC presents well, and might be a decent deal, but my decision is based on use. If you’re driving from hotels and along the beach, the GMC would be fine. I’d prefer to get out of town in the Toyota. It’s pretty tired, but I wouldn’t be too worried about scrapes.
Toss up here. I took the Toyota but won’t be disappointed with the GMC.
We go to Hawaii often since its only a 4.5 hour flight for us from California. I’m going with the GMC. The Tacoma might as well be the official truck of Hawaii. But according to the folks I’ve visited and talked to in Hawaii, its also the MOST stolen vehicle on the islands. Rust is also a serious issue. Its humid, wet and the salt air eats everything made out of steel. Some of the corrosion I’ve seen on vehicles there- especially the ones on the ” wet” side of the islands looks like they’ve spent 20 years in upstate NY. So I would want to take a serious look at the frame of the Taco.
I’m going with the GMC. It is in better condition and has far less miles. I also like regular cab-short bed trucks. They look nicer than 4 door trucks and are much easier to park.
I’m not concerned about the broken AC. Open the windows. I don’t like to drive long distances with the windows down, but as this truck is in Hawaii, it isn’t going on a road trip any time soon.
It’s Hawaii; no need for 4WD. I’m going GMT.
Actually you would be surprised. As we live in California its only a 4.5 hour flight to Hawaii. So we have been many times. On the big Island especially many small towns and areas are almost inaccessible and you HAVE to have 4Wd to get there. One road we took was apparently the steepest road in the entire 50 states and was scary as hell.
I gotta go with the GMC, just because the inside of that Tacoma looks like it smells of smoke and air freshener.
I can’t choose. I guess I would just have to buy both. Failing AC is really not a big deal on a 20 y/o vehicle, so that doesn’t scare me. Not to complicated to fix almost anything wrong with it.
Toyota. A/C repair is not that much of an ask especially for 7k so what else is he trying to dodge? Besides. white pickup – perfect for sunny Hawaii.
V8, bigger bed, more comfy cab, and only $900 more? Easy choice for the GMC here
I can’t say that I’d need it, but somehow 4WD and manual seems much more appropriate for Hawaii.
I share the concerns about the unrepaired AC in the GMC indicating potential neglected or deferred maintenance and half-assed repairs.
While the ride and handling of the GMC is better, and the seats of in the GMC are comfy on short drives, I hate the seats for hour long trips or more. There’s no sweet spot that feels nice enough to leave it in one position for very long, so I’m constantly fussing with them and it gets very tedious very quickly. Anything more than a short commute and I arrive tired. Believe me, I’ve tried many times.
I don’t have a lot of experience in a Tacoma of that era, but today’s choice is the Toyota anyway. Tough call, though.
I also picked the Tacoma but mainly because a manual transmission and 4WD gave it the edge over the GMC and the extended cab is a good extra storage on a daily driver.
I have some knowledge about 1st gens since my in-laws have owned one for a decade or so and I’ve driven it a few times. But driving position in the Tacoma has been awful for 3 generations (can’t speak about 4th gens since I haven’t sat on any) and height adjustment wasn’t even available until 2020 when power driver seat became an option. Padding got better over the years but the 1st gen seats are half the thickness of the GMT800; not a nice place to sit in >2 hr drives.
GMT-800 all day, every day.
Those GM trucks from that era are pretty good. The A/C compressor may need replacement, I would negotiate the price down and take care of it. They are a step up from the Toyota in comfort and the way it handles the road.
This was a tough one. I actually like the GMT800s, and this one seems alright, except for the AC claim. Has the anyone here really purchased an old vehicle that “just needed a recharge” and then it really just needed a recharge?
In the end, I’m taking the 4WD manual option. Also, while I doubt either of these are great on gas, I’m willing to bet the Taco is a little thriftier than the Sierra. Gas in Hawaii is expensive.
You only need a recharge when the old stuff leaked out. So it never needs just a recharge, you always gotta fix the leak too.
I’d be sixes on this (the GM is great for towing and hauling bigger loads; the Toyota is pretty much bombproof with the 5VZFE+ manual combo) were it not for this issue, but that’s not a DIY-able thing and it could be a couple kilobucks.
Toyota, all the way. It’s 4WD, has an extended cab, the AC works, and it’s $900 cheaper. Plus, it’s a Toyota. Easiest showdown in a while!
“Just needs a recharge!” That’s the first clue that the seller is hiding crap in my experience. I know that’s not quite what was stated here, but it’s enough to make me go the other way. With the functional AC I would probably go GMC here, it will last forever, has a lot less miles, and is bigger and more capable as a result, but there is something magical about a Taco with the 3.4 and a manual!
It might be something as simple as a leaking Schrader valve which as I understand is the most common thing to fail. They are the same types of valves on the tires. If so those cost just a couple of bucks and screw right out.
Agreed, I know there are many things that can be super simple to fix, but if it’s a cheap fix, then fix it before selling the car. In my experience, if they are too lazy to fix it then there’s more to the story.
Also agreed, there maybe much more to this. I’m only pointing out that the A/C might actually be an easy fix but the seller is not willing to DIY and balked at the shop quote.
Speaking from experience, it’s as likely to be a minor electrical fault as it is any issue with the AC system itself. The HVAC controls in these can be troublesome, and sometimes, as in the case of our Yukon, which had no heat or defrost earlier this winter, literally just need to be reset.
It could be that too. Maybe a fuse, maybe a bit of corrosion. Easiest way to find out would be to hook up gauges and check the freon pressure.