The first Toyota Tacoma was introduced in 1995 and produced for three versions, ending in 2005. While the tough truck has never exactly been recognized for being quiet or smooth, its value has held through the years.
The 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2004 Tacomas from the first generation received the highest ratings. However, 2004 received less praise overall.
There are many models available if the second generation is of interest to you. 2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 all received flawless dependability verdict ratings from MotorBiscuit.
For purchasers looking for an all-purpose vehicle that can handle tough terrain, the 2012–2015 series is ideal. These Tacomas had a significant renovation and now have a stylish interior.
This second generation is more expensive than other used trucks on the market, even with higher mileage.
A 2005 Toyota Tacoma 2WD Access Cab PreRunner with 200,000 miles was posted on Autotrader for $9,000, as were a Tacoma 4WD Double Cab with 75,000 miles and a 2015 Tacoma with the TRD package and 6,000 miles.
With a 4 out of 5 rating from Consumer Reports, the 2005 Toyota Tacoma has the greatest satisfaction rating out of the group.
Even the 2016 model of Toyota’s current generation costs between $20,000 and $32,675. But if you’d prefer a more recent design, the Toyota Tacoma from 2019 is your best alternative. The 2019 model received a 4 out of 5 rating for dependability and owner satisfaction.
In This Article...
What year should I not buy a Tacoma?
The Toyota Tacoma models from the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017 have a lot of faults, therefore we advise staying away from them. The body, paint, and engine issues on the 2006, 2007, and 2008 models are major difficulties.
Along with several light, body, and engine flaws, the interior accessories of the 2009 model have a tendency to be defective and frequently malfunction.
There are several issues with the 2011 Toyota Tacoma, and complaints have been made concerning almost every part. The drivetrain and engine are primarily flawed in the 2012 model, whereas unreliable transmissions are also present in the 2016 and 2017 vehicles.
These two Toyota Tacomas are among the worst you can buy because their transmissions have so many flaws that driving them might be dangerous. However, the 2007 is as unwise to purchase due to its extraordinarily high repair expenses.
The average automobile spends 1-2 weeks on the lot, but the greatest offers are typically scooped up in less than 48 hours. Get notified right away when the price of a saved car reduces or when a great new Tacoma listing appears by downloading the CoPilot app.
Are used Tacomas priceless?
In general, purchasing a used Toyota Tacoma is a wise choice. You can rely on a Tacoma as a trustworthy, long-lasting option if you can acquire one for a fair price. Depending on the vehicle’s history, the Tacoma also retains its value fairly well.
Toyota stopped offering incentives on its new trucks owing to a shortage of inventory, according to iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. These highly desired trucks might only be available as secondhand cars to buyers.
Of all the automakers, Toyota has the smallest inventory. For instance, on the new car lot, demand for the Toyota 4Runner is higher than availability. This steers potential new-car purchasers toward used cars.
Is buying a Toyota Tacoma new or used preferable?
Purchase advice: Because of the Toyota Tacoma’s high resale value, there aren’t much savings to be obtained on 1- to 2-year-old versions. The average savings for a model even three years old is less than $4,000. Your experience owning a Tacoma can be enhanced by purchasing a brand-new one.
How far can a Tacoma travel?
According to a recent study, the Toyota Tacoma is the third-longest-lasting vehicle overall, trailing only the Honda Ridgeline and the first-place Toyota Tundra.
According to the report, 2.8% of all Tundras that are still in use today have an odometer reading of over 200,000 kilometers. Furthermore, Toyota is the automaker with the longest lifespan, with 2% of all active, registered vehicles reaching the 200k-mile threshold.
Only 1.6% separates Honda from first, while 1.5% separates Chevy from Cadillac in third place.
On the high end, Mike Neal, a Tacoma driver, is renowned for having logged an astounding 1.5 million miles and counting. If you see Mike in traffic, you’ll recognize him because he updates the number on the rear of his truck every 10,000 miles and posts it there.
Realistically, the majority of us won’t travel 1.5 million miles. For the majority of us, the maintenance necessary to reach that number is simply too onerous.
Even if you manage to keep the engine and transmission operating for that long, many other components will start to fail.
Drivers can typically expect their trucks to travel between 250,000 and 300,000 miles before repairs start to cost more than the price of a new truck.
Even though it seems impossible, 1.5 million tacos might possibly exist. This should delight enthusiasts of tacos.
What issues are there with Toyota Tacoma?
High-Mileage Toyota Tacomas with a Defective Automatic Transmission There are reported transmission issues with the Toyota Tacoma, which affect vehicles with anywhere between 125,000 and 150,000 miles on the odometer. These problems, which hinder the car from shifting properly, have been documented in Tacoma models made between 1995 and 2015.
What Tacoma motor is the best?
The V6 is the superior engine choice, despite neither being particularly outstanding. It enables the Tacoma’s highest towing capacity and helps the car accelerate a little more quickly.
Which generation of Tacoma is best?
According to Consumer Reports’ more recent ratings, the third-generation Toyota Tacoma pickup truck isn’t exactly the magazine’s favorite car. These trucks are nonetheless pricey because to the way in which their value holds.
According to Consumer Reports, the average retail price for even the 2016 model year will be between $20,000 and $32,675 by the year 2020. However, the 2019 model is the best-used Toyota Tacoma year in the current generation. Regarding dependability and owner happiness, this one obtained a nearly flawless rating. This would be the best option if you want a newer one.
Tacoma versus Ford Ranger: which is superior?
When compared to the Tacoma’s V6, the Ranger’s EcoBoost is by far the superior engine. The Ranger’s EcoBoost engine outperforms the Tacoma’s V-6 in terms of towing capacity, torque, and fuel efficiency.
The Ranger has established itself as the best-in-class for towing because to its 7,500lbs of towing capacity on each model (XL, XLT, and Lariat). The ordinary Tacoma SR package can only tow 3,500 pounds, which is more than 50% less than what the base model of the Ranger can tow, but the Tacoma TRD Off-Road can tow 6,400 pounds.
The Ford Ranger benefits from the Ford EcoBoost engine’s fuel efficiency, which is 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined in RWD. Only a small drop in fuel economy is seen in the 4WD Ranger model, which gets 20 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg overall. The Tacoma only achieves 18 city, 22 highway, and 20 combined mpg in the V6 variant. This drops to 18 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the interstate, and 20 mpg overall in the 4WD variant.
With 278 horsepower and 270 horsepower, respectively, the Tacoma’s 3.5L V-6 engine marginally exceeds the Ranger’s 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The Ranger offers 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Tacoma’s 265 lb-ft of torque, making up for the Ranger’s lack of horsepower.
Tacoma versus Silverado, which is superior?
Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevrolet Silverado: The Results The Chevy Silverado is an outstanding pickup vehicle without a question. But the Toyota Tacoma has greater off-road performance, a higher-quality cabin, and is more fuel-efficient.
Why are Tacomas so durable?
Toyota’s decision to keep the designs and functionality of their trucks simple has earned it both praise and derision. There are often fewer failure points when there are fewer moving parts. There is a lot to be said in favor of a straightforward design.
While having overly intricate engines, suspension plans, and electronics may be thrilling and interesting, they also increase the risk of developing new issues. Except for the Sequoia, every Toyota truck has a basic solid rear axle system and an identical independent front suspension architecture. Toyota is aware of how well this has worked for years.
A Toyota truck won’t have a lot of cutting-edge technology inside. It kind of adds to their appeal. For those looking for straightforward, durable trucks, Toyota has carved out a position in the truck market. They decided to focus on what they are strong at rather than copying what American trucks are doing.
In the modern era, a Ford F150’s interior is more comfier and better furnished than your home’s living room. When everything functions properly, that’s great, but I can’t begin to fathom how much it would cost to fix some of those features.
On paper, the Tacoma’s V6 should produce a lot more power than it actually does. Never assume Toyota couldn’t rev these engines up to produce much north of 300 horsepower. They are unwilling to. Even so, it does so in a less dramatic and thrilling manner.
Tacoma, is 4×4 worth it?
Although not every driver requires a truck with 4WD, it might be useful when necessary. Particularly when it comes to dealing with things like inclement weather and difficult terrain. All four wheels receive power in a 4WD vehicle. When the going gets tough, this feature will help with traction and can help to maintain control.
The price of a Tacoma does go up when 4WD is added to this mid-size truck. However, that might be worthwhile for some. It may increase the resale value, which is something to take into account.
Are Tacomas too costly?
The Tacoma is one of the most costly cars to buy used as opposed to new, according to iSeeCars, with just a 4.2% difference in price, or $1,557. According to the website, the current industry average is 17%, or $6,279. It’s not difficult to discover used Tacomas with high pricing.
Key Points
- For a variety of issues, the 2016 and 2017 models received poor ratings overall, with a peculiar transmission being the most prevalent.
- Airbags that might not deploy and excessive rust and rot that compromises the structural integrity of the frame were the two problems that led to the recall of Toyota Tacomas from 2005 to 2010.
- Overall, the Toyota Tacoma is among the best midsize pickups in its class, and if you steer clear of the model’s worst years, you should be delighted with your purchase.
What does the acronym TRD Toyota mean?
Describe TRD. Toyota Racing Development, or TRD, is the company’s own tuning facility. Its primary duty is to create performance accessories and parts for Toyota vehicles all around the world. Superchargers, upgraded suspension parts, and unique wheels are some of these accessories.
Which Toyota pickup is the most trustworthy?
The Toyota Tundra, regarded for being an all-around truck for most consumers, comes in top on the list of the most trustworthy trucks.
3.79 percent of all Toyota Tundras, according to the report, will last for more than 200,000 kilometers. These are the V8-powered versions with automatic 6-speed gearboxes.
Toyota will soon begin offering a new Tundra with a V6 engine as the only option. Although the majority of Toyotas are dependable, it will be a while before people can determine whether the new model will maintain its title as the most resilient pickup truck.